Jennifer Weinbrecht. Photo courtesy MRO Network.

On March 15, ARSA gave its 2018 Leo Weston Award to Jennifer Weinbrecht, retiring vice president of compliance for Component Repair Technologies (CRT).

Weinbrecht began working for the Mentor, Ohio-based repair station in 1985 – the company’s third employee – and has supported its growth into an international component maintenance provider employing more than 400 people. Weinbrecht utilized her personal attention to detail and deep understanding of both the governments’ rules and CRT’s business needs in ensuring the company operated efficiently while meeting the requirements of multiple international aviation authorities.

“We say that our company’s philosophy is ‘trust and fairness,’” said Rich Mears, CRT president, reflecting on Weinbrecht’s selection as Weston Award winner. “It’s hard to imagine someone who embodies those values better than Jennifer. She always focused on doing things the right way. She took care of her people and thought about growing future talent. There are many here in Mentor who owe their careers to Jennifer’s good work – and plenty more all over the world who owe their safety in the air to her.”

ARSA’s team often directly experienced Weinbrecht’s professional focus. She unfailingly participated in association events, was a fixture at training sessions and professional development activities and a guaranteed resource whenever the maintenance industry needed support.

“Jennifer represents the essential philosophy behind the Leo Weston award,” said Sarah MacLeod, ARSA executive director. “She never accepted an answer that wasn’t the right one. She never lost focus on her commitment to the community, whether across the aviation industry or within her small corner of Ohio. She never gave anything less than her best. Frankly, the only good thing about her retirement is we can finally give her [the Weston] award – otherwise this is a dark day for aviation because she will be missed.”

The Weston Award is celebrated regularly as part of ARSA’s Annual Repair Symposium. It was first bestowed on Leo Weston himself and honors individuals who embody his commitment to aviation safety. As an FAA official, Weston was instrumental in ARSA’s founding by advocating for the creation of an organization to represent the interests of maintenance providers. He remained an inspiration to the association and its members across his long career dedicated to the public good.

Weinbrecht is the 11^th person recognized by ARSA as part of Weston’s legacy. To learn more about her and ARSA’s work, check in on the 2018 Annual Repair Symposium by visiting: arsa.org/symposium.

More from ARSA