Board of Directors

Kirk Bajdek

Retired Chief Inspector, Amway Aviation

 

Kirk Bajdek is currently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors.  Kirk’s entry into aviation was in the US Navy in 1976, specializing on the A7-E Corsair II. He received his A&P license in 1987 and acquired his Inspection Authorization in 1990. Kirk’s experience encompasses Part 91, Part 125, Part 135, and Part 145 Repair Station operations along with specialized training and experience on single & multi-engine piston, multi-engine jet, turbine helicopters, and Non-Destructive Testing. As a Crew Chief and then Chief Inspector with Amway, Kirk oversaw the repair station operations and served as associate Safety Officer. Kirk is a member of Encounter Community Church in Belding, MI.

 

David M.

Commercial/Instrument Pilot Single and Multi-Engine Land, Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic

 

David has a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa, in Business Administration. Additionally, he has a Missionary Aviation diploma from Moody Bible Institute. Masters candidate from Eastern University in International Development. David currently serves as a Regional Director of MAF – a mission organization with whom he has served since 1992.

Jeff Ostrander

ATP, CFI-I

 

Jeff is a flight instructor focusing on tailwheel and aerobatic operations.  He also writes (fiction and non-fiction), develops software, and has spent several years in non-profit management.

Rachel Glupker

Private Pilot, Single Engine Land

 

Rachel Glupker is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. Rachel’s passion for aviation started with flying at age 15, soloing at 16, and earning her private certificate on her 17th birthday. All self-funded.  Rachel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Western Michigan University where she competed on the flight team all four years, serving as team captain and President of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) during her Senior year.

Rachel serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Hudsonville Ice Cream, based in Holland, MI.  Prior to Hudsonville, Rachel worked for Amway in a variety of roles, both foreign and domestic, over the past 15 years.  She brings to SMAT her passion for flying and her professional experience in Finance, Strategy, Analytics, and Program Management.

 

Mark Kotlarczyk

ATP, Commercial/Instrument Pilot MEL/SEL, CFI, CFII, MEI, Airframe and Power plant Mechanic

 

Mark has a bachelor’s in business management from Cornerstone University. He is also a graduate of the Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music (GRSBM) Missionary Aviation Program 1988. Mark currently serves as the Director of Production at Calvary Church, Grand Rapids, MI (25 years). He serves on Short Term Missions Committee at Calvary Church. His mission trips include Japan, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Honduras, Cyprus, Greece, and 6 trips to Mozambique. His current hobbies include Boat camping, Show Skiing, Drone photography, and tinkering with Smart Home setups.

 

Jeff Gillesse

Private pilot, single engine land with instrument rating

 

Jeff Gillesse is currently serving as Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Jeff is the founder and Managing Member of Level Ten Consulting Group LLC in Ada, Michigan. He has over 36 years of experience in public accounting, executive management, corporate restructuring and turnaround consulting, litigation support, business valuations, and operations management in several industries and as a court-appointed receiver. Jeff is a CTP (Certified Turnaround Professional) through the International Turnaround Management Association and is also a registered CPA and earned a B.S. in accounting from Ferris State University.

Robert Damaske

Commercial/Instrument Pilot SEL, Airframe and Power plant Mechanic with FAA Inspection Authorization

 

Robert Damaske earned an ICAO Class 2 Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME). Studied at Spring Arbor College 1970 -1972, graduated from Letourneau College in Aviation Technology, and graduated from New Tribes Bible and Missions Institute. He lived for 5 years in Bolivia SA as a child with Missionary parents. Served with New Tribes Mission Aviation in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea working as an aircraft technician. Completed numerous aircraft factory maintenance type schools, ranging from Cessna High Performance, Lear Jet, Pratt and Whitney PT6 engines to Falcon 2000EX MLG. Managed and owned Fixed Base Operations including a Cessna Single Engine Service Center.

Robert worked as Director of Maintenance for several FAA Part 135 Air Charter operations. He is currently employed as a Master Technician, by Duncan Aviation Inc. since 1999. Additionally, he is the owner and manager of Hangar 20 Flying Club. Trainer for Brenco IA Training, Presenter on aircraft maintenance and FAA Regulations at the Great Lakes International Aviation Conference and the Ohio Symposium on Aircraft Maintenance. He has served on the SMAT Board of Directors since 2009.