Conrad Kalitta

CEO / owner

Conrad (Connie) Kalitta has a lifetime of experience in the airline industry that goes back to 1967 when he began transporting parts for the automotive business with a twin engine Cessna 310 that he piloted himself. Over the years, Kalitta grew from a one-airplane operation into a substantial airline conglomerate, American International Airways, Inc. (AIA), that used B747, L1011, DC8, B727, Twin Beech and Learjet aircraft in worldwide airfreight, air ambulance and charter passenger operations. AIA supported the Desert Shield/Desert Storm operations with award winning efforts. AIA was one of the world's 25 largest airlines with revenues in excess of $400 million derived from both scheduled and on-demand air charters as well as third party engine and airframe maintenance service.

In 1997, Conrad Kalitta sold AIA and in April 2000 formed Kalitta Air, a Michigan Limited Liability Company. Conrad Kalitta is its sole owner. Kalitta Air began service in November 2000 with three Boeing 747 aircraft, and the fleet has grown to a present total of 15 Boeing 747 aircraft and 2 Boeing 767 aircraft. Capable of air express delivery of virtually any type of freight, the company provides scheduled and on-demand charter service for customers in the United States and around the world, including the Unites States Postal Service and Air Mobility Command. In addition, Kalitta Air maintains an engine repair facility and an FAA approved 145 repair station in Oscoda, Michigan where it performs engine overhaul and maintenance on aircraft.

Kalitta is also renowned as a professional drag racer in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA. In fact, it was his winnings in drag racing that enabled him to purchase the Cessna 310 that started him in the airline business. Kalitta was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in June of 1992 for his tremendous contribution to the sport. Kalitta won five world championships and set the world's speed record on more than one occasion. Although not currently in the driver’s seat, he is the team owner and crew chief of four Top Fuel teams.

CONNIE IN THE NEWS:

Yankee Air Museum: Kalitta is awarded the 2015 Visionary Award

NHRA: Kalitta is the first ever recipient of the NHRA Lifetime Achievement Award

NHRA: Kalitta’s Lunch with a Legend showcases NHRA and Michigan community

The Ann Arbor News: Drag racing legend Connie Kalitta's passion evident at the track, in the air

pete Sanderlin

Chief Operating Officer

In May of 2000, Pete Sanderlin was hired by Kalitta Air to assist in the start-up of the company as an international air cargo carrier. Sanderlin is currently Vice-President/General Manager and the Director of Operations at Kalitta Air.

Sanderlin’s aviation experience began in 1963 where he served with the United States Navy.  He flew high performance fighter aircraft in the Pacific and South Asia area.  He also served with the Navy and Naval Reserve for a total of 26 years.  

Sanderlin was the Director of Operations for American International Airways from 1988 to 1995, where he controlled the operation of 25 DC-8’s, 7 Boeing 747’s, 6 Lockheed L1011’s, and 10 Boeing 727’s.  Prior to his employment with Kalitta Air, Sanderlin was the Director of Operations for Trans Continental Airlines and Kitty Hawk International Airlines and was a contractual Aviation Consultant.  He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management.  

Zoltan Kocis

Vice President of MAINTENANCE, engineering and Procurement

Boasting 34+ years of experience in Aircraft Maintenance Operations and Production Management, Zoltan Kocis began his career with the Kalitta family back in 1999. Before Kalitta, Kocis served in the United States Air Force from 1985-1990 as a crew chief, and studied Tactical Aircraft Maintenance. In 2000 he became the Director of Quality Control and Aircraft Transactions at Kalitta, and in 2019 he secured his place as the Vice President of Maintenance, Engineering and Procurement. 

Zoltan’s main focus at Kalitta Air is to ensure that the Company’s aircraft are maintained in an airworthy condition, and that the performance of maintenance, preventative maintenance, and alterations of Kalitta’s aircraft are accomplished in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Company, Federal, State, and Local Regulations. His overall responsibility is to ensure that all Maintenance and Maintenance Regulating and supporting departments are staffed, trained and functioning adequately to support a safe and functional maintenance process. 

