Gene is the Sr. Manager for Structures Engineering for Textron Aviation. His teams are responsible for the structural integrity of all Cessna and Beechcraft piston, turboprop, and jet product lines, i.e. “We make sure the wings don’t come off”. Gene has been part of the structures engineering team, starting with Cessna Aircraft, since 1996. He has participated in the airframe design of more clean-sheet jet aircraft than any other structural engineer in the world in that timespan.
Gene received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska. Gene is recognized as a Unit Member (UM) for strength analysis as part of the Textron Aviation’s Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) office to find compliance on behalf of the FAA. He is also a corporate member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Gene is passionate about sports, having been part of 4 Big 8 Track and Field Champion Teams while at Nebraska. Following graduation, he joined the Wichita Rugby Club, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2011.
Gene is married to Kim (Sommerfeld) with three children: Kate, Allie, and Nick.
