Our Team

Ron Weaver Close Bio

President

Ronald J. Weaver is a seasoned manufacturing and engineering professional with over 35 years of experience specializing in Aerospace and Defense products. A graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Ron began his career as a machinist and tool maker at just 20 years old. He later took on business management responsibilities as the General Manager of Weaver Machine & Tool, where he spent a decade honing his leadership and operational expertise.

Throughout his career, Ron has held key positions, including Manufacturing Engineering Manager at Burtek in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he played a crucial role in building flight simulators. He has also owned and managed multiple manufacturing organizations across four states, consistently delivering high-quality products for the aviation, defense, and space industries.  With his deep expertise in precision manufacturing and engineering, Ron continues to drive innovation and excellence in the aerospace and defense industrial sectors.

Ron has led several major projects, including:

• Fuel nozzles for the CFM-56 turbine engine
• Flight simulators for both commercial and military applications, including the first FA-18 fighter jet simulator
• Hull penetrators and electrical connectors for nuclear submarines
• Production of general aviation air-cooled engine components, including 154,000 cylinder piston heads, crankcases, sumps, oil pump housings, valve guides, and seats
• The secondary mirror assembly for the Gemini Telescope in collaboration with the National Science Foundation and the European Science Foundation
• Up-armoring 100,000 tactical wheeled vehicles for prime defense contractors
• Supplying 250,000 pounds of aluminum armor plate daily for over five years
• Contributions to the Space Shuttle program, including manufacturing jettison pivot balls, thruster panels, and umbilical plates
• Delivering over 45,000 general aviation fuel control systems for Lycoming Engines and aviation engine shops

Eric Weaver Close Bio

Head of Business Development

Eric Weaver has over 20 years of experience in Sales, Product Support, Logistics, and Supply Chain management in his role at AVStar Fuel Systems. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Industrial Distribution Engineering and has built a career rooted in technical expertise, process improvement, and customer-focused solutions.

Eric’s focus is on understanding the issues and concerns that pilots, owners, and mechanics have about fuel systems. With that knowledge, he works closely with AVStar’ s engineering, assembly, and quality control teams to ensure the company is providing the solutions to customer needs.  His strong technical background, coupled with an analytical and detail-oriented approach, allows him to identify and implement improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. In working closely with AVStar’s customers, Eric is also mindful of fulfilling the company’s mission and vision. Eric incorporates AVStar's core values of integrity, trust, teamwork, and accountability in all aspects of his role.

He is passionate about building and maintaining strong relationships with organizations, clients, and vendors across both domestic and international markets, helping to strengthen AVStar’s reputation for reliability and quality in the aviation industry. Entrepreneurially minded and committed to continuous improvement, Eric is known for his leadership, communication skills, and dedication to delivering high-quality service. Outside of work, Eric enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid golfer.

Henry Hildebrandt Close Bio

Operations Manager - FL

Henry has over 20 years’ experience spanning various industries including healthcare, construction, Department of Defense, and aerospace manufacturing sectors.

At AVStar he began as a Teardown Technician and continually draws from that experience to aid in his management of all aspects of operations.  Henry takes a balanced approach to his management style focusing on efficiencies in process, assembly and test, and manufacturing of parts while most importantly and intently focusing on the people accomplishing them.  He utilizes the technique of TAKT time setting the pace and rhythm of the manufacturing process and aligning it with customer demand.

Henry holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Franciscan University.  However, he views himself as a perpetual student with dedication to continuous improvement always drawing new knowledge from contemporary sources of business and personal growth strategies from sources like Patrick Bet-David, Patrick Lencioni, and ‘Extreme Ownership’ from Jocko Willink.  In regard to the FAA, Henry holds a FAA Repairman certificate, authorizing return to service for the AVStar Repair Station, as well as authorization to release PMA articles both domestic and export airworthiness for all new products.

When not at work, Henry can be found with his wife and five kids on any number of sports fields, jiu-jitsu mats, and church events.  His dedication to his family shines in his commitment to the high quality and safety of all the products manufactured by AVStar, as well as  the motivation and well-being of his fellow teammates.

Rene Loew Close Bio

Product Support

Rene is a certified aviation and automotive technician with over 25 years of combined experience in helicopter, aviation fuel system, automotive repair, and maintenance. He has been with AVStar for over 12 years, where he provides customer support for AVStar products, supervises the warranty department and supports new system developments.

