Posted on Sun, Nov. 15, 2009

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BY MOLLY McMILLIN

The Wichita Eagle

Steve Wade has spent his professional career at Boeing Wichita, most recently heading its presidential airlift programs — including the VC-25, commonly known as Air Force One.

Last month, Wade, 47, was promoted to general manager of Boeing's global transport and executive systems.

He replaces Leanne Caret, who moved to Philadelphia to become vice president of Boeing's Chinook helicopter program.

In his new role, Wade is responsible for special air missions such as the VC-25, the E-4B "Flying Pentagon," and the C-32A and C40 fleets for the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard and the E-6 and C-40A fleets for the U.S. Navy.

He also is responsible for Boeing's derivative programs, which use commercial aircraft as military platforms.

His organization employs nearly 1,000 people at nine sites around the world, including about 450 in Wichita.

Wade was born in Garden City and grew up in Burdett, south of Hays.

He joined Boeing after earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology from Kansas State University. He's held a number of positions in his 21 years at Boeing.

He and his wife, Connie, have four children — Erienne, Nick, Kanin and Matt.

In his spare time, Wade likes to snow ski, and he is a huge K-State sports fan.

So what does your new job encompass?

"We're focused on maintenance and modification and upgrades for the Boeing aircraft, which support those customers which make up the National Command Authority mission." (The National Command Authority is defined as the president, secretary of Defense or their deputized alternates or successors.)

You said you're keeping those "very important customers" safe, connected and protected.

"For the most part, we try to mimic capabilities that our very important customers have on the ground in the air."

For example?

"Voice and data connections."

What is your biggest challenge in your new job?

"I'm obviously focused more on the people; I have a much larger team. I have a much larger customer set and a much larger business portfolio. (The challenges are) focusing on the people, focusing on our customers and growing the business."

You mentioned you're positioned for future growth in the organization. What are you working on?

"We've got a strategy focused on that commercial derivative market making sure... we'll be successful there. (We're) working our affordability to ensure that we're the right value at the right time."

What else?

"We're working hard to make sure we're executing our current business. That's the first step."

What's the biggest leap for you in your new role?

The biggest thing is the span of control.... Now I have a much bigger team and much bigger customer set that transgresses across the Air Force and the Navy and some internal customers."

What is your management style?

"My passion is our people and our customers and that partnership that we have. I kind of grew up in the business. I'm kind of hands on. I like to let people have the latitude to run their part of the business, but I'm very involved in the day-to- day."

You mentioned that Leanne Caret, who you replaced, was your mentor. What was the most important thing you learned from her?

"Her ability to always take the high road, to focus on the people and the customers first. To treat everybody like they have a place on the team goes a long way."

Reach Molly McMillin at 316-269-6708 or mmcmillin@wichitaeagle.com.