Leadership Team
Evan Wagner
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Evan Wagner
Evan Wagner, President and CEO, has been with Avion for more than twenty years, supporting U.S. Army Aviation customers and platforms in the areas of airworthiness, systems engineering, sustainment, aeromechanics, and propulsion. He led Avion as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2014 to 2022, fostering Avion’s maturation from subcontractor to prime contractor, and overseeing its expansion into new program offices and geographies.
Evan earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University.
DAVID FRENCH
VICE PRESIDENT AND CFO
DAVID FRENCH
David French brings over 35 years of distinguished experience in Finance and Accounting to Avion Solutions, where he has served as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer since 2019. David is a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record in the Government Contract Industry, known for his strategic vision and expertise in financial management.
Before joining Avion Solutions, David held several high-profile positions, including Vice President & CFO for CFD Research Corporation, Vice President & CFO for Agility Defense and Government Services, Vice President of Finance for Dynetics, and Senior Vice President & CFO for Siemens Government Technologies. Throughout his career, David has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to financial excellence.
As a passionate advocate for employee ownership (ESOPs), he believes strongly in their power to drive engagement and long-term success. His advocacy for ESOPs reflects his dedication to creating inclusive and empowering work environments.
David holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University and a Master of Accountancy from The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and fishing with his family and two dogs, and he is an avid supporter of several local non-profits.
Brian Wylie
VICE PRESIDENT AND COO
BRIAN WYLIE
Brian Wylie, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, joined Avion Solutions in 2009 as a Senior Analyst. Over the years, he has held various roles, most recently as the Chief Growth Officer. Prior to that Brian provided direct technical support and served as a Program Manager supporting U.S. Army Aviation tasks, including the Systems Readiness Directorate’s Propulsion and Special Operation Aircraft Divisions. He also played a key role as the Senior Program Manager for EXPRESS, overseeing the execution of Avion’s primary technical services contract.
Prior to Avion, Brian served in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 2008. While serving, he held roles as an Aviation Electronics Technician, Master Training Specialist, and Patrol Squadron Maintenance Master Chief.
Brian earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Columbia College and a Master of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
STEVE SIZEMORE
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
STEVE SIZEMORE
Steve Sizemore joined Avion Solutions in 2023 as the Director of Business Development. In this position he is responsible for developing and executing the overall business development strategy and managing key relationships across Avion’s client and industry partnerships. He works closely with the President and Chief Growth Officer, as well as collaborating with corporate leadership across all divisions to drive strategic growth objectives.
Prior to joining Avion, Steve was the Deputy Director of GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program Management Office (PMO). During his tenure, he held various roles across GSA focused on acquisition and contracting, policy development and implementation, and customer support. Steve also served in the U.S. Army for 15 years as a logistician, both active duty and civilian.
Steve holds a Master’s Degree in Management and certifications in Federal Contracting-Professional and Program Management-Level 3. He is a graduate of Harvard’s Senior Executive Fellows program.
KIM TAYLOR
DIRECTOR OF CONTRACTS & HUMAN RESOURCES
KIM TAYLOR
Kim Taylor began her career at Arrow Electronics as a Product Manager, where she spent seven years before joining Avion Solutions. In 2001, she joined Avion Solutions as the Contracts Manager and later assumed responsibility for Human Resources.
In her position, she is responsible for administering and overseeing Avion Solutions contracts, maintaining the company benefits programs, and ensuring federal and state employment regulation compliance. She has a working knowledge with the FAR, DFARs and GSA.
Kim received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 1994.
KEN HOVANES
DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
KEN HOVANES
Ken Hovanes has worked in the Information Technology industry for more than 30 years in both government and commercial roles, including supporting the United States Army Headquarters in Europe as a database administrator and programmer.
