COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and executive leadership.

Driven by a legacy of heavy-lift operations, COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS maintains a global fleet for passenger and cargo services, underscoring a commitment to operational excellence and worldwide reach in maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

Leadership Roles at COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - David Balevic
  • Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014 - Michael Fahey
  • Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Vandersteen
  • Chief Operating Officer - Melanie Bergier
  • David Balevic - President & Chief Executive Officer

    David Balevic, the President & Chief Executive Officer at COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Balevic oversees the global deployment of the company's heavy-lift helicopter fleet, ensuring adherence to stringent safety and performance standards across all maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion into new markets and reinforcing its position as a premier provider of passenger and cargo services worldwide. By fostering innovation in aircraft operations and customer relations, David Balevic drives the company's sustained growth and market leadership. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between corporate objectives and the day-to-day activities of the global operational teams, maintaining the company's reputation for reliability and efficiency in demanding environments.
    David Balevic

    Michael Fahey - Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014

    Michael Fahey, the Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014 at COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS, previously guided the company's strategic direction and operational oversight. Fahey's tenure focused on establishing robust heavy-lift helicopter operations, encompassing maintenance, repair, and overhaul services that supported global passenger and cargo transport. This leadership position was instrumental in shaping the company's worldwide operational footprint and its commitment to delivering specialized aviation solutions. By fostering a culture of operational excellence and safety, Michael Fahey contributed significantly to the company's market standing. The role involved overseeing all facets of the business, ensuring alignment with long-term growth objectives and maintaining the company's reputation for reliability in demanding flight environments.

    Christopher Vandersteen - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Vandersteen, the Chief Financial Officer at COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS, manages all financial planning, reporting, and fiscal strategy. Vandersteen oversees the financial health of the organization, ensuring robust capital management and investment strategies that support the company's global operations and fleet maintenance initiatives. This executive function involves optimizing financial performance across diverse end-markets, from passenger transport to critical cargo delivery services. By implementing rigorous financial controls and driving cost-efficiency measures, Christopher Vandersteen directly contributes to the company's profitability and long-term sustainability. The Chief Financial Officer also plays a crucial part in securing funding for fleet modernization and operational expansion, ensuring COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS maintains its competitive edge in the heavy-lift helicopter sector.

    Melanie Bergier - Chief Operating Officer

    Melanie Bergier, the Chief Operating Officer at COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS, directs the company's extensive operational activities, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for its heavy-lift helicopter fleet. Bergier ensures the seamless execution of passenger and cargo operations across the globe, optimizing flight schedules and resource allocation to meet diverse customer demands. This critical role involves managing the complex logistics of maintaining a worldwide operational presence and upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency. By streamlining operational workflows and implementing best practices in fleet management, Melanie Bergier enhances the company's service delivery capabilities. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with other executive leaders to align operational strategies with the company's overarching business objectives, driving operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS?
    COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS is led by David Balevic (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Fahey (Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014) and Christopher Vandersteen (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS’s executive team?
    The executive team of COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS includes leaders such as David Balevic (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Fahey (Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014), Christopher Vandersteen (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS have?
    COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.