Management Team
The management of Max-Viz represents significant experience, not only in the aerospace industry, but also in the development of IR technology and in the history of EVS system development, evaluation and implementation.

Jim Tuttle, CEO
		Jim Tuttle, CEO, brings over thirty-five years of experience in General Management as CEO, CFO, and COO as well as VP level assignments in Sales, Engineering, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Product Management. His key strength is turning market opportunities into growing businesses. He has worked in twenty-five countries in companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 with a track record of consistently achieving results. Past customers include Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Pratt & Whitney, SNECMA, Rolls Royce, Raytheon, and IAI. Previously he was COO of Max-Viz, VP Operations of Loudeye, CEO/CFO of Serengeti, and VP of Marketing at 3D Systems. Jim brings a passion for customers, quality and efficient execution to Max-Viz. He has helped two companies win the Malcom Baldrige National Quality Award, served as an examiner in that program, was a member of the team that set up the California Quality Award Program, and worked with the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force in its quality award program. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). and is a member of the IEEE, AMA, and ASQ.

R. Roger Watson, Vice President and Chief Design Officer, Founder
		Mr. Watson has over 30 years' experience in sensor development. Prior to forming Max-Viz, Inc., he was instrumental in the development of a new generation of InSb IR Sensors at BAE SYSTEMS-Cincinnati Electronics. Previously, Watson was vice president of Marketing and Program Management and director of Advanced Development Labs for FLIR Systems, where he directed the development of several radically new staring array sensors for airborne applications. As FLIR's representative, Watson was a participant on the ALGS program, which was sponsored by DARPA and had team members from industry, the airlines and the military. This program was the test vehicle that demonstrated the ability to land aircraft under adverse IMC conditions using sensor data presented on a heads-up display. During the course of this program the sensors were mounted on a B727, C-130 and the C-135 Speckled Trout test aircraft. Watson is a commercial pilot, with single-engine, multi-engine and instrument ratings.

