Aurora, Oregon, USA – October 2024 – Chris Vandersteen has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer at Columbia Helicopters, a global leader in heavy-lift helicopter operations and maintenance support. In his new role, Chris will oversee the company’s financial strategy, planning, and operations, supporting its diverse commercial, military, and maintenance services worldwide.
Before joining Columbia Helicopters, Chris served as the Chief Financial Officer at MD Helicopters for nearly two years, where he was instrumental in managing the company’s financial operations, driving growth, and implementing cost optimization strategies in the aerospace sector.
Prior to his role at MD Helicopters, Chris held the position of Senior Vice President of Finance at Micross Components, where he focused on financial leadership and operational efficiency to support the company’s growth in microelectronics manufacturing.
Earlier in his career, Chris was the Vice President of Finance at Data Device Corporation, Arkwin Industries, and US Cargo Systems, all under TransDigm. His tenure across these roles spanned over seven years, focusing on financial management, strategic planning, and M&A activities.
Chris’s financial career also includes leadership roles at Microsoft, Precor, GE, Bombardier Aerospace, and Honeywell, where he gained extensive experience in corporate finance, operations management, and global financial strategy.
About Columbia Helicopters
Columbia Helicopters, Inc. is a renowned global operator of heavy-lift helicopters, providing services like timber harvesting, transportation of construction materials, military support, and aerial firefighting. The company also offers depot-level maintenance services to commercial and military customers, including engine, transmission, avionics, and hydraulic component repair. Based in Aurora, Oregon, Columbia Helicopters has been a leader in the aviation industry since its founding in 1957.
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