Executive 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 & CEO
With over 30 years of experience in finance, general management, operations and information systems, Mr. Troutman has worked for a variety of companies. These fast growth and high-tech companies range from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies (including Abbott Laboratories, GD Searle, Baxter Laboratories, Motorola and Siemens), whose products have included internet security and encryption, electronic design software, electronic parts, nuclear and ultrasonic imaging and health products and supplies. During his career, Elliott has helped his companies raise more than $50 million in start-up capital. Troutman received his MBA from the University of Chicago and holds a Private Pilot license.
J. Richard Kerr, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer, VP, 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.
Louis Churchville, VP Business Development
Mr. 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 and FAA Certified Flight Instructor with airplane single and multi engine/instrument and glider ratings and an active aerospace writer.
Bill Harwood, VP 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 Associate's Degree in Sensor Systems Technology.
Bob Yerex, VP of Sales
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 a Part-135 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 Senior Member 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. Bob is currently the VP of Sales for Max-Viz Inc. and resides and works in Gig Harbor, WA with his wife and two daughters.
Dylan Anderson, CFO, VP of Finance and Corporate Secretary
Mr. Anderson has over 18 years of financial and operational leadership in startup and innovative companies, both pre and post IPO. Most recently he was VP of Finance for Strands, Inc., a worldwide internet services company where he led the Finance, Legal, HR, and Administrative teams, helping the company raise $55 Million and manage rapid growth. Mr. Anderson has held management positions at Digimarc Corporation, NBCi/Xoom.com and MedAmerica, Inc. with proven experience in all ranges of corporate finance, accounting, compliance, treasury, planning, M&A and strategy. Mr. Anderson received his BS in Finance and Marketing from the University of Oregon and earned his MBA at San Francisco State. Dylan and his wife Tiffany live with their three daughters (triplets!) in Tualatin, Oregon.
Tom Adams, VP Operations
Mr. Adams has worked in various procurement and materials management positions for over 20 years helping companies such as Cray Research, FLIR Systems, Pixel Vision and Legacy Health System to purchase materials, negotiate contracts, maintain inventory controls and manage the supply chain. Tom has experience with a variety of MRP and Quality management systems, and oversees Max-Viz contract manufacturing, purchasing and material handling functions. Tom attended the Oregon Institute of Technology and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he pursued coursework in mechanical and aeronautical engineering and is a member of the National Association of Purchasing Managers.
Mark Peltier, VP of Engineering
Mark brings over 30 years of systems engineering experience in nuclear power, electro-optical and laser systems. He has over 20 years of electronic product development and engineering management experience in a variety of high-tech companies such as ADE corporation, SLC technologies and Electro Scientific Industries. Mark received his BSEE (Maxima Cum Laude) from the University of Portland.
