President's Report: Keeping the Momentum

By Ryan Goertzen, ATEC President

​Coming off the conclusion of our 55th Annual Conference, I’m excited about the level of engagement I saw from members, industry supporters and exhibitors. More than 150 attendees participated, which indicates a slow but steady rise over the last several years. This year’s conference focused on three major themes: advancing technologies and certification, workforce development and FAA rulemaking activity. The event provided critical continuing education to our faculty members and networking opportunities for all involved. Even if you weren’t able to attend, we hope all members will take time to review the presentations available at http://www.atec-amt.org/2016. Our speakers were gracious enough to make this powerful information available so please put them to good use.
 
I wanted to also provide a board update, this being the first year we elected directors through a nominating committee under the new bylaws. Ray Thompson (Western Michigan), Joe McCourt (Tarrant County Community College) and Paul Herrick (University of Alaska) concluded their respective terms. All three of these individuals have done so much to transform ATEC, the membership is indebted to their service. Jay Gregson (Hallmark University), Debbie Wiggins (Aviation Institute of Maintenance) and Amy Kienast (MIAT College) will each serve a four-year term. Amy has stepped down as the vice president, allowing Gary Hoyle (PIA) and Chuck Horning (Embry Riddle) to occupy the vice president and treasurer positions respectively. Amy will continue to service as the chair of the annual conference committee and I am truly thankful for her service.

Finally, I have been elected to serve one more term as president which I have to say is a true honor. Please reach out to our new board members and executives to congratulate them on their new and continuing roles with ATEC.
 
As you may have heard at the annual conference last month, In the coming year ATEC will focus on the following initiatives:

• Participating on the FAA/industry working group tasked with developing processes and standards for mechanic testing.
• Encouraging the FAA to issue a competency-based part 147 so that aviation maintenance technician schools may develop curriculum based upon student outcome rather than seat time.
• Developing a mission, values and goals for the organization keeping true to our roots as the voice of aviation technician education.
• Pushing our legislative priorities in Washington DC and preparing for the first industry-wide fly-in on Capitol Hill.
• Finalizing the business office transition to executive director Crystal Maguire.
• Encouraging aviation maintenance technician schools to provide graduate data to aid industry recruitment and student placement efforts.
• Working with industry to bring critical information to schools to enhance their curriculum.

There is no shortage of work that needs to be done, but the council’s success will be directly tied to the engagement of its volunteers. I encourage you to get involved, join a committee and get to work. ATEC is your organization and I will do everything I can as your President to ensure that ATEC remains “the voice” of technician education and more.