Celebrating National Air Traffic Control Day
Happy National Air Traffic Control Day! We celebrate the dedicated professionals who keep our skies safe around the clock.
Today we’re spotlighting Evans team members whose air traffic control backgrounds bring exceptional value to our clients. These professionals demonstrate how specialized aviation skills translate seamlessly into outstanding consulting services.
Evans Senior Principal Joe Kovack brings decades of aviation excellence to our team, with a distinguished career at FAA-Denver ARTCC that spans multiple critical roles:
- Certified Professional Controller (CPC) – Joe maintained the gold standard in air traffic management, orchestrating safe and efficient operations in one of the nation’s busiest airspace sectors.
- Traffic Management Coordinator (TMC) – He expertly balanced complex traffic flows, turning potential bottlenecks into smooth operations while prioritizing safety at every decision point.
- Training Specialist – Joe shaped the future of aviation by developing and mentoring emerging controllers, ensuring his expertise lives on in the next generation of professionals.
- Facility Lead – SGET Development and Lab Coordinator – He spearheaded cutting-edge technology initiatives, bridging the gap between operational needs and innovative solutions in air traffic control systems.
Joe’s multifaceted experience demonstrates how deep operational knowledge translates into strategic excellence, making him an invaluable asset to Evans and our clients.
Eric Widick, Principal at Evans, dedicated over three decades to aviation excellence, serving as a controller from 1987 until his retirement in 2020. Yet his commitment to the aviation industry didn’t end there—Eric seamlessly transitioned to Evans, where he continues advancing aviation excellence. His remarkable journey at FAA-Chicago ARTCC showcases a career built on expertise, leadership, and innovation:
- Certified Professional Controller (CPC) – Eric mastered the art of air traffic management, delivering exceptional safety and operational efficiency throughout his extensive tenure.
- Operations Supervisor (OS) – He led critical operational teams, ensuring seamless coordination and peak performance during high-pressure situations.
- National SPOT and SGET Development Team Member – Eric contributed his field expertise to shape national air traffic control standards, helping advance industry-wide techniques and cutting-edge technologies.
- Area Training Specialist – He cultivated aviation talent by mentoring countless controllers who continue to excel in the field today.
- Facility SGET Lead and SPOT Administrator – Eric drove strategic initiatives and technological advancements in air traffic control operations.
Eric’s evolution from the control tower to Evans demonstrates his unwavering dedication to aviation excellence, now channeling decades of operational knowledge into innovative solutions that continue serving the industry he’s passionate about.
Evans Subject Matter Expert John Kerr brings exceptional air traffic control expertise to our team, with a distinguished 33-year career:
- Certified Professional Controller (CPC) at Major Facilities – John delivered unwavering safety and efficiency across some of the nation’s most demanding air traffic environments, from Albany and Miami ATCT/TRACON to Atlanta ATCT.
- Certified Training Instructor – He cultivated aviation excellence by training the next generation of controllers to ensure safe and efficient flow of air traffic at each facility.
- NATCA Subject Matter Expert (SME) for TAMR/STARS – John served as a major contributor on Terminal Automation Modernization, leading the critical transition from legacy systems to modern STARS technology that revolutionized terminal airspace operations nationwide.
- Technology Innovation Leader – He drove transformational FAA programs from Advanced Automation System development through current Abacus System Engineering support, with the great majority of his SME work focused on the critical TAMR/STARS Program. His contributions included cutting-edge R&D at MITRE and Raytheon while participating in the landmark 5-year STARS Human Factors Color Study.
John’s experience demonstrates how deep operational knowledge combined with technology leadership makes him an invaluable asset to Evans and our clients navigating the evolving landscape of air traffic management.
Thank you Joe, Eric, John, and all air traffic controllers past and present, for your relentless service and dedication towards safeguarding our skies.