Zoltan also is the official company authority in developing and managing a portfolio of aircraft, engines, leasing and asset procurement, with proven results. His vision, support and contributions to the growth of the Kalitta Air fleet are imperative to the future of Kalitta.

William Rhodes

Vice President of operations

Captain William Rhodes has been with Kalitta Air since 2003 and brings over 35 years of experience in aviation to the Kalitta team. Rhodes began his career at Kalitta Air as a First Officer on the 747-200. Over the years Rhodes has held many roles at Kalitta Air; as a Line Captain, Check Pilot, Aircrew Program Designee, Manager of Flight Standards, the Director of Training & Flight Standards and the Chief Pilot.

Rhodes became the Vice President of Operations and the FAA 119 Director of Operations in September of 2019. He is responsible for oversight of the Chief Pilot’s Office, the Training department, Flight Standards department and the Operations Control Center at Kalitta Air. He is currently qualified on the B747-400 and B777 aircraft and maintains Check Pilot and Aircrew Program Designee status on both fleets.

Timothy Kissel

Director of Maintenance

Timothy Kissel has been with Kalitta Air as Maintenance Control Manager since June 2015 and became the Director of Maintenance in September of 2019. He is responsible for Avionics & Structures Engineering, Maintenance Control, Planning, Line Maintenance, and Materials Department functions.

Tim brings over 25 years of experience to Kalitta Air. His aviation experience includes Line and Hangar maintenance, Landing Gear Shop maintenance, FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance School instruction and administration.

He holds an FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate, Inspection Authorization, FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License and an NCATT AET Certificate. He has an Associate of Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from Vincennes University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Technology from Purdue University.

Chris Barks

Chief inspector / Director of quality

Chris Barks has been with Kalitta Air since 2004. As the Assistant Director of Quality Control/Chief Inspector for Kalitta Air he is responsible for Inspection, Maintenance Publications, Aircraft and Engine Records, Quality Assurance, Continuing Analysis Surveillance, FAA Repair Station, and other Quality Control department functions.

Chris has over 25 years of aviation maintenance experience and earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Management, with a Minor in Aviation Safety in 2012, from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also a FAA certificated Airframe and Powerplant technician.

GREGORY STRZYNSKI

Chief Financial Officer

Greg Strzynski is the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, a position that he has held since January of 2006. He is responsible for all financial functions including treasury, financial planning and analysis, accounting, budgeting, financial reporting and tax matters.

Previously,  Strzynski was Corporate Controller of American International Airways for approximately seven years and has held other financial management positions with increasing reasonability.    

Strzynski has his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

George Kelsey

Legal COUNSel

George Kelsey is an attorney who has provided legal representation forConrad Kalitta and his Companies since 1983.  During that period, he has assisted in the purchase of more than 100 aircraft and represented the company in countless aircraft related transactions.  George Kelsey is a member of the Kalitta Air Board of Directors and is the Company’s secretary.

Laurie Stockton

Vice president of human resources

Laurie Stockton is the Vice President of Human Resources. She is responsible and ensures compliance in employment matters, handles audits involving federal and state agencies, and continues to serve on the Kalitta Air Management team in the collective bargaining negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) on the pilot contract.

Prior to becoming the HR Director, Ms. Stockton served as an attorney at Kelsey Law Group. There she was responsible for handling employment and aviation related cases.

Ms. Stockton holds an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and received her Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School, while working as a pharmaceutical sales representative.

Kathleen Ertman

Executive Assistant to the President

Kathleen Ertman began working for Conrad Kalitta as his secretary in 1994 and has remained with him during the various corporate changes.  One of her many roles is to oversee the day-to-day functioning of the executive office while coordinating schedules, meetings and special projects between Mr. Kalitta and senior management.

Kathleen held prior positions of Stenographer and Senior Secretary to the County Clerk managing the administrative office for 8 years while coordinating fundraisers and speaking engagements for the elected official.

She graduated from Schoolcraft Community College with two AAS degrees (Secretarial and General Studies).