Celebrating National Air Traffic Controller Day
In honor of National Air Traffic Controller Day (July 6), we’re highlighting our Evans consultants that have a background in Air Traffic Control (ATC). Accompanying each of their spotlights is a throwback photo from their time in Air Traffic Control.
Evans Senior Principal Joe Kovack has been a pillar in the aviation industry, bringing unparalleled expertise and dedication to his role. With an impressive background at FAA-Denver ARTCC, Joe has significantly impacted air traffic control through:
- Certified Professional Controller (CPC): Ensuring the highest level of safety and efficiency in managing air traffic.
- Traffic Management Coordinator (TMC): Coordinating and optimizing traffic flow, minimizing delays and maximizing safety.
- Training Specialist: Mentoring the next generation of air traffic controllers, passing on his knowledge and expertise.
- Facility Lead – SGET Development and Lab Coordinator: Leading strategic initiatives and innovations in air traffic control technology and processes.
Eric Widick, Principal at Evans, has been a steadfast presence in the aviation industry since starting as a controller in 1987. Eric served diligently until his retirement from Air Traffic Control in 2020 before joining Evans. With his extensive experience at FAA-Chicago ARTCC, Eric has positively served air traffic control in many ways:
- Certified Professional Controller (CPC): Ensuring unmatched safety and efficiency in the management of air traffic.
- Operations Supervisor (OS): Overseeing the optimization of vital air traffic control operations.
- National SPOT and SGET Development Team Member: Contributing to national-level efforts to advance air traffic control’s techniques and technologies.
- Area Training Specialist: Guiding the upcoming generation of air traffic controllers, imparting his expertise and knowledge.
- Facility SGET Lead and SPOT Administrator: Driving strategic initiatives and technological advancements in air traffic control operations.
Evans Principal Kris Koke has an impressive resume spanning FAA-Los Angeles ARTCC, Cleveland ARTCC, and Fort Worth ARTCC where he has significantly influenced air traffic control through:
- Certified Professional Controller (CPC): Upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency in managing air traffic.
- Oceanic Airspace Controller: Expertly managing our vast and complex oceanic airspaces.
- Traffic Management Coordinator (TMC): Coordinating and optimizing traffic flow to minimize delays and maximize safety.
- Training Specialist: Actively mentoring the next generation of air traffic controllers by passing on his invaluable knowledge and expertise.
- SGET Development: Playing an instrumental role in strategic initiatives and innovations in air traffic control technology and processes.
- First Level Supervisor: Leading with excellence for three years, setting a high bar for leadership within the industry.
- NATCA Area Rep, Regional Training Rep, Advocate for 3rd level arbitrations: Representing and advocating for his colleagues, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests are protected. Kris spent several years traveling to facilities across the country as a National Cadre member for URET/EDST (D-side technology), training facility cadres on new procedures and equipment so they could teach the workforce. Additionally, he worked for two years with Raytheon to design curricula for developmental controllers/trainees, revamping training for the future.
- Airspace & Procedures Specialist: With expertise in airspace and procedures, he has been a driving force in improving operational efficiency.
Thank you Joe, Eric, Kris, and all air traffic controllers past and present, for your relentless service and dedication towards safeguarding our skies.
