Board of Directors

Andrew began his career at Proponent as COO in 2001 following a decade of experience as a management consultant focused on the aviation industry. As President and CEO, Andrew has seen Proponent through years of exceptional growth in both size and capability while fostering a culture of integrity, empathy, and ownership.

Andrew’s competitive spirit, passion for adventure, and care for people can be seen not only in his approach to leading Proponent, but also in his extensive list of community-focused recreational activities. As a lifetime aviation enthusiast, Andrew feels very fortunate to lead an organization that is dedicated to providing unparalleled partnership with suppliers, customers and employee owners in this dynamic industry.

Steven Frields has always been intrigued by the details. At a young age, he enjoyed taking things apart to understand how they worked. As Proponent’s Chief Financial Officer, he puts his analytical mind to work, deriving insights that enable Proponent’s long-term health and financial stability. Steven maintains a fine-tuned balance between risk and reward, helping the company achieve strong financial performance through years of remarkable growth.

Since 2005, Steven has found endless intellectual stimulation from the dynamic, driven Proponent team, who continually motivate one another to do better and to always move forward. Outside of work, Steven enjoys feeding his brain by reading, visiting museums, and traveling with his family.

Kate Schaefer is a senior level aerospace executive with extensive international, P&L, sales, supply chain and aftermarket experience, she has a reputation as an “out of the box thinker” with a strong track record of producing results and managing growth particularly under challenging circumstances.

Her 30-year career, which started in Hamburg, Germany, includes a variety of senior leadership positions with AAR, HEICO, Moog and most recently Boeing, where she spent 5 years and last held the position of Senior Vice President & GM of Aircraft modifications, Converted Freighters, Cabin Interiors and Specialty Products. Kate left Boeing in early 2024 to start her own aerospace consultancy firm, KSS Consulting, where she specializes in helping companies manage growth and deal with major transitions.

Her love for the industry and belief in the importance of relationships, integrity and trust are evident in her wide network of industry professionals that include many friendships that span decades.

When not working or traveling Kate enjoys riding her 3 horses competitively in the equestrian sport of 3 Day Eventing.

Gene has extensive experience in finance, administration, investments, and general business consulting. He earned a BSBA from Denver University and later pursued an MBA from the University of Southern California, laying a solid foundation for a distinguished career.

Since 2005, Gene has been a dedicated member of the Proponent Board of Directors, where he currently serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. He brings a wealth of expertise to board governance and financial oversight.

Throughout his career, Gene has held director positions on several notable boards, including Alpharel, Inc. (1983-1988), Stac Electronics, Inc. (1985-1990), Meguiars, Inc. (1985-1994), Mission Aviation Fellowship (1986-1994), and the International Bible Society Foundation (1999-2007, later renamed Biblica). His contributions have left a lasting impact on diverse organizations spanning technology, aviation, and philanthropy.

With a skill set encompassing finance, administration, investments, and general business consulting, Gene is recognized for his strategic insights and leadership acumen. He has been a trusted advisor, contributing to the success and growth of various enterprises.

Beyond the professional realm, Gene is deeply passionate about faith, family, and friends. He embodies the ethos of “doing the right things and doing things right,” reflecting a commitment to ethical values and excellence in all endeavors.

Kevin Michaels is Managing Director of AeroDynamic Advisory, a speciality consulting firm focused on the global aerospace and aviation industries. He has 36 years of experience, including hundreds of consulting engagements for leading aviation and aerospace companies across the globe. 

Kevin is a globally recognized expert in the aerospace manufacturing and MRO sectors, and has significant functional expertise in business-to-business marketing, customer satisfaction, M&A advisory, technology assessment, cluster development, and strategic planning. His experience spans commercial and military markets. 

Kevin is a contributing columnist to Aviation Week & Space Technology since 2013, and is a board member for Proponent, a leading aerospace distributor. From 2013 – 2022, he chaired the Industry Advisory Board for the University of Michigan’s Aerospace Engineering Department.

Dr Michaels holds BS – Aerospace Engineering and MBA degrees from the University of Michigan, and MSc and PhD degrees in International Relations from the London School of Economics. 

Kevin authored AeroDynamic: Inside the High-Stakes Global Jetliner Ecosystem, winner of the 2019 Choice Outstanding Academic Title Award. In 2021, he was the recipient of the Annual Gilbert W. Speed Award for leadership across the global aerospace supply chain. In 2022 he received the Alumni Merit Award from The University of Michigan’s aerospace engineering department.

Mary Josephs is the Founder and CEO of Verit Advisors. She has over 35 years of expertise in ESOPs for middle-market companies and has closed over 500 transactions worth more than $7 billion in senior credit and $30 billion in enterprise value, mostly supporting ESOPs. Mary established the ESOP group at LaSalle National Bank and co-founded an ESOP advisory practice at ABN AMRO LaSalle Corporate Finance, later leading the ESOP Solutions Group at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch.

In 2009, she founded Verit Advisors in Chicago, combining investment banking capabilities with a focus on ESOPs, debt and equity markets, M&A, and valuation services. Verit’s notable clients include Dansko, Clif Bar & Company, and Manson Construction Company.

Mary frequently speaks at conferences and writes on succession and liquidity for closely held businesses. She holds a BA in Economics and French from Marquette University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She serves on several boards and advisory committees and has received numerous awards, including the Women Leaders & Top Dealmakers Award 2020 and recognition as one of Chicago’s Notable Entrepreneurs by Crain’s Chicago in 2019.

