Our Leadership

Matthew Haugk is Chief Executive Officer of AxioAero Group and Aviation Concepts, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience across commercial and military aviation. A seasoned aerospace and defense executive, he leads the strategic vision and operational direction for AxioAero Group and its platform companies, driving growth, integration, and customer excellence across the network.

Before establishing AxioAero Group and joining Aviation Concepts, Matt served as President & CEO of Safran Aerosystems Services Americas, overseeing a 300-person organization supporting airline, military, and helicopter customers throughout the Americas. His leadership there advanced operational efficiency and customer satisfaction across spare parts distribution and FAA Part 145 repair stations.

Earlier in his career, he held senior executive roles at Safran Helicopter Engines USA, CDI Aerospace, and RTI International Metals/Alcoa, following 15 years in senior leadership at Rolls-Royce’s Defense division.

A retired U.S. Air Force Reserves Officer, Matt served 25 years in aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and defense leadership roles. He holds a B.S. in Aviation Management from Indiana State University and pursued graduate studies at Penn State, the University of Georgia, and the United States Air Force. Based in Florida, he is passionate about aviation, travel, and spending time with his family.

Dean Wood is President and Founder of Aviation Concepts, a global leader in aircraft spare parts distribution and a founding company within AxioAero Group. With more than 35 years of industry experience, Dean has built a career on solving complex supply chain challenges for airlines worldwide.

Since founding Aviation Concepts in 1991, he has grown the company into a trusted partner to more than 100 airlines through strategic inventory management, innovative logistics, and a customer-first approach. His expertise in sourcing, procurement, and aircraft acquisition has positioned ACI as a leading independent supplier in the commercial and regional airline markets.

Known for his hands-on leadership style and deep industry relationships, Dean continues to guide Aviation Concepts and AxioAero Group toward sustainable growth and operational excellence. Based in South Florida, he is an avid traveler and lifelong optimist who approaches every challenge as an opportunity for progress.

Joe Ferrer is the Founder and President of Airway Aerospace, bringing nearly three decades of experience in aviation operations, customer support, and component repair. He began his aviation career in 1997 in an entry-level shipping and expeditor role, where he quickly developed a strong understanding of aftermarket operations and a lasting commitment to customer service.

In 2013, Joe founded Airway Aerospace after identifying a need for responsive, high-quality component repair services. Investing his personal savings, he acquired a facility in Florida and launched the company with a small team of technicians. From its earliest days, Joe focused on building an organization grounded in technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and reliability.

Under his leadership, Airway Aerospace grew from a startup operation into an FAA/EASA-certified repair station, expanding both technical capabilities and team size while earning the trust of a diverse customer base. Joe has remained closely involved in daily operations, quality oversight, and customer relationships, ensuring the company maintains the standards that defined its early success.

Joe’s leadership is driven by a deep passion for aviation and a strong sense of responsibility to the employees and customers who have supported Airway Aerospace’s growth. His hands-on approach and long-term commitment to quality continue to shape the company’s culture and reputation within the aerospace aftermarket.

Jackie Ferrer is Co-Founder and Director of Customer Support at Airway Aerospace, bringing more than two decades of experience in aviation operations and customer engagement. She began her aviation career in 2004 and co-founded Airway Aerospace with Joe Ferrer in 2013, playing a central role in launching and growing the company.

From the outset, Jackie was deeply involved in establishing Airway Aerospace’s FAA Part 145 repair station, working hands-on alongside the founding team to bring the facility and operation to life. Her early involvement spanned both operational setup and customer coordination, reflecting a commitment to building the business from the ground up. Her well-known transition “from high heels to steel-toe boots” has become a defining reflection of the company’s hands-on culture.

Today, Jackie leads customer support and plays a key role in business development and partner engagement. She works closely with customers to ensure responsive communication, reliable service, and long-term collaboration. Her leadership continues to shape Airway Aerospace’s customer-first approach and strong industry relationships as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Mark Sindone is Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Aviation Concepts, an AxioAero Group company, bringing more than 30 years of experience across the aviation and aerospace industries. Known for his ability to align customer needs with operational strategy, Mark directs sales strategy, customer partnerships, and market expansion across Aviation Concepts’ global USM distribution network.

Mark began his career as a Crew Chief in the U.S. military before joining Delta Air Lines as an A&P Aircraft Technician, where he spent 15 years in technical and operational roles. He also led fleet and logistics operations for Atlanta Gas Light before returning to aerospace in senior commercial leadership.

Most recently, Mark served as Vice President of Sales, Americas and Global Distribution Strategy for Safran Aerosystems, where he led commercial expansion and developed distribution and MRO integration programs across the Americas.

Mark attended the Professional Aeronautics Program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and holds a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Christen, live in Atlanta and enjoy family time, travel, and supporting their children’s academic and athletic pursuits.

Steven Smith is Vice President of Finance & Operations for Aviation Concepts, an AxioAero Group company, where he oversees global financial strategy, accounting, and operations supporting Aviation Concepts’ commercial and regional airline customers. With more than 20 years of cross-industry experience in automotive, real estate, and aerospace, Steven brings disciplined financial leadership and operational insight to the organization.

He began his career with Ford Motor Company before progressing through senior accounting and finance roles in both public and private sectors. Since joining Aviation Concepts in 2014, Steven has led major modernization initiatives in financial systems, reporting, and IT infrastructure—helping drive a 300% increase in company growth during his tenure.

Based in South Florida, Steven is known for his analytical rigor and commitment to operational excellence through process improvement and data-driven leadership.