Aerospace Maintenance Council Welcomes New Board Members, Thanks Outgoing Leaders

The Aerospace Maintenance Council (AMC) proudly welcomes eight new leaders to its board of directors. These new directors join fellow aerospace company representatives and educators in supporting the Council’s mission to promote and celebrate aviation maintenance professionals.  

For more than a decade, the Council’s flagship event, the Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition (the “Competition”) has brought together professional and student teams from around the world to demonstrate their technical expertise, precision, and teamwork. In 2025, the Council expanded its reach with a second maintenance competition at Vertical Aviation International’s (VAI) VERTICON, offering more opportunities for technicians and students to showcase their skills. Both events will return in 2026, with the Competition at VERTICON in Atlanta from March 9 to 11 and the Competition at MRO Americas in Orlando from April 20 to 23.

Council President and former NTSB member John Goglia emphasized the importance of volunteer leadership in sustaining the Council’s growth. “Our board members represent the best of our industry, people who not only lead large organizations but dedicate their time and expertise to advancing the aviation maintenance profession,” said Goglia. “Their guidance ensures that every technician and student has an opportunity to be recognized for their skill and dedication.”

The newly elected directors bring decades of leadership experience across commercial, labor, and educational sectors:

• Ola Blomqvist, President of Aircraft Engineers International, offers more than 25 years of global experience and a strong commitment to advancing professional standards for maintenance engineers worldwide.
• Hamish Guthrie, Vice President, Aftermarket Operations North America at Pratt & Whitney, brings extensive global experience in sales, business development, and commercial operations. Over his career, he has led multinational teams across Asia, North America, and Europe, delivering growth and innovation through strategic leadership and customer-focused solutions.
• Richie Johnsen, General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, provides valuable insight into workforce development, training, and labor collaboration across the aerospace industry.
• Dave Marcontell, Vice President of Technical Operations at JetBlue, brings more than 35 years of experience in engineering, MRO, and technical operations leadership across both military and commercial aviation sectors.
• Bret Oestreich, National President of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, is a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic with extensive experience representing and mentoring aviation technicians throughout the United States.
• Jennifer Radtke, Director and Functional Chief Engineer at The Boeing Company, leads efforts to integrate maintainability and innovation across Boeing’s sustainment engineering and design programs.
• Melvyn Stokes, Vice President of Aircraft Maintenance at FedEx Express, contributes decades of operational and leadership experience overseeing maintenance for one of the world’s largest cargo fleets.
• Rodney Wyse, President of the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers’ Association, brings international representation and decades of advocacy for licensed aircraft maintenance engineers across Australia’s aviation sector.

The Council also extends its sincere gratitude to outgoing board members Kevin Kirkpatrick, Pratt & Whitney Vice President, Operations and Les Frank, FedEx Express Managing Director of Aircraft Maintenance for their years of dedicated service. “Kevin and Les have been extraordinary advocates for the Council and the broader maintenance community,” said Goglia. “Their leadership and mentorship have been integral to our continued growth and success.”

Team registration for the Competition at MRO Americas is now full. Registration remains open for teams interested in competing at VERTICON. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for both events.