Category: About People

Aviation Technical Services (ATS) announced the addition of Jimmy Hill to its executive leadership Team as senior vice president, Ranger Air Aviation, replacing Rob Hill who is retiring the post since founding Ranger Air with a small number of partners in 2002. The role continues to support the realignment activity of ATS’s materials businesses announced internally to ATS and Ranger Air employees in May of 2024. ATS’s new organizational structure and business approach has brought together the sales, entrepreneurial leadership, and related strategy development of its component repair, component sales, and engineering teams. Hill will lead the Ranger Air team which has enjoyed recent growth in the used serviceable materials (USM) trading and parts distribution sectors of the commercial aftermarket.

Hill joins ATS from MRO Holdings where he served as vice president, sales and marketing, growing sales within the heavy maintenance sector for the company. He also has extensive aerospace and leadership experience from time spent with CFM Materials, GE Aviation Materials, Pratt and Whitney, AAR Corp, and Aviall. He is a leading industry expert in USM, aeroengine maintenance, and airframe services, along with asset sales, trading and leasing.

“We’re excited to continue furthering ATS’s impressive story in aviation supply chain by increasing collaboration within our component repair, USM, parts trading, and PMA businesses,” stated Dennis Santare, SVP of component & engineering solutions. “Jimmy is surrounded by experienced leaders and team members who are driven to provide an exceptional customer experience and share in the ATS vision.”

Hill attended the University of Wisconsin where he earned a degree in industrial engineering. Additionally, he serves his community through several avenues including the YMCA and Cup of Grace and also holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from GE.

A man identified as 70-year-old David Monroe was killed on Friday, September 19, 2025, when a jet engine fell on him at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio. Monroe was working with a crew to transport the engine when the rolling dolly it was on started moving, causing him to fall off the loading dock. The 5,000-pound engine then fell on him, resulting in his death at the scene, which authorities are calling a workplace accident. 

Police and firefighters responded to a call at the Boeing Center at Tech Port after reports that a large piece of equipment, described by officials as possibly a jet engine, had fallen on a man. Firefighters declared Monroe dead at the scene near a loading dock, according to the San Antonio Fire Department.

Port San Antonio on Saturday confirmed Monroe’s identity in a statement remembering him as a visionary who left a mark on the local and global technology industry. 

Monroe was the founder of the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT). A statement published on the SAMSAT website states, “David Monroe was a prolific inventor, a driven entrepreneur and a man with a heart for technology’s impact on the lives of adults and children. His contribution to the digital age has been felt all over the world. His final chapter was bringing this impact to all corners of San Antonio. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues at SAMSAT and beyond. On behalf of Lorena Monroe and the SAMSAT team we want to thank you for the outpouring of support, and we appreciate you for respecting our privacy as we process David’s passing and legacy.”

Monroe obtained 54 patents, with innovations from the early microcomputer processor, wireless networking, teleradiology and digital imaging, reports say. He is often recognized for pioneering technology that made the cellphone camera possible.

“David was a force for good who transformed countless lives he touched,” wrote Paco Felici, the port’s chief of staff and chief communications officer, in the statement. “To the Port team, he was a friend and partner who inspired us and, through his beloved SAMSAT and museum team, worked hand in hand in a shared vision to make the world a better place.”

The Port San Antonio statement also added, “To tens of thousands of people — youngsters and adults alike — he was a tireless leader deeply committed to providing opportunities to lifelong learning.”

Aviation products and services provider AerSale announced the appointment of Paul Hechenberger as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.

Hechenberger brings more than four decades of legal, leadership, and aerospace experience to AerSale, with extensive expertise in complex commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and compliance.

Prior to joining AerSale, Hechenberger was a partner with Miami-based law firm Shutts & Bowen. His previous leadership roles include serving as general counsel at iAero Group, deputy general counsel at Spirit AeroSystems, general counsel at BBA Aviation (Aftermarket Services), chief M&A counsel at BBA Aviation, and corporate counsel at Tyco Fire & Security.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Hechenberger served as an EA-6B Naval flight officer, retiring with the rank of Captain after a combined 30 years of active and reserve service. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, an MBA from the University of West Florida, and a BSBA from Villanova University. He is licensed to practice law in the state of Florida.

“Paul’s extensive legal expertise and deep understanding of the aerospace industry make him an outstanding addition to our executive team,” said Nicolas Finazzo, CEO of AerSale. “His proven leadership and strategic counsel will be instrumental as we continue to grow our business and deliver value to our shareholders.”

The MROH Group, a leading provider of aircraft maintenance and modification services, today announced the appointment of Carroll Lane as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Lane brings extensive leadership experience in the aerospace and defense sectors, having held senior roles across globally recognized organizations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carroll as our new CEO,” said Roberto Kriete, chairman of the board of MROH Group. “Beyond his impressive credentials, what stood out most about Carroll is his alignment with MROH’s values. He understands the importance of people, culture, and community in sustaining long-term success.”

Lane most recently served as senior vice president at Kaman Corporation where he led the company’s Engineered Products and Precision Products segments. Additionally, Lane served as Interim chief financial officer.

Previously, Lane was president of commercial engines at Pratt & Whitney, where he was responsible for product development, program management, and aftermarket operations across the company’s large commercial engine portfolio. His prior roles include key leadership positions with United Technologies Corporation including vice president, investor relations and vice president, Pratt & Whitney commercial aftermarket.

A former Naval Aviator in the United States Marine Corps, Lane holds a bachelor’s degree from Williams College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

“I have followed MROH Group’s journey for several years and have long admired its strong operational foundation and collaborative culture,” said Carroll Lane. “The company’s commitment to building lasting relationships with customers, empowering its people, and contributing to the communities it serves is truly inspiring. I am honored to join the team and look forward to helping drive its continued success.”

Donald Mitacek will resume his role as executive advisor to the board of directors, continuing to support the company’s long-term strategic direction.

Aerospace logistics specialist B&H Worldwide announced its participation in a goodie bag donation drive in collaboration with the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS), that took place on 2 August 2025.

As part of this community engagement initiative, the team from B&H Worldwide’s Singapore station prepared, packed and hand-delivered goodie bags to the homes of cancer warriors supported by SCS. Through this meaningful outreach, the team hopes to reinforce a powerful message — that no one should have to face cancer alone.

Beyond distributing the goodie bags, team members spent time befriending the beneficiaries, offering emotional support and encouragement in their journey of healing. This effort allows the team to exercise not only social responsibility but also compassion and leadership in contributing to the community.

“We are honored to stand alongside the Singapore Cancer Society in making a difference to the lives of those impacted by cancer,” said David Wong, station manager of B&H Worldwide Singapore. “This initiative gives our team a chance to connect with individuals in a meaningful way, and we hope to bring warmth, encouragement and strength to each person we meet.”

This collaboration underscores B&H Worldwide’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities where it operates and supporting health and wellness causes through purposeful action.