Previously, Rene served in the Austrian Armed Forces, where he conducted maintenance and repairs on Sikorsky S70 helicopters, performed the duties of a helicopter crew chief in-flight and led technical and operational training as a Staff Sergeant. He began his career as a BMW automotive mechanic, specializing in diagnostics and repair.

Rene holds an FAA Airman Certificate, a European A&P and Avionics License. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail, strong technical knowledge, and commitment to high professional standards.

In his spare time Rene enjoys traveling, working on his vintage car and riding his motorcycle.

Chad Szwarnowicz Close Bio

Engineering Manager - Florida

Chad  has over 20 years of engineering experience with various aerospace organizations and has been part of the AVStar team for over 12 years. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, concentrating in Design;  Chad has honed his skills with an eye on continuous improvement. As the son of a retired General Electric CNC machinist, Chad has always carried a passion for understanding how things are made and manufactured.

Having been a part of AVStar since its humble beginnings, he now presides as the Engineering Manager of the organization. Working closely with AVStar’s employees, suppliers and customers has allowed Chad to react quickly to all obstacles our industry has faced. Participating in multiple research projects with Lycoming Engines, Chad has become an invaluable asset for both organizations.

The recent partnership with Airflow Performance of Spartanburg, South Carolina has allowed Chad to partner with Don Rivera, who worked directly with Elmer Haase, the inventor and patent holder of the original Bendix fuel control. The knowledge and expertise being shared within our team is second to none.

Jessica Hurtado Close Bio

Customer Support Specialist

Jessica brings over seven years of customer service experience, with a strong commitment to understanding customer needs and delivering high-quality support. Known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and calm demeanor, she consistently ensures a positive experience for every customer she serves.

Clear and timely communication is one of Jessica’s strengths. Her energetic and engaging style, paired with excellent time management, allows her to build strong relationships and provide efficient, effective service.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys creating lasting memories with her loved ones and values maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Kyle Lattenhauer Close Bio

Plant Manager  - New York

With over 30 years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, Kyle is an accomplished and passionate leader known for driving excellence across all facets of production. Kyle’s journey began as a CNC Mill Group Leader and quickly progressed into a series of leadership roles spanning Quality, Assembly, Manufacturing Engineering, and Precision Machining.

Kyle has accomplished many goals in the manufacturing field, and held several leadership positions in Quality, Assembly, Manufacturing Engineering and Precision Machining. Kyle’s success is directly tied to the success of the organization; the relationship is symbiotic, and Kyle attacks each day with that mindset.

When Kyle is not at work, he enjoys camping with his wife and friends, working on one of his hobbies which can be anything from working on an old car to running electricity to his backyard and spending time with the family.

Susan Barrington Close Bio

Human Resource Manager

With nearly 10 years of experience in the dynamic world of Human Resources, Sue specializes in the manufacturing industry and is currently the Human Resource Manager at AVStar Fuel Systems, where she has spent the last three years deepening her expertise as a leader and collaborator.

At the heart of Sue’s approach is the belief that HR is not just a profession, but a calling. She thrives on building relationships based on integrity, trust, accountability, and teamwork — the core values that drive AVStar’s success. These principles guide Sue’s leadership style and her commitment to creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated to do their best work.

Throughout Sue’s career, she has remained committed to excellence and continuous improvement, earning my SHRM-CP certification and a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from SUNY Empire State University.  She is proud of the knowledge and skills she has gained, but always aims to learn and grow further.

Whether Sue is fostering positive employee relations, recruiting top talent, overseeing benefits administration, or leading training and development initiatives, she is passionate about crafting innovative solutions that drive both individual and organizational success. As an advocate for a positive workplace culture, Human Resources is not just a function — it’s the heartbeat of any organization.

Brad Scherer Close Bio

Quality Manager - New York

With over 26 years of experience in the automotive manufacturing sector, Brad brings a deep-rooted passion for quality and continuous improvement to his role as Quality Manager at the Auburn, New York facility.

Brad’s career journey has taken him from Pennsylvania to New York.  He is driven by a commitment to growth and excellence in the field of Quality.  Brad is a team-oriented leader who believes in collaboratively driven results.

Brad completed a leadership course through Cornell University that further strengthened his ability to guide teams and foster a culture of accountability and innovation.  He combines hands-on experience with a forward-thinking mindset to ensure AVStar’s products meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Brad is fully dedicated to help drive AVStar towards unparalleled levels of quality and performance.