executive team

Alan Klapmeier is a co-founder of Cirrus and has served as its CEO and Chairman since its inception in 1984.

Mr. Klapmeier serves on several industry boards, including the General Aviation Manufacturing Association (GAMA) Board of Directors (and serves as it's Chairman for 2008), the AOPA Air Safety Foundation Board of Visitors, the Board of Directors of the Small Aircraft Manufacturers Association, and the Ripon College Board of Trustees. 

Along with his brother Dale, the Klapmeiers’ have received the 2007 Dr. Godfrey L Cabot Award, the Experimental Aviation Association, (EAA) 2007 Freedom of Flight Award, Airport Journal 2006 "Living Legends" Aviation Entrepreneurs of the Year, EAA August Raspet, Air Safety Foundation 2005 Admiral de Florez Award, and 2004 Ernst and Young Entrepreneurs of the Year for Manufacturing.

Since founding Cirrus 23 years ago in a dairy barn in Baraboo, WI, the Klapmeiers have grown Cirrus Design into a global brand, with a formidable international sales and service network. Cirrus manufactures three models of aircraft, which includes the best selling aircraft for five consecutive years, the SR22. Cirrus employs about 1300 people in two facilities. Grand Forks, ND is home to a- state- of- the art, composite lay-up and curing facility.  Duluth, MN is home to Cirrus’ world head quarters and where bonding, final assembly and customer delivery of aircraft also take place.

 Mr. Klapmeier holds degrees in Physics and Economics from Ripon College in Wisconsin.  With over 5500 hours of flight time, Mr. Klapmeier has been a licensed pilot for more than 30 years.
Dale Klapmeier co-founded Cirrus 23 years ago and currently holds the position of Vice Chairman. As Vice chairman, Mr. Klapmeier is responsible for overseeing product development, including the eagerly awaited Cirrus SRSport, and product strategy.
 
Mr. Klapmeier, along with brother Alan Klapmeier, have received the 2007 Dr. Godfrey L Cabot Award, the Experimental Aviation Association, (EAA) 2007 Freedom of Flight Award, Airport Journal 2006 "Living Legends" Aviation Entrepreneurs of the Year, EAA August Raspet, Air Safety Foundation 2005 Admiral de Florez Award, and 2004 Ernst and Young Entrepreneurs of the Year for Manufacturing.
 
Mr. Klapmeier is also involved in Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagle Program and the Red Tail Project, which is restoring a Tuskeegee Airmen P51 Mustang.
 
Since founding Cirrus 23 years ago in a dairy barn in Baraboo, WI, the Klapmeiers have grown Cirrus Design into a global brand, with a formidable international sales and service network. Cirrus manufactures three models of aircraft, which includes the best selling aircraft for five consecutive years, the SR22. Cirrus employs about 1300 people in two facilities. Grand Forks, ND is home to a- state- of- the art, composite lay-up and curing facility. Duluth, MN is home to Cirrus’ world head quarters and where bonding, final assembly and customer delivery of aircraft also take place.
 
Mr. Klapmeier holds degrees in business administration and economics from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. As a private pilot Mr. Klapmeier has logged more than 3,000 hours of flight time. 
  Brent Wouters currently serves as President, Chief Operating Officer and 
Chief Financial Officer of Cirrus. Brent has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since early 2002. He brings to Cirrus a distinct combination of financial and aviation industry experience, with an M.B.A. in finance, an M.S. in aerospace engineering and a B.A. in math and physics. Mr. Wouters was previously the Chief Financial Officer of International Payment Services, an $80 million venture-backed payment processing company. Prior to these roles, Mr. Wouters gained recognition as an equity analyst working for a division of Salomon Smith Barney where he earned The Wall Street Journal All-Star Analyst award. Mr. Wouters’ prior aviation experience before joining Cirrus includes 11 years as an Aircraft Engineer as well as four years developing and testing flight simulators for Delta Air Lines. Mr. Wouters also played a key role as an information technology consultant assisting Lockheed Martin with inventory management in their successful bid to build the F-22 military aircraft.
  Dr. Thomas J. Bartoe, PhD joined Cirrus Design Corporation in December, 2000 serving as Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics. He also served as Vice President of Manufacturing and assumed his present position of Executive Vice President of Operations in December 2005. Before joining Cirrus, Dr. Bartoe was Director, Purchasing Shared Services for Potlatch Corporation, headquartered in Spokane, Washington and was responsible for supply chain and logistics operations for the 18 manufacturing sites of Potlatch Corporation. Prior to working for Potlatch he served as a Commander in the U.S. Navy, Submarine Force. Commander Bartoe served in 5 submarines in the Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet and his last assignment while on active duty was Commanding Officer, Naval Nuclear Power School in Orlando, Florida.  

Dr. Bartoe received a PhD in Organization Development from the University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN and is the founder of PTB&Associates Consulting. He is an adjunct professor of Strategic Management and Mathematics, College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN and has published work in the area of leadership alignment and cultural integration within the organization.  
  Bruce Gunter has served as Vice President of Domestic Sales since March 2008. Mr. Gunter joined Cirrus in January 1998 as a Regional Sales Manager. He has held positions as Regional Director and Eastern Divisional Director. Mr. Gunter has frequently been recognized as a top sales performer. He was instrumental in contributing to the performance, growth, and development of the Cirrus Sales Team. Prior to joining Cirrus, Mr. Gunter was employed in various sales and sales management capacities with Life of Virginia, Terbush and Parker Systems, Health Communication Services, and National Data Corporation. Mr. Gunter holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Political Science from the University of Richmond, VA.