COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, and heavy-lift aviation services.

Focused on global heavy-lift excellence, COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS maintains a commitment to superior maintenance, repair, and overhaul services while delivering critical passenger and cargo solutions across diverse international markets.

Leadership Roles at COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS

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

    Michael Fahey, the Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014 at COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS, directed the foundational growth of heavy-lift helicopter operations. Fahey managed the transition of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services to ensure fleet reliability across global deployments. By overseeing the strategic direction of the organization, the Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014 established long-term operational standards for cargo and passenger transport. Michael Fahey navigated complex regulatory environments to expand the reach of the company into new international territories. This leadership tenure focused on building robust infrastructure for heavy-lift capabilities, ensuring the fleet met rigorous safety benchmarks. Through the coordination of maintenance teams and flight operations, Fahey secured the market position of the company as a leader in aviation services. The Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014 prioritized technical excellence and operational efficiency to support the diverse needs of global customers.

    David Balevic - President & Chief Executive Officer

    David Balevic, the President & Chief Executive Officer at COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS, directs the overarching strategy for heavy-lift aviation and maintenance services. Balevic oversees the global deployment of the helicopter fleet, ensuring operational readiness for complex cargo and passenger missions. By driving innovation in repair and overhaul processes, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the performance of the aircraft assets. David Balevic manages high-level relationships with international partners to expand the footprint of the company across various end-markets. This leadership role involves aligning technical capabilities with market demands to maintain a competitive edge in the aviation industry. Through the supervision of executive teams, Balevic ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality services. The President & Chief Executive Officer focuses on scaling operations to meet the evolving requirements of global clients, reinforcing the reputation of the company for reliability and technical precision in demanding environments.
    David Balevic

    Michael Tremlett - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Tremlett, the President & Chief Executive Officer at COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS, architects the strategic vision for the company's heavy-lift helicopter fleet and maintenance divisions. Tremlett focuses on the modernization of repair and overhaul services to enhance fleet efficiency and safety. By leading the executive team, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the alignment of operational goals with the global mission of the company. Michael Tremlett drives initiatives to penetrate new geographic markets, providing essential cargo and passenger services to diverse industries. This leadership role involves managing the financial and operational health of the organization to support long-term growth. Through the implementation of advanced maintenance protocols, Tremlett sustains the high performance of the aircraft fleet. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to execute business strategies that solidify the market presence of the company, ensuring that all aviation operations meet the highest standards of excellence.

    Chris Vandersteen - Chief Financial Officer

    Chris Vandersteen, the Chief Financial Officer at COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the heavy-lift aviation business. Vandersteen manages capital allocation for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul services to ensure the fleet remains operational and profitable. By overseeing financial reporting and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data to support the strategic decisions of the executive team. Chris Vandersteen monitors the economic performance of global operations, ensuring that the company maintains a strong market position. This leadership role involves optimizing the cost structure of the organization to support sustainable growth in diverse end-markets. Through the management of financial planning and analysis, Vandersteen ensures that the company achieves its revenue targets. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with other executives to align financial resources with the operational requirements of the fleet, securing the long-term stability of the company.

    Melanie Bergier - Chief Operating Officer

    Melanie Bergier, the Chief Operating Officer at COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS, manages the daily execution of heavy-lift helicopter operations and maintenance services. Bergier oversees the logistics of the global fleet, ensuring that passenger and cargo missions proceed with maximum efficiency. By directing the internal processes of the company, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes the repair and overhaul workflows to maintain high aircraft availability. Melanie Bergier coordinates with regional managers to ensure operational consistency across international deployments. This leadership role involves streamlining the supply chain and maintenance activities to support the strategic objectives of the organization. Through the supervision of technical teams, Bergier maintains rigorous safety and quality standards. The Chief Operating Officer drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the operational capacity of the company, ensuring that all services meet the specific needs of global customers while maintaining the competitive advantage of the fleet.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Airlines, Airports & Air Services

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS?
    COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS is led by Michael Fahey (Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014), along with executives such as David Balevic (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Michael Tremlett (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS’s executive team?
    The executive team of COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS includes leaders such as Michael Fahey (Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014), David Balevic (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Tremlett (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS have?
    COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS has 5 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 Chief Executive Officer, Until Retirement On 12, 2014, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.