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Steve

Steve Sawyer

President

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Andrew

Andrew Sawyer

Partner & Chief Design Officer

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Andy Mills

Andy Mills

Vice President of Business Development

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Sarah Tyler

Sarah Tyler

Financial Controller

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Justin

Justin Conklin

Vice President of Operations

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Dave

Dave Arata

Senior Sales Associate

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Our People

Kawak Aviation is an aviation technology and innovation engineering company. We’re a creative, nimble team able to implement mission critical solutions on rapid timelines. We have over 28 years of experience helping customers succeed and we’re just getting started. History is important, but what we do today matters most, and we realize that.

The only way to innovate and create value every day is with the right people. We take pride at Kawak in employing the best people possible for the job and doing our best to hire the right people as we grow into the future.

Contact us now to see how our people can help yours.

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Steve

Steve Sawyer

President

With more than two decades of expertise in aviation systems, hydraulics, and product innovation, Steve has been a driving force in Kawak Aviation Technologies’ growth and reputation for engineering excellence. Promoted to President in 2025 following the founder’s retirement, Steve now leads company strategy, product innovation, and operational execution across aerial firefighting, ag-aviation, cargo, and utility aircraft systems.

Starting at Kawak in 2008 as Vice President, Steve spent over 16 years spearheading business development, hydraulic system design, FAA-certified product development, and customer support for global civilian and government clients. His hands-on engineering expertise—paired with a strong focus on customer needs—helped establish Kawak as a trusted partner in critical aerial operations.

Before joining Kawak, Steve built a solid technical foundation as a lead hydraulic technician at D&S Hydraulics, working across forestry, construction, manufacturing, and aviation sectors.

Today, Steve continues to drive Kawak’s mission forward—building a high-performance team culture, delivering innovative, mission-ready systems, and supporting life-saving aerial operations around the world.

Andrew

Andrew Sawyer

Partner & Chief Design Officer

With nearly two decades of experience in industrial design, product development, and creative leadership, Andrew brings a rare blend of innovation, technical expertise, and market insight to Kawak Aviation Technologies. Since joining Kawak in 2011, Andrew has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s design and innovation strategy—advancing from Marketing Director and Innovation Architect to Partner and Chief Design Officer.

His work spans the full spectrum of product creation, from early concept development and market research to hands-on prototyping and production optimization. Leveraging a multidisciplinary background in aviation systems, consumer products, and industrial design, Andrew ensures every Kawak solution delivers exceptional performance, manufacturability, and customer value.

Prior to Kawak, Andrew served as Creative Director at Rocket Monster Creative and Industrial Designer at Samson Design Associates, leading projects for industries ranging from medical devices to consumer electronics. With a career built on turning complex challenges into elegant, functional designs, Andrew continues to drive Kawak’s reputation for innovation and engineering excellence.

Andy Mills

Andy Mills

Vice President of Business Development

Andy Mills, Vice President of Business Development, brings more than 25 years of executive experience in the aviation industry, with a strong focus on utility and heavy-lift helicopter operations, international business development, and MRO strategy.

Prior to joining Kawak Aviation Technologies, Andy held multiple leadership positions at Erickson, Inc., including President of Commercial Aviation, Vice President of Global Business Development, and Interim CEO and President. In these roles, he managed worldwide operations, safety, profit and loss, sales and marketing, and customer partnerships—overseeing one of the largest and most complex heavy-lift helicopter fleets.

His career began in the geophysical services sector, leading challenging operations in remote and austere environments across more than 20 countries. Over the years, Andy has served in senior operational and business development roles at Carson Helicopters, Swanson Group Aviation, and Zephyr Geophysical Services, consistently delivering growth, operational excellence, and innovative solutions.

At Kawak, Andy’s proven track record in global aviation leadership and strategic growth helps drive the company’s expansion into next-generation aerial technology solutions, ensuring customers worldwide receive mission-ready, high-performance systems.

Sarah Tyler

Sarah Tyler

Financial Controller

Sarah Tyler is the Financial Controller at Kawak Aviation Technologies, bringing over 18 years of accounting and financial leadership to the organization. She oversees all aspects of Kawak’s financial operations—including reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management—while providing strategic guidance to executive leadership and ensuring compliance with GAAP and audit standards.
Sarah is known for strengthening internal controls, enhancing financial clarity across departments, and aligning fiscal practices with the company’s long-term goals
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management (magna cum laude) with a minor in Accounting from Eastern Oregon University, and an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting from Mt. Hood Community College. Sarah has also completed CPA coursework to further deepen her technical expertise.

Justin

Justin Conklin

Vice President of Operations

Justin Conklin, our Vice President of Operations, plays a vital role in driving the day-to-day performance and long-term success of our organization. With a strong focus on leadership, efficiency, and continuous improvement, he oversees the processes, people, and systems that keep our operations running smoothly. From maintaining high production standards to supporting cross-functional collaboration, Justin’s commitment to operational excellence helps ensure we continue delivering the quality, reliability, and performance our customers expect.

Dave

Dave Arata

Senior Sales Associate

With nearly two decades of experience in aviation sales, technical support, and customer service, Dave brings a solutions-focused approach to Kawak Aviation Technologies. As Senior Sales Associate, Dave works closely with customers worldwide to match mission needs with Kawak’s advanced aerial systems—supporting firefighting, agricultural, and utility aviation operations.
Before joining Kawak, Dave spent nine years at Electronics International, providing technical sales and product support for engine instrumentation and systems management solutions, often serving as the liaison between customers and engineering for custom project needs.

At Kawak, Dave leverages his deep aviation product knowledge, customer-focused mindset, and problem-solving skills to deliver high-value solutions that keep operators’ mission-ready.