Our Executive Team

Jim H. Jijawi

Managing Director

Jim is recognized worldwide as an expert in the areas of airplane recovery, repair, modification, and passenger-to-freight conversions. Prior to SOAR, Jim worked over 28 years at Boeing and served as Director to several Boeing and McDonnell Douglas organizations, including Boeing Maintenance and Modification Services and the world-renowned McDonnell Douglas Recovery and Modifications Services organization (RAMS). He has 48 years of aviation experience, and he is degreed in both Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.

Chris Merry

General Manager

Prior to laying the groundwork for the formation of SOAR, Chris provided heavy commercial aircraft field repair, modification, design, and manufacturing management for companies like Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, Rockwell Collins, and others. He has participated in the executive management of companies and aerospace business units for several corporations as well as a university board. He has particular expertise in multi-jurisdictional global Aircraft Repair Certification. For the last 17+ years, he has acted as the Company General Manager for SOAR.

Our Project Management Team

David Wittrig

Senior Project Manager

With over 33 years of experience, David’s diverse background spans OEM field service to Aircraft Technical Monitoring for leasing companies. That background includes positions as a McDonnell Douglas RAMS Team member, Flight Mechanic, Line Maintenance Management for international air carriers and MROs, Repair Engineering Manager, Project Manager for heavy maintenance and modifications, airline Quality and Maintenance Systems Development Lead, Air Carrier Representative for heavy maintenance and KC-10A program technical advisor to Northrop Grumman. David possesses an FAA A&P License.

Dr. Romney Teller

Senior Project Manager

Romney began his aviation career in 1972 as a Jet Engine Mechanic with the U.S. Air Force. In 1974, he moved to civilian work as a Jet Engine Mechanic at a repair and overhaul facility in New Jersey. He joined McDonnell Douglas/Boeing in 1987, where he has held positions in Maintainability Engineering, Maintenance Engineering, Service Engineering, Customer Support, and Fleet Support. Dr. Teller holds a Doctorate degree in Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University and an MBA from National University. He also holds FAA Airframe and Powerplant licenses.

Jim Savastano

Project Manager

Former Omni Air International VP responsible for Line and Heavy Maintenance, Logistics, Engineering, Quality, and Training. Jim previously served as General Manager at Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services and VP of Maintenance for Capital Cargo International Airlines. He began his career at Eastern Airlines in Miami as an A&P mechanic and rose to Heavy Maintenance Manager. He held executive roles at several airlines and MROs. Mr. Savastano graduated Magna Cum Laude from Barry University with a Bachelor of Professional Studies. He is a licensed A&P mechanic and Private Pilot.

Bill Foster

Project Supervisor

Bill has 40 years of industry experience in Manufacturing and Product Support on the McDonnell Douglas fleet of commercial and military aircraft, including the C17 and F/A 18 Hornet. After retiring from Boeing Aircraft, Bill joined SOAR in 2015 as a Project Supervisor overseeing the repair and recovery of various aircraft, including small business jets. Bill remains an active A&P mechanic with an FCC license, is a commercial pilot, and achieved certificates from Cerritos College Engineering Department for 3D drafting.

Kurt Van Dam

Project Supervisor

Kurt brings 30 years of heavy structures experience from his time at Lufthansa Technik and Sabena Technik. In addition to his hands-on work, he has supervised heavy structures teams and supported SOAR projects in the field before officially joining the SOAR team. Kurt is an EASA-licensed technician with extensive heavy structures experience across all Airbus and Boeing model aircraft. He also has strong experience working on the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the Avro RJ100, and the Bombardier CRJ900, giving SOAR customers a technician with a broad and proven range of aircraft expertise.

Jamil Hammoudeh

Project Management Intern

Jamil is a student intern preparing for his transfer to Cal Poly Pomona at SOAR where he is benefitting from observing commercial aircraft field recovery, repairs, modifications, component logistics and project planning. Combining his internship with his proficiencies in robotics and coding, Jamil plans on obtaining his Airframe and Powerplant license and becoming an aerospace engineer.

Hadi Hammoudeh

Project Management Intern

Hadi is currently a student at Irvine Valley College and is working toward transferring next fall to continue his education in Mechanical Engineering. He is passionate about developing his technical knowledge, strengthening his problem-solving abilities, and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field of engineering. With the goal of becoming a successful mechanical engineer, Hadi looks forward to applying his skills to create innovative solutions and to help shape new ideas within the engineering industry, while continuing to learn from the experienced aviation team at SOAR.

Ed Salous

Logistics Director

Ed has a dual background in aviation and commercial construction management. He worked at the American Eagle on several models of airplanes, such as short 360, ATR42 in Marquette, MI. He also worked at Pacific Air Motive Corporation in Burbank, CA, where he supported both the JT8D and the PT6 engine overhaul lines. Additionally, he worked at National Air Motive Corporation in Long Beach, CA., where he supported the PT6 engine line. Ed graduated from St. Luis University in 1985 with a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering and possesses FAA Airframe and Power Plant A&P license.

Sir Gomez

SOAR Aviation Procurement Specialist

Mr. Gomez is a graduate of Sonoma State University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. He brings experience in customer account management, vendor management, client relationship building, and team collaboration, along with a strong background in aviation purchasing and sales. At SOAR, he is responsible for vendor management and maintaining strong, reliable vendor relationships on behalf of the entire company. He is also working closely with the SOAR team on the development of its internal project software tool, which was built in-house to support SOAR projects.

Our Sales & Marketing Team

Veronica Vargas

Marketing and Business Development Manager

Veronica offers more than 25 years of experience in management and administration across multiple industries, with specific achievements in fundraising, branding, and business development. She offers proficiency in program marketing, analysis, operational efficiency, and public relations. As an original member of SOAR, Veronica is responsible for the image, strategic marketing initiatives, positioning, and public relations. She is also responsible for designing and creating the company image, exhibition coordination, and press strategies.

Francois Albrecht

Sales Director | Europe

Francois possesses over fifty years of experience in the aerospace industry. The bulk of his experience has been gained in administration, sales and development, acquisition, modifications, and in maintenance serving regional, commercial, and military aircraft. Monsieur Albrecht is an expert at determining maintenance, modification, and regulatory needs and delivering them with reliability and quality. He brings to SOAR a portfolio of career success acquired at Jet Aviation, Minerve Industries, AOM Industries, TAT Industries, and Sabena Technics.

Vinicius Rondon

Sales & Project Management

Brazil & South America

Mr. Rondon brings sales and technical expertise from more than 16 years at Embraer SA. His capabilities include customer account management, technical support, project management, and aftermarket business development. With a background in mechanical engineering and material science applied to product development and aircraft maintenance and over 23 years in aviation, he helps clients find practical solutions for complex projects. His ability to deliver technical and cost-effective solutions makes him a key asset for SOAR in Brazil and South America, especially for Embraer products.

Odette Jijawi

Accounting Manager

Odette brings over 15 years of multi-disciplinary experience and holds a degree in Political Science with a background in Economics. She provides computational and analytical management for multiple projects, including deadlines and support within the aviation industry, and positively impacts SOAR’s network responsiveness and efficiency using her data management, communication, and multi-platform skills.