Management Team
The management of Max-Viz represents significant experience, not only in the aerospace industry, but also in the development of IR technology and in the history of EVS system development, evaluation and implementation.
Elliott Troutman, President
With over 30 years of experience in general management, finance, operations and information systems, Mr. Troutman has worked for a variety of high-tech companies, from start-ups to the Fortune 100, whose products have included Internet security and encryption, electronic design software, electronic parts, nuclear and ultrasonic imaging and health products and supplies. Troutman received his MBA from the University of Chicago and holds a private pilot license.
J. Richard Kerr, Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Founder
Until formation of Max-Viz, Inc, Dr. Kerr was directing the Northwest Office for the Center for Aerospace Technology, Research Triangle Institute. At RTI he managed a multimillion-dollar NASA program in Enhanced Vision Systems. Prior to RTI, Dr. Kerr was vice president of Engineering/Advanced Development at FLIR Systems, Inc. The management team took the company from $1.8 million/year to nearly $200 million/year in sales and established FLIR as the world's largest independent infrared firm. Before joining FLIR, he was vice president of Marketing at Flight Dynamics, Inc., where he was part of the team that took it from start-up to a mature company, achieved in three rounds of financing. Today FDI is the world's leading supplier of commercial heads-up displays. While pursuing his academic interests, he was professor, executive vice president/COO and president/CEO of the Oregon Graduate Institute. He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, Stanford University, and a National Science Foundation Fellowship. His fields of interest include lasers and electro-optical systems.
Greg Zuro, Chief Engineer
Mr. Zuro has 17 years experience developing software in fields such as infrared camera control including image processing and image fusion, biotech clinical data management, and telephony. Mr. Zuro developed infrared camera control software for FLIR Systems, Inc. beginning in 1995, contributing to the ALG and other Advanced Development programs under Dr. Kerr. Greg received his BS in EE and CS from the University of Illinois at Chicago and holds a Private Pilot license.
Mark Peltier, Director of Hardware Engineering
Mark brings over 20 years of electronic product development and engineering management experience in high volume world class environments at companies such as ADE Corporation, SLC Technologies, and Electro Scientific Industries. Mark received his BSEE from the University of Portland.
Louis Churchville, V.P. Sales
Lou Churchville brings over 30 years of aircraft maintenance and modifications business and program development and sales experience to Max-Viz. Lou began his aviation career as an Agricultural pilot and Corporate pilot. His aircraft modification and maintenance experience includes 15 years in aircraft modification sales and program development during which he participated in early EFIS retrofit program development and sales on B727 and DC8 aircraft, TCAS II STC development and airframe installations, and RVSM Certification and installations. He has extensive experience in both Corporate and Airline Transport Aircraft maintenance and modification programs, including Foreign Head of Sate, Corporate and Special mission aircraft interior conversions and passenger to cargo aircraft conversions. Lou is an active Commercial Pilot with airplane single and multi engine/ Instrument and glider ratings and an active aerospace writer.
Bill Harwood, Director of Sales
Mr Harwood has over 37 years of experience with electro-optical and infrared airborne sensors. He served 20 years in the United State Air Force as a technician, systems operator, and Advanced Sensors R&D aircraft program manager. Prior to joining Max-Viz Mr Harwood held the position of Director of Sales at FLIR Systems, Inc. and Vice President of Sales at Wescam Inc. His foresight with sensor applications and future operational needs have led to much advancement in sensor technology concepts, new products, and company growth. He holds a Bachelor Degree of Science (summa cum laude) in management from Troy State University and an Associates Degree in Sensor Systems Technology.
Robert Yerex, Field Sales Manager
Mr. Yerex has over 30 years of diverse aviation experience as a mechanic, systems integrator, safety manager, and pilot. Retiring with more than 24 years in the military, Bob flew for a Part-121 regional airline and subsequently an EMS helicopter provider prior to joining Max-Viz. Mr. Yerex has managed and participated in numerous military and civilian avionics development programs to include OEM level integrations utilizing state of the art avionics and R&D technologies. Bob is an ATP rated pilot (helicopter and multi-engine fixed wing) with over 8300 flight hours to include 540 hours of Night Vision Goggle, and over 300 hours using infrared imaging systems. He has additionally instructed since 1993 and holds CFI, CFII and MEI ratings to include instruction in both land and sea airplanes and helicopters. Mr. Yerex has managed / developed world class training and database management programs and holds numerous awards to include Instructor of the Year (Civil Air Patrol), Order of Daedalian Pilot of the Year, Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Alaska Medal of Heroism. He is a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (Bachelor of Science, and Aviation Safety Management), the Naval Postgraduate School (Aviation Safety), and the International Center for Safety.
Chuck Crompton, Field Sales Manager
Mr. Crompton's background includes over 20 years of sales and marketing experience involving integrated navigation, communication and night vision systems. This includes work with Lear Siegler/ Smiths Industries as the Marketing Director for the C-130 Self-Contained Navigation System (SCNS) and eight years with infrared system development for FLIR Systems Inc. In addition to extensive experience as an instructor in infrared system use, his specialties include development and support of dealer and re-seller programs.