FreeFlight Systems
We make flying safer and more efficient with the highest-quality, longest-lasting, and most affordable products and solutions available.
Leadership
ANTHONY RIOS PRESIDENT
Rios is an entrepreneurial leader with domestic and international experience in strategy development, sales, product development, operations, and engineering, Rios brings two decades of experience with innovative, aviation technology start-ups as well as established market leaders. His unique combination of business skills and the deep technical credibility gained through 13 years of engineering experience positions Rios to successfully lead the rapidly growing organization.
SHANE LAPLANTE VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & MARKETING
LaPlante has 30 years in aviation working at industry-shaping organizations like Lockheed Martin, McDonnell Douglas, Honeywell, and L3 Harris Technologies. In his prior role, as the Vice President Aftermarket Sales and Marketing for L3 Harris Technologies, LaPlante managed the sector aftermarket sales organization and integration of the sales and marketing team of a company acquisition to provide Flight Data Management (FDM) solutions. LaPlante holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University and a Master’s in Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.
NASOS BARDIS VICE PRESIDENT, ENGINEERING
Bardis has over 25 years of experience in a variety of engineering roles. From Design and Product Development to Program Management, Bardis has tackled a variety of facets of Engineering at various aerospace organizations including Honeywell Engines & Systems, Eaton Aerospace, ABB, and, most recently, Safran Power Electronics. Formerly the Vice President of Engineering for Safran, Bardis oversaw the OEM and STC Integration of Cabin Interiors for commercial aviation aircraft. Bardis holds a Bachelor’s and Master of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Studies from the University of Wales and a PMP Certification with a Black Belt in Lean 6Sigma and Design from Six Sigma.
BEHLUL POONAWALLA VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT & SERVICES
Poonawalla has over 15 years of combined product design, manufacturing, and integration experience in safety-critical embedded aircraft electronics and navigation systems. Expertise in certified (FAA, EASA, etc.) radio navigation (GNSS, Radar Altimeters), traffic management (ADS-B), and flight data recorder technologies. He previously held engineering positions at FreeFlight Systems, including Director of Engineering, Engineering Manager, and Sr. Developmental Engineer. A prestigious FAA/NASA Joint University Program (JUP) graduate for Air Transportation Research, Poonawalla holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering from Pune University in India and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Ohio University. He is an Aviation enthusiast with a passion for flying.
OLESSIA SILAKOVA VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE
Silakova began her 25-year career in accounting and finance as a cost accountant and inventory specialist within the automotive industry. Since joining her first aviation-focused company as a Senior Accountant, Silakova now has over 15 years of experience in aviation. Previous to her role with FreeFlight, Silakova was an Assistant Controller at Global Engine Maintenance (GEM). Silakova holds a degree in Accounting from Northwestern University in Chicago and is a CPA Candidate.
MORGAN BRANUM DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, HR, AND COMPLIANCE
Fresh to the aerospace industry, Branum has been the Director of Organizational Development, HR, and Compliance since 2020. Branum graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Tarleton State University and is presently pursuing a Dual Master of Arts in Human Resources Development and Human Resources Management from Webster University. She has spent 15 years at the Walt Disney World Resort responsible for training, development, and local HR matters whilst running retail operations.
MIKE GRONHOLZ DIRECTOR, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SECURITY
Gronholz began his career in aerospace technology working for a repair facility and fixed base operator (FBO) in Dallas, Texas, which handled repairs of Rolls-Royce, Spey, and Tay engines as well as Gulfstream airframes. Prior to his role at FreeFlight, Gronholz was in the Marine Corps and spent 20 years in financial services abroad in Europe and Asia. Gronholz holds a Bachelor of Business Studies and a Master of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University.
CHRIS REECE DIRECTOR, QUALITY
Reece has worked in the aviation industry for over 25 years in multiple verticals of aviation. From the US Army, Sikorsky Global Helicopters, and L3 Harris, Reece has a wealth of experience in aviation. Before his role with FreeFlight, Reece was an Audit Manager for L3 Harris, ensuring AS9100D certification, managing audit systems and managing audit teams, among other tasks.
Careers
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At FreeFlight Systems, we look for high energy people who want to shape the future of airspace. We recruit people who will make the extra effort – highly motivated people who thrive in a setting where outstanding performance is the everyday goal.
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