Michael L. Lanaro
San Antonio
Summary
Senior Manager with 35 years of experience in Operations and Program Management, leading high-technology product teams to meet strategic goals. Expertise in overhaul and repair, new parts manufacturing, and facility management drives innovation and efficiency across aviation, industrial, and power generation sectors. Focused on effective team collaboration and strategic planning to enhance operational performance and foster continuous improvement, while exceeding financial goals.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Mechanical Dynamics and Analysis
San Antonio, TX
09.2025 - Current
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize workflow and reduce project turnaround times.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to improve production quality and reduce waste.
- Streamlined operational processes across multiple departments, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
- Developed and executed training programs that elevated team performance and operational standards.
- Analyzed operational metrics to identify trends, driving continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
- Fostered a culture of safety by implementing rigorous compliance measures and best practices in operations.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to align operational strategies with organizational goals and objectives.
- Mentored and coached team members to foster a productive and engaging work environment.
- Spearheaded change management initiatives that facilitated organizational transformations while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations.
General Manager
Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis
01.2017 - Current
- Analyze and ensure operating costs and absorption rates are sustained and balanced based on production requirements and monthly deliveries.
- Monitored supplier performance and implemented cost initiatives to enhance operational efficiency
- Monitored staffing levels to align with production backlog and current demands.
- Communication between Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Finance, ensuring all areas perform and coordinate to accomplish on-time delivery and customer satisfaction
- Attend Sales and Production meetings to ensure delivery and technical requirements are maintained
- Ensure all logistical transactions are meeting the scheduled deliveries and requirements
- Attend Engineering meetings and assist in repair development initiatives including repair development
- Instill continues safety training, practices, and mind set is communicated, and practiced by all employees and staff
- Report and explain monthly results to CFO and President.
- Reported on improvement activities and cost-saving initiatives to track progress and drive accountability.
- Host customers and present overviews regarding shop history and technical capabilities.
- Product categories include:
- GE 7FA, Siemens, large frame, hot gas components, blades, vanes, shrouds, and combustor parts.
- V84/94 Siemens Blades and Vanes
- GE 6FA-Frame Hot gas path components
- Aero Derivative component repair. (Pratt & Whitney& Rolls Royce)
- Current Position 2017-Current
Operations Manager
Pratt & Whitney San Antonio
San Antonio, CA
08.2004 - 01.2017
- Managed operations of FAA repair station that specializes in repair of metal and composite aircraft parts.
- Plan and oversee day-to-day production. Coordinate and execute plans with all departments.
- Facilitated meetings on materials, P&L, and sales to align cross-departmental objectives.
- Reviewed and created quotes for production and future projects, ensuring accuracy and competitive pricing.
- Monitored and updated status of backlogs, deliveries, and ongoing work to ensure timely project completion.
- Collaborated with human resources and EH&S to maintain regulatory compliance in personnel and staffing.
- Performed repairs on commercial, military, and industrial gas turbine engine components to ensure operational reliability.
- Engine Repair types: CF6-50,80A,80C,80E, CFM, LM2500, LM5000, LM6000, PW4000, V2500 and TF39.
- Experience in MPI, FPI, EDM, and Dimensional inspection, Thermal Coatings, Heat Treat and Welding.
Business Unit Manager
Pratt & Whitney Composites
San Diego, CA
01.2000 - 06.2004
- Business Unit Manager – Operations & Facilities: 50 employees
- Developed new repair processes for OEM business, expanding service offerings and improving customer satisfaction.
- Planned and managed transition of products from other Pratt organizations, integrating them into daily production and repair development initiatives.
- Developed new repair processes for OEM business, enhancing service offerings.
- Prepared and presented business cases for new work and cost-saving initiatives, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning.
- Managed Projects that required source demonstration and/or vendor certification.
- Managed relationships with major airline customers including Aero Mexico, Air Jamaica, and China Air.
- Customers include Aero Mexico, Air Jamaica, Lucas Western, China Air, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia, Pratt & Whitney and others.
Assistant Plant Manger
Cade Composites
San Diego, CA
01.1989 - 01.2000
- Operational oversight of Autoclave and equipment operations.
- Supported and managed advanced composite manufacturing production
- Trained new employees on composite manufacturing technics
- Developed production processes and tooling for many composite aircraft parts for multiple customers parts.
- Worked closely with customers' engineers managing drawing revisions changes, ensuring document control standards were maintained.
- Supported and guarded customers' specifications regarding highly technical processes and materials used in Aircraft and defense products while maintaining the necessary clearances in accordance with government contracts.
- Ensured critical materials were stored and documented in accordance with quality and manufacturing standards.
- Launched and Managed FAA repair cell specializing in titanium welding and qualification standards required by the FAA and Pratt & Whitney's Materials control laboratory.
Production Lead
Corsair Marine
Chula Vista, CA
01.1986 - 01.1989
- Managed sailboat assembly line operations.
- Oversaw fiberglass lamination and resin transfer systems, enhancing production processes.
- Developed tooling for production, streamlining workflows and improving output.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management and Economics
Post University
Waterbury, CTAssociate of Arts - Commercial And Advertising Art
Southwestern Community College
Chula Vista, CAHigh School Diploma -
Watertown High School
Watertown, CTSkills
- Operational management
- Business operations
- Client retention
- Budget control
- Supplier management
- Operational improvement
- Cost management
- Profit and loss management
Accomplishments
- In 2025, successfully integrated the Houston Service repair location under the overall IGT business including the fuel nozzle business.
- Developed a "one company " approach as an effort to improve the relationships between SSC & HSC.
- Reduced the need for two separate Engineering and Quality departments at each location by optimizing management resources.
- Managed Aero department growth from three million dollars in 2024, to a ten million dollar business.
- Coordinated and developed advanced thermal coatings, including several qualifications for Aero and IGT in 2025.
Timeline
Director of Operations
Mechanical Dynamics and Analysis
09.2025 - Current
General Manager
Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis
01.2017 - Current
Operations Manager
Pratt & Whitney San Antonio
08.2004 - 01.2017
Business Unit Manager
Pratt & Whitney Composites
01.2000 - 06.2004
Assistant Plant Manger
Cade Composites
01.1989 - 01.2000
Production Lead
Corsair Marine
01.1986 - 01.1989
Bachelor of Science - Business Management and Economics
Post University
Associate of Arts - Commercial And Advertising Art
Southwestern Community College
High School Diploma -
Watertown High School
Other Training:
- IGT Metallurgical Training – TE Services
- Six Sigma statistical analyses 1997: Honeywell Torrance
- Design of Experiments 1998: Air Force Academy
- Negotiations Solutions 2002: Matford Group
- Ito University- Kaizen Training