OAI receives export award, names new president

 

Cleveland, Ohio – The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) received the President’s “E” Award from the Department of Commerce at the 54th annual “E” Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to U.S. export expansion.

 

“OAI has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. We were very impressed with OAI’s dedication to connecting businesses in the aerospace sector to export markets, along with its support of trade missions,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. “OAI’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

 

OAI is one of 123 companies nationwide to receive the President’s “E” Award for its efforts to reduce barriers to foreign markets and open the door to more trade worldwide. The organization provides export services for small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses, including freight forwarding, export counseling and financing, and strategic planning.

 

“Exporting is crucial to the success of the businesses that OAI works with,” said OAI President and CEO Michael Heil. “Every day, we see the growth of our member companies’ businesses, due in large part to exporting. This growth has enabled our clients to add jobs and support their local communities while expanding their bottom line.”

 

In 2015, U.S. exports totaled $2.23 trillion, accounting for nearly 13% of the U.S. GDP. Nationally, exports support an estimated 11.5 million jobs in the U.S. economy.

 

The board of trustees of the OAI have appointed Jeffrey Rolf as president and chief executive officer effective July 1, 2016. He will succeed Dr. Michael Heil, current president and CEO, who will retire from OAI on June 30, 2016, after a 41-year career in aerospace. 

 

Rolf comes to OAI following a distinguished career with Parker Hannifin Corp., where he most recently served as Parker Aerospace’s vice president of commercial airframes, business development. He is extensively involved in Ohio’s aerospace community, having served as chair and current industry member of the Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Council. He is a charter member of the Ohio Legislature’s Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee. He holds a bachelor of mechanical engineering degree and master of business administration degree from Cleveland State University. Rolf is a registered professional engineer in the state of Ohio and holds two U.S. patents.

 

As president and CEO, Rolf plans to make OAI a key driver of aerospace economic growth in Ohio.

 

“It’s an honor to succeed Mike as president. He has been a tremendous advocate for Ohio’s aerospace industry and has contributed greatly to its growth,” Rolf said. “I look forward to picking up the mantle and welcome the opportunity to make OAI an even more valuable asset for Ohio’s aerospace community.”

 

Heil, who has served as president and CEO since 2007, said, “Jeff Rolf is the perfect choice to serve as OAI’s president and CEO. He has an outstanding track record of success as a leader in the aerospace industry and Ohio’s aerospace community. He understands OAI and our mission and will lead the institute to a bigger and brighter future.”

 

“During Mike’s tenure, his innovative leadership created a new standard for enhancing the aerospace industry,” said Salvatore J. Miraglia, Jr., chairman of the board of trustees. “Although Mike will be missed, we are confident that Jeff Rolf will rise to the challenge of upholding OAI’s commitment to the aerospace community, while identifying new opportunities for growth.”