J. Richard Kerr, Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Founder
		Until formation of Max-Viz, Inc, Dr. Kerr was directing the Northwest Office for the Center for Aerospace Technology, Research Triangle Institute. At RTI he managed a multimillion-dollar NASA program in Enhanced Vision Systems. Prior to RTI, Dr. Kerr was vice president of Engineering/Advanced Development at FLIR Systems, Inc. The management team took the company from $1.8 million/year to nearly $200 million/year in sales and established FLIR as the world’s largest independent infrared firm. Before joining FLIR, he was vice president of Marketing at Flight Dynamics, Inc., where he was part of the team that took it from start-up to a mature company, achieved in three rounds of financing. Today FDI is the world’s leading supplier of commercial heads-up displays. While pursuing his academic interests, he was professor, executive vice president/COO and president/CEO of the Oregon Graduate Institute. He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, Stanford University, and a National Science Foundation Fellowship. His fields of interest include lasers and electro-optical systems.
Elliott Troutman, CFO
		With over 25 years of experience in finance, general management, operations and information systems, Mr. Troutman has worked for a variety of high-tech companies, from start-ups to the Fortune 100, whose products have included Internet security and encryption, electronic design software, electronic parts, nuclear and ultrasonic imaging and health products and supplies. Troutman received his MBA from the University of Chicago and holds a Private Pilot license.
Louis Churchville, V.P. Sales
		Lou Churchville brings over 30 years of aircraft maintenance and modifications business and program development and sales experience to Max-Viz. Lou began his aviation career as an Agricultural pilot and Corporate pilot. His aircraft modification and maintenance experience includes 15 years in aircraft modification sales and program development during which he participated in early EFIS retrofit program development and sales on B727 and DC8 aircraft, TCAS II STC development and airframe installations, and RVSM Certification and installations. He has extensive experience in both Corporate and Airline Transport Aircraft maintenance and modification programs, including Foreign Head of Sate, Corporate and Special mission aircraft interior conversions and passenger to cargo aircraft conversions. Lou is an active Commercial Pilot with airplane single and multi engine/ Instrument and glider ratings and an active aerospace writer.
Mike Fossey, V.P. Engineering
		Mike Fossey has spent the last thirty years developing electronic and optical systems, with most of that experience in the avionics and semiconductor equipment industries. Companies he has worked for include ADE, Flight Dynamics and Electro Scientific Industries (ESI). At Flight Dynamics, he was a member of the team that certified the first Head Up Display ever approved for landing in Category III conditions. At ESI, his unofficial title was "father of the 9000 series". The 9000 series is family of laser systems used to increase yields in semiconductor memory plants and was the worldwide industry standard for many years. Mr. Fossey received his B.S. from Oregon State University in Engineering Physics and his M.S. from the Oregon Graduate Center in Applied Physics. He is the holder of nine patents in fields that range from fundamental laser devices to wafer inspection and defect classification.
Bill Harwood, Director of Sales
		Mr Harwood has over 37 years of experience with electro-optical and infrared airborne sensors. He served 20 years in the United State Air Force as a technician, systems operator, and Advanced Sensors R&D aircraft program manager. Prior to joining Max-Viz Mr Harwood held the position of Director of Sales at FLIR Systems, Inc. and Vice President of Sales at Wescam Inc. His foresight with sensor applications and future operational needs have led to much advancement in sensor technology concepts, new products, and company growth. He holds a Bachelor Degree of Science (summa cum laude) in management from Troy State University and an Associates Degree in Sensor Systems Technology.
Steve Lord, Field Sales Manager
		Steve Lord has 30 years of avionics and aviation management experience. After serving four years in the United States Navy, Steve continued his career as an Avionics Technician for Stead Aviation in Manchester, NH. In this position he traveled throughout the Eastern United States performing on call avionic installations for many fortune 500 companies. Steve has held senior management positions with Jet Aviation and most recently was the Vice President General Aviation Services, and Director of Business Development for Wiggins Airways. Several years ago, Steve became involved in infrared technology while working with various EVS manufacturers to install, evaluate, and certify their individual systems for a major fleet operator. Steve Lord serves on the Board of Directors for the New Hampshire Aviation Historical Society and the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire. He is a private pilot who enjoys flying, skiing, winter hiking, and sailing. He currently resides in Londonderry, NH with his wife Susan, daughter Allison, and son Eric.
Robert Yerex, Field Sales Manager
		Mr. Yerex has over 30 years of diverse aviation experience as a mechanic, systems integrator, safety manager, and pilot. Retiring with more than 24 years in the military, Bob flew for a Part-121 regional airline and subsequently an EMS helicopter provider prior to joining Max-Viz. Mr. Yerex has managed and participated in numerous military and civilian avionics development programs to include OEM level integrations utilizing state of the art avionics and R&D technologies. Bob is an ATP rated pilot (helicopter and multi-engine fixed wing) with over 8300 flight hours to include 540 hours of Night Vision Goggle, and over 300 hours using infrared imaging systems. He has additionally instructed since 1993 and holds CFI, CFII and MEI ratings to include instruction in both land and sea airplanes and helicopters. Mr. Yerex has managed / developed world class training and database management programs and holds numerous awards to include Instructor of the Year (Civil Air Patrol), Order of Daedalian Pilot of the Year, Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Alaska Medal of Heroism. He is a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (Bachelor of Science, and Aviation Safety Management), the Naval Postgraduate School (Aviation Safety), and the International Center for Safety.
Chuck Crompton, Field Sales Manager
		Mr. Crompton's background includes over 20 years of sales and marketing experience involving integrated navigation, communication and night vision systems. This includes work with Lear Siegler/ Smiths Industries as the Marketing Director for the C-130 Self-Contained Navigation System (SCNS) and eight years with infrared system development for FLIR Systems Inc. In addition to extensive experience as an instructor in infrared system use, his specialties include development and support of dealer and re-seller programs.
Cindy Ashforth, Director of Regulatory Compliance
		Ms. Ashforth brings over 15 years aviation experience to the team. As Director of Regulatory Compliance, her primary task is to ensure compliance to all federal aviation regulations and assist in FAA certification of Max-Viz products. Prior to joining Max-Viz, she was the Certification Manager for aircraft manufacturer Lancair. Originally a materials and structural testing specialist, Cindy transitioned into certification and is a FAA Administrative DER and Structural DER for Composite Materials and Processes. She has also worked at McCauley Propeller Systems in testing and certification, and at the Air Force Research Laboratory and the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute in materials testing. She holds a Bachelor’s in Engineering Mechanics and a Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering.