As Duncan Aviation looks to the future and prepares for some key retirements, we want to ensure stability, maintain operational excellence, and retain our tradition of strong leadership. To ensure this, Duncan Aviation’s senior leadership saw some changes early this year.
Jeff Lake, former President and Chief Executive Officer, will take a small step back while continuing as CEO, providing strategic guidance and leadership for the enterprise. He has chosen Mike Minchow to help guide the company vision, naming him President of Duncan Aviation.
Mike is a 31-year team member, beginning his career in 1993 as a Designer while pursuing his Master’s degree in Architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Over the years, he progressed through multiple leadership roles, including Team Leader of Design, Paint and Interior Sales Representative, Sales Team Leader, and Program Manager. His experience continued to grow as he became the Sales Manager for Modifications (Paint, Interior, and Avionics Installations) and the Vice President of Sales for all locations. Mike also served as Vice President of Modifications and Engineering before moving to Chief Operating Officer for the Lincoln, Nebraska, facility in July 2020.
As President of Duncan Aviation, Mike is responsible for the day-to-day guidance and development of the company. He provides direction and leadership for all locations and personnel, and leads the Senior Management Team.
Beyond his contributions to Duncan Aviation, Mike has been deeply involved in the aviation industry and local business community, serving on various boards. These boards include the Gogo Dealer Advisory Board, Honeywell Channel Partner Advisory Board, Aircraft Electronic Association (AEA) Board, NBAA Certified Aviation Manager Governing Board, and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Board. His extensive experience, deep industry connections, and leadership capabilities position him well to lead Duncan Aviation into our next phase of growth.
“This year is a transition year, and Jeff and I are working together to ensure the strategic moves on the senior leadership level are smooth and seamless for customers and team members alike,” Mike says. “Succession planning is something that as a company we take seriously on all levels, from Chairman and President to mid-level managers, team leaders, and technicians. We always have an eye on the future, externally and internally, and we work to innovate and grow capabilities and services when it makes sense. In addition, the senior team is composed of individuals with diversity of thought, experiences, and knowledge who are engaged and collaborate together to make crucial decisions.”
Kasey Harwick was promoted from Vice President of Quality to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln facility.
Kasey joined Duncan Aviation in 1999, where he initially worked in aircraft completions for Astra SPX aircraft before transitioning to the Airframe team. There he gained hands-on experience with Astras, Learjets, and Challengers. His career progression included more than seven years as a Lead Technician, followed by his promotion to Team Leader and then Program Manager for a fleet customer program. In 2017, Kasey moved from Lincoln to Battle Creek, Michigan, to be the Director of Maintenance at that facility.
In 2018, he was promoted to Vice President of Maintenance, and in 2019, he returned to Lincoln as Vice President of Aircraft Services.
Kasey’s educational background is equally impressive, with degrees including an Associate of Applied Science in Nondestructive Testing, a Bachelor of Science in Business with a minor in Marketing, a Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership, further demonstrating his commitment to growth and leadership excellence.
“I am thrilled to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer at Duncan Aviation-LNK during such an exciting time for our company and the industry,” Kasey says. “With our recent maintenance hangar expansion, the ongoing construction of our state-of-the-art engine overhaul facility, and the building of two new cross-draft paint booths, we are poised for significant growth. By fostering meaningful relationships with our clients and industry partners, we ensure their needs are met with the utmost care and attention.
My role is to carry forward our unwavering commitment to excellence, infusing cutting- edge innovations into our work, and assuring every product we deliver not only meets the highest industry standards but also sets new benchmarks.”