Duke Tucker

As the Vice President of Pinnacle’s Services division, was responsible for the strategic growth and operations of the division’s two business areas: Training and Support Programs and Aircraft Maintenance and Operations Programs. In support of these responsibilities, he provided executive direction to multidisciplinary teams and represented work forces comprised of program managers, aircrew, maintainers, engineers, logisticians, and financial professionals.

Provided executive direction to multidisciplinary teams and represented workforces to ensure that Business Area programs and projects remained within cost, scope, and schedule; assisted the company in reaching goals and short-term and strategic objectives related to the Business Area’s sales, productivity, profitability, and industry penetration; and supported other Business Operations/Areas as required. Responsibilities included developing policies; establishing and implementing strategies; supervising staff; analyzing data; planning operations; and developing, submitting, and coordinating training plans and budgets.

Responsible for the effective management of funds and personnel and accountable for the quality and timely delivery of all contractual items. Program experience ranges from the development and integration of software and hardware on prototype U.S. Army aviation simulators to the development and authentication of technical publications. Operates within client guidance, contractual limitations, and company business and policy directives. Serves as focal point of contact with client regarding program activities. Ensures that all required resources, including manpower, production standards, computer time and facilities are available for program implementation and completion.

Managed five training facilities and the scheduling and maintenance of eight H-1 and CH-46E simulators, including the first production AH-1Z and UH-1Y simulators. As the Contract Instructor COR, responsible for ensuring new instructors were identified, trained, and certified in time to train the USMC’s first AH-1Z and UH-1Y students. Developed long-term manpower, maintenance, and training device plans and short-term contingency plans to support over 8,000 annual student events for over 450 pilots. Partnered with contracting agencies and senior leadership to identify and solve critical training deficiencies. Led team in integration of emerging technology, such as simulator networking and live, virtual, constructive training.

Developed and managed ground and aviation safety programs for over 3,000 personnel and 150 aircraft in training and combat operations. In both units, realized a 20% decrease in aviation mishaps as well as a 50% decrease in ground mishaps. Created safety and standardization policies that focused on defining risk-mitigation processes and empowering small unit leaders, which were subsequently adopted at the Marine Aircraft Group and Marine Aircraft Wing levels.

Planed Presidential Helicopter support for over 500 Presidential events, requiring close coordination with White House, Federal, military, and contract maintenance personnel. Developed and tracked training plans for over 100 pilots in four different aircraft. Nominated for and designated as a Marine One Pilot, flying as the aircraft commander in Marine One for over 25 Presidential events.