Matthew Wilkinson
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Dynamic and performance-driven aerospace operations executive with a proven record of leading large-scale maintenance, reclamation, and flightline operations to deliver sustained profitability, compliance, and growth. Recognized for driving organizational excellence through strategic leadership, process optimization, and cultural transformation. Adept at uniting cross-functional teams under a shared vision, executing Lean Six Sigma initiatives, and implementing data-driven performance systems that enhance safety, quality, and operational efficiency. Skilled in organizational change management, talent development, and building high-performance cultures that consistently exceed customer and stakeholder expectations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director
Ascent Aviation Services
12.2024 - 11.2025
- Provided executive level management over multi-aircraft reclamation, teardown, flightline, and storage operations, driving profitability, compliance, and performance across programs exceeding $180 million in annual revenue.
- Directed organizational strategy for aircraft induction, maintenance flow, and component recovery, aligning operational capacity with business growth objectives and customer demand.
- Drove Lean Six Sigma initiatives that reduced process waste, improved maintenance cycle times by 40%, and increased inventory recovery yields through data-driven process optimization.
- Led cross-functional Kaizen events that improved reclaimations teardown flow, material routing, and part tagging accuracy by integrating 5S and value stream mapping — reducing rework and increased scrap resale by double digits.
- Directed a company-wide Continuous Improvement culture, empowering employees to identify bottlenecks, develop corrective actions, and measure performance through visual management systems.
- Championed cultural transformation initiatives focused on communication, recognition, and employee engagement, resulting in a 35% improvement in retention within technical and operational teams.
- Led contract negotiations and client relations for teardown, storage and maintenance programs, ensuring operational alignment with strategic partnerships and customer expectations.
- Partnered with Finance, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to optimize P&L performance, improve cash flow through accelerated party recovery, and reduce carrying cost of inventory.
- Spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, introducing real-time KPI dashboards and ERP integrations to enhance visibility into production, materials, and project margins.
- Collaborated cross-departmentally to align aircraft induction and teardown schedules with maintenance and logistics capacity, minimizing ramp congestion and improving operational flow.
Project Manager
Ascent Aviation Services
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Directed daily flightline operations ensuring safe and compliance under FAA Part 145 standards.
- Managed manpower, resources, and schedules to achieve on-time aircraft delivery and alignment with maintenance and customer requirements.
- Acted as the primary liaison between production, planning, quality, and customer teams, ensuring milestone visibility and communication clarity.
- Oversaw aircraft storage and reactivation programs, maintaining full compliance with OEM and regulatory preservation requirements.
- Managed project budgets, work scopes, and change orders to ensure financial accuracy and adherence to contractual deliverables.
- Fostered a culture of accountability and teamwork, driving performance and communication across multidisciplinary crews.
District Manager
RNR Tire Express
08.2022 - 04.2024
- Led operations for Arizona based stores, achieving 90% sales growth with strategic management and local marketing initiative.
- Implement rigorous cost-control measures resulting in 20% reduction in operational expenses while maintaining high-quality standards across all locations.
- Provided ongoing leadership and developed training program to ensure staff productivity and profitable operations.
- Oversee new store startup - project management from construction through store opening.
- Negotiates vendor contracts resulting in decreased supply costs to improve profitability of all stores.
- Utilized Lean Six concepts to streamline processes resulting in nationwide strategic program revamp.
Multiple roles: NCOIC, Project Manager, Squadron Financial Advisor
United States Air Force
06.2000 - 07.2022
- Led base-level change management consulting to improve unit engagement and processes.
- Managed 160+ personnel maintaining 14 aircraft valued at $2.8B; tracked combat readiness and mobility planning.
- Directed a portfolio of aircraft systems upgrades for congressional budget review; briefed commanders and senior leadership.
- Built programs for personnel/skill tracking, capacity planning, and deployment scheduling.
- Drove Lean Six Sigma initiatives to streamline operations and support strategic program revamps.
- Oversaw vendor contracts and compliance across project lifecycles.
- Managed three congressional budget funds; delivered strategy and reports; led annual $14M audit with 100% accuracy.
- Served as SME for technical analysis supporting new aircraft technology initiatives.
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) - Leadership/Management
Trident University
Cypress, California10.2020
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Leadership/Management
Trident University
Cypress, California10.2019
Associate in Science (A.S.) - Aerospace Technology
Community College of the Air Force
Montgomery, Alabama10.2018
Skills
- Executive management
- Lean Six Sigma
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Compliance management
- Change management
- Continuous improvement
- Effective communication
- Team leadership
- Strategic planning
- Problem solving
- Leadership development
- Operations management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Process improvement
Certification
- Project Management
- 5S
Timeline
Director
Ascent Aviation Services
12.2024 - 11.2025
Project Manager
Ascent Aviation Services
08.2024 - 12.2024
District Manager
RNR Tire Express
08.2022 - 04.2024
Multiple roles: NCOIC, Project Manager, Squadron Financial Advisor
United States Air Force
06.2000 - 07.2022
Master of Science (M.S.) - Leadership/Management
Trident University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Leadership/Management
Trident University
Associate in Science (A.S.) - Aerospace Technology
Community College of the Air Force