Vincent is a seasoned professional with a diverse background and a passion for sustainability and innovation. Vincent embarked on a journey that blends military service, legal education, and a remarkable career in the aerospace industry.

After completing mandatory military service at the Green Berets, Vincent earned a degree in Law from the State University of Groningen. The professional trajectory took off at Fokker Space, where he specialized in selling solar panels for space applications. From there, he transitioned to Fokker Aircraft, assuming responsibilities for non-aircraft part purchases and later overseeing the sub-assembly line as a member of the Management Team at Fokker Schiphol.

In January 1991, Vincent became the Managing Director of Avio-Diepen, marking a significant chapter in his career. With a tenure spanning over two decades on the board of the Netherlands Aerospace Group (NAG), he played a pivotal role as treasurer for the last 15 years.

Since joining the board in May 2016, just after signing the SPA, Vincent has been an integral part of the organization. Although he holds no specific position in a sub-committee, he contributes valuable insights as a dedicated board member.

Beyond the aerospace industry, Vincent is actively involved in various boards and start-ups, showcasing his commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. Notable involvements include Sasmos HET Technology Ltd, an Indian company specializing in aerospace and defense cable harnesses, as well as ventures such as Specto Aerospace, Ioniqa, Aqua-Spark, EcoEnterprises, Nattergale, and Viridi.

Vincent possesses a unique set of skills and experiences, notably his entrepreneurial spirit and success in the MBO of Avio-Diepen from Fokker Aircraft. His journey includes transforming Avio-Diepen from a small regional player into one of the leading aerospace distributors.

Above all, Vincent is driven by a profound passion for sustainability and actively engages in activities to make life on the planet more sustainable. This commitment is deeply rooted in a sense of responsibility to future generations as he strives to leave a lasting legacy for his children and grandchildren.

Andrew brings over 35 years of highly successful operating experience to the table, with a focus on large consumer internet brands such as Ancestry.com, LinkedIn, Hilton, Bank of America, and many others. His expertise spans diverse sectors, including B2B SaaS, manufacturing, and industrial businesses. Andrew is not only a seasoned executive but also a proven leader in various capacities, excelling as a board member, advisor, and coach.

In his illustrious career, Andrew has demonstrated specific prowess in marketing, product development, engineering, operations, customer support, and the creation and leadership of successful sales teams. He has played instrumental roles in numerous Private Equity, IPO, and acquisition exits, showcasing his versatility and strategic acumen.

Andrew joined the Proponent Board in May of 2005 and currently serves on the compensation committee, contributing valuable insights to the organization’s governance and strategic direction. His involvement extends beyond Proponent, as he also sits on the boards of Fender, Tractive, Gametime, Evol.ai, Intellium, and Pathstream, showcasing his broad engagement in diverse industries.

Possessing unique skills and experience in digital marketing, product development, and global operations, Andrew stands out as a multifaceted leader. His impressive credentials include successfully exiting seven companies, including two IPOs, solidifying his reputation as a recognized expert in consumer subscription models.

Beyond his professional achievements, Andrew takes pride in his role as a husband, father, son, pilot, and athlete. His passions extend to helping others fulfill their potential, aviation, and the maintenance and restoration of vintage aircraft and automobiles. Andrew’s dedication to both his professional and personal pursuits underscore his commitment to excellence and a well-rounded life.

Mr. Morton currently serves on the board of directors for four Aerospace companies; Proponent, Noble Aerospace, All Clear Inc and Thaler Machine, engaged in the manufacturing and part distribution for the worlds commercial and defense aircraft and weapons systems. He recently also served as a board member for Kellstrom Defense, Shaw Development, Integrated Polymer Solutions and PAS Technologies. Mr. Morton retired in 2012 from his position as President of the Eaton Aerospace Group where he focused on the design and development of aircraft hydraulic, fuel, actuation and electrical control systems. During his 10 year term as president he developed and executed a growth and performance strategy to move the company from multiple independent component businesses to a fully integrated systems provider. During the execution of the strategy Mr. Morton led 3 divestitures, 3 major acquisitions and launched an international joint venture. The result was to more than double business revenue while improving operational margins and customer value.

Prior to his tenure at Eaton Corporation, Mr. Morton spent 21 years with Honeywell. He joined the organization in 1981 and was involved at Bendix Aircraft Brake and Strut Division in South Bend Indiana, Environmental Control Systems in Torrance California as well as Advanced Circuits Division in Minneapolis Minnesota. His roles included leadership positions in the areas of Project Engineering, Program Management, Sales and Marketing, Product Support, Manufacturing Operations and General Management. Prior to joining the Honeywell organization in 1981, Mr. Morton was Applications Engineering Manager for Rockford Products Corporation a Rexnord company serving the fastener needs of the automotive and construction industry.

Mr. Morton holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University and Masters of Business Administration from Indiana University. He has also completed Thunderbird Consortium II at American Graduate School of International Management in Phoenix. More recently, Mr. Morton completed the Board Director Education and Certification Program at the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management.

Mr. Morton was recognized as a Purdue University Distinguished Technology Alumni in 2010. Brad is also a Board Director for Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, California, and resides in San Clemente, California.