Prior to joining Avion Solutions in 2008, Hovanes successfully led modernization and reorganization efforts to streamline operations and support at one of the largest library information vendors in the US. Hovanes has held senior leadership positions at SirsiDynix and Time Domain. His varied skillset includes: database design and management; ERP systems; operations; systems administration; virtualization; diverse network administration and integration; SAP Basis Administration; disaster recovery; network administration; vulnerability analysis; penetration testing; data center management; and the creation of IT security policies and procedures.
Hovanes earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
JOE HERMAN
DIRECTOR OF AVIATION PROGRAMS
JOE HERMAN
Joe Herman, Director of Aviation Programs, joined Avion Solutions in 2023 as a Senior Program Manager. Since that time, he has led multidisciplinary teams of analysts, logisticians, engineers, and subject matter experts supporting the U.S. Army’s Capability Program Executives for Aviation, Fires; and Simulation, Training, Test, and Threat.
Joe joined Avion following a distinguished 29-year career in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel in 2023. An Army Aviator and senior Army Acquisition Corps leader, his assignments included serving as Chief of Staff for the Missile Defense Agency’s Directorate for Test, Product Manager for the International Apache Program, and Program Manager for Apache Development and Modernization.
Joe is DAWIA Level III certified in Program Management and holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Missouri Western State University.
ALAN HICKS
DIRECTOR OF AVIATION TECHNICAL SERVICES
ALAN HICKS
Alan Hicks, Director of Aviation Technical Services, joined Avion nearly 20 years ago as a hydraulics engineer supporting the U.S. Army Aviation Engineering Directorate’s Propulsion Division. Over the years, he has held a variety of technical and leadership positions, playing an integral role in growing and leading Avion’s engineering and technical support capabilities.
Alan is a registered Professional Engineer and holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama. He is an active member of his church, functioning as a Trustee, Administrative Council Chair, and technology team lead. He also serves as a volunteer firefighter/EMT, youth athletics coach and booster, and scouting leader.
CHRIS HODGES
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGIES
CHRIS HODGES
Chris Hodges joined Avion Solutions in 2025 as Director of Technologies. In this role, he is responsible for developing and expanding Avion’s capabilities in strategic technical areas and delivering innovative solutions across the company’s customer base. He works closely with the Director of Business Development and Chief Operating Officer to ensure technical rigor across Avion’s operations and growth initiatives.
Prior to Avion, Chris completed a distinguished 34-year career as a civilian leader with the U.S. Army, culminating in his role as the acting delegated airworthiness authority for much of Army Aviation. Throughout his career, he held a variety of technical and leadership positions spanning the lifecycle of both missile and aviation weapon systems. He also served as Chief of Staff to the Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC) Technical Director, overseeing the center’s business, financial, and information technology functions.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University and a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Senior Service College Fellowship Program.
GINNY WAGNER
CHIEF OF STAFF
GINNY WAGNER
Ginny Wagner joined Avion Solutions in 2018. She brings more than 20 years of experience supporting Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers in the areas of contracts, budgeting, and business process improvement. Ginny also served as Executive Director for a multinational nonprofit organization focused on orphan care and prevention and community health.
In her position, Ginny supports the President and Executive Staff in driving strategic programs and collaboration across directorates; oversees internal corporate communications; and promotes corporate philanthropy and community engagement.
Ginny received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from The University of Texas at Austin. She proudly serves on the Board of Directors Women’s Economic Development Council Foundation.
CHAD DONALD
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAD DONALD
Chad Donald served Avion Solutions in various leadership roles, including Program Manager, Director of Special Projects, and Executive Vice President before becoming President in 2014 upon the retirement of his father, Gary Donald. As President and CEO, Mr. Donald led Avion Solutions to achieve a many significant accomplishments, including numerous blanket purchase agreement contract awards resulting in more than forty task orders; multiple Small Business of the Year awards; nine-time finalist and three Best Placed to Work® awards; and Avion’s transition to a 100% employee owned (ESOP) company in July 2020.
Mr. Donald retired from his role as President and CEO in December 2022. He remains Chairman of the Board of Directors.