McDermott + Bull has successfully placed Mark Lester as President + Chief Executive Officer at Northern Air Cargo. In his role, Mark will lead the company’s strategic direction and operations, strengthening safety, service reliability, and financial performance while reinforcing its role as an essential cargo transportation provider across Alaska. He will partner closely with Saltchuk Aviation leadership to develop a long-term strategic roadmap, strengthen customer relationships, and build a high-performing leadership team.
Mark brings over 30 years of aerospace and aviation leadership experience across commercial, defense, and government markets. Most recently, he served as Head of Aerospace Strategy at Merrick & Company, where he led the firmwide aerospace agenda across six business units, supporting sector growth and executive client engagement. Previously, he served as Chief Operations Officer at Phantom Space Corporation and President + Chief Executive Officer at Alaska Aerospace Corporation, overseeing complex operations, financial performance, and infrastructure supporting government and commercial space missions. Earlier in his career, Mark served as CEO of Doss Aviation, leading a $50 million-plus aviation services and flight training business through operational improvements and a successful acquisition. He earned a Master of Engineering in Space Operations from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Norwich University.
Northern Air Cargo is an Anchorage-based air cargo transportation company founded in 1956. Part of the Saltchuk Aviation portfolio, the company provides scheduled and charter cargo services, pickup and delivery, and logistics solutions. With a focus on serving Alaska, Northern Air Cargo connects businesses and communities through reliable transportation of essential goods.
This executive search was completed by McDermott + Bull Co-Founder and Managing Partner Chris Bull, Managing Director Austin Mitchell, and Director Alyssa Joy.