GE Aviation's Quick Six with Gavin Roe

GE would not be the company it is today without its employees. From working mothers to U.S. military veterans, GE has a diverse team that should be recognized and celebrated. So, we created a series called the “Quick Six”—six questions we are asking employees to help us learn about their talents and backgrounds. Together, GE works.

In our next installment of Quick Six, The Bike Shop sat down with Gavin Roe, an international program director at GE Aviation in Cincinnati, Ohio.

How long have you been in your current position, and could you provide a brief overview of what you do?

I just reached a year on the RSP (Revenue Sharing Partnerships) team and serve as the International Programs Director for IHI, MHI and Mitsui. I’m primarily responsible for managing & interpreting the contracts, ensuring contracts are implemented correctly and maintaining a strong relationship with our RSPs. No day is similar, which makes it fun.

What was your career path before coming to GE? What led you to GE Aviation?

I spent five years as an Army Officer and was stationed at Fort Hood, when a GE recruiting team came to the base. A good friend of mine had joined GE, and the recruiting team did a great job selling me as well. I joined GE Energy in 2000 and worked primarily within the Sourcing Organization. In 2005, I joined GE Aviation where I have spent time in Sourcing, Fulfillment & Configurations, as a Master Black Belt, and working the LEAP Manufacturing Programs.

What motivates or inspires you at work?

First of all, I love working around complex machinery / systems and understanding how they work.  I loved the tanks in the Army, and steam turbines, gas turbines and jet engines are interesting to learn about as well. I’ll also admit that the cool factor of working on jet engines doesn’t hurt!  The teams and culture at GE are also motivating.  I have found the culture to be one of helping each other, and once you have built a network, it is there for you in any job you may take.

What has been a lesson you’ve learned that has served you well at GE and in the military? 

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. Attitude is everything. 

What is your favorite engine and why, and could you draw a picture of it?



I  would have to say the GEnx. It was the engine where I really “cut my teeth” as the fulfillment and configuration leader during certification and entry into service.  Here it goes… not to scale! ?

What is a surprising aspect or passion that people may not know about you?



I love to give back to veterans. One way I give back is through fly fishing with wounded veterans. This year, I attended my 3rd annual Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing tournament at the Rose River Farm in Syria, Virginia. Founded in 2005, Project Healing Waters is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities, including education and outings. Another passion is the outdoors. Below is a picture of my kids last summer at Crater Lake National Park.



Did you know Quick Six is a series? Read our previous features:
 

• Quick Six with Maria Giuseppina Motta, a GE programs director at Avio Aero in Italy.
• Quick Six with Greg Gass, a director of strategic and Army programs in Washington, DC.
• Quick Six with Carlo Porro, an intellectual property cybersecurity manager in Italy.
• Quick Six with Ashley Ringer, a mechanical design engineer in Dayton, Ohio.
• Quick Six with Eric Ridder, a cyber security operations director in Cincinnati, Ohio. 
• Quick Six with Michael Eilers, a Digital Thread leader in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Quick Six with Lauren Duncan, an engineer in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Quick Six with Katie Culic, a Military advanced programs project manager in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Quick Six with Raj Das, the general manager of GE Aviation’s Military manufacturing programs in Lynn, Massachusetts.
• Quick Six with Nina Tohill, a customer support manager in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Quick Six with Carol Hartman, a commercial engines technical publications production manager in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Quick Six with Kelly Cole, a senior sales director for GE Aviation in London, UK.