US business aviation MRO specialist Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems has appointed Rob Reed as director of aircraft modification programmes and promoted Evan Sustarich to maintenance manager of its Smyrna airport MRO location in Tennessee.

Reed’s background includes positions with Pro-Tech, Banyan and Hawker Beechcraft, starting as an A&P technician then quickly rising to systems integration engineer, avionics installer and supervisor serving both the civilian and government segments. Reed comes to Stevens from Southeast Aerospace where he held several positions over 14 years including avionics installation manager and director of aircraft programmes, overseeing all installation sales, programme managers and government contract programmes. His aircraft background includes both rotorcraft and fixed wing ranging from piston singles to commercial jets. He will be working closely with both the civilian and government programmes at Stevens overseeing avionics sales and programme development.

“Rob’s deep background in avionics sales, engineering and government programme development fits perfectly with our growth plans, furthering our leadership in those areas,” says president Christian Sasfai. “His industry leadership with the avionics and airframe OEMs will also be a great asset as we continue to develop new civilian and government avionics programmes and solutions.”

Evan Sustarich is promoted to maintenance manager of Stevens' Smyrna airport MRO location in Nashville, Tennessee.

Sustarich joined the company in 2012 as an A&P/IA technician and was soon promoted to crew lead, shop foreman and recently to maintenance manager. Sustarich is also a licensed pilot.

“Evan has proved to be a significant part of our success here in Nashville,” says Nashville general manager Kenyon Blacker. “Having worked his way through multiple positions and gaining a full understanding of the operations from time working on the aircraft, leading the crews or closely interacting with new and existing customers, Evan was a solid choice to run the maintenance operation.”