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MD Helicopters expands leadership team in support of enhanced performance

MD Helicopters Press Release | August 1, 2024

Estimated reading time 5 minutes, 9 seconds.

MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH) has announced the promotions and expansion of its executive leadership team. These appointments reflect the company’s commitment to exceptional leadership and its dedication to continuous improvement.

Effective immediately, the following individuals have assumed these roles:

Daniel Searcy, vice president of aftermarket. MD Helicopters Photo

Daniel Searcy, vice president of aftermarket

Searcy was previously the senior director of aftermarket customer support. In that role, he led the turnaround of MDH’s customer service group and helped revive MD’s parts supply, which led to a 120 percent growth in spares and repairs volume in just two years.  

He was also instrumental in making the global network of authorized service centers and parts retailers stronger than ever. In his new role, he will be responsible for all aspects of MDH’s aftermarket business from spare parts and repair and overhaul to customer service, technical support, and the upcoming fielded fleet upgrades MDH announced at HAI 2024.

Additionally, he will oversee the marketing department and program management for both aftermarket and production with the primary focus being on-time delivery by working closely with supply chain and operations. Searcy holds a BS in aeronautics from Embry Riddle University and has been a member of the MDH team for over ten years.

Todd Heussner, vice president of operations and supply chain. MD Helicopters Photo

Todd Heussner, vice president of operations and supply chain

Heussner was previously senior director, Supply Chain. In that role, he quickly built a team that proactively supported customer requirements while dramatically improving supply availability and responsiveness.

His team has reduced wait times and improved cash flow and has positively impacted internal and external operations. He will be responsible for leading manufacturing and supply chain strategies and has a wealth of experience in U.S. Army logistics and civilian experience working for Leidos, Ernst & Young, and Georgia Iron Works.

Heussner holds an MS in Logistics Management, an MS in National Security and Strategy from the U.S. Army War College and holds a Six Sigma Green Belt.

Fred Kaplan, chief financial officer. MD Helicopters Photo

Fred Kaplan, chief financial officer

Kaplan has over 35 years of experience in defense and aerospace, aviation, and consulting industries, as well as CEO, COO, and CFO roles in public and private sectors.

He has served in the CFO position at O’Hare International, Midway International, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, and he has been part of several turnarounds. He has his MS in Finance from the University of Illinois and his BS in Commerce with a major in Finance from Depaul University.

“MD Helicopters is making significant progress in improving our customer support and these promotions and hires will be instrumental in continuing our success,” said Ryan Weeks, president at MD Helicopters.

“Each of these individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication, strategic vision, and leadership in their respective roles and I look forward to their continued impact as part of our executive team.”

This press release was prepared and distributed by MD Helicopters.

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