Turkish-American aerospace engineer, entrepreneur and former cyclist
Fatih Ozmen[1] (Turkish: Fatih Özmen; born 1957 or 1958[2]) is a Turkish-American aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, former cyclist, the co-owner and CEO of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC).[3]
Early life and education
Born in Turkey,[4] the former Turkish National Cycling Champion rode alongside top Turkish cyclists throughout the 1970s including the 1977 Tour de L'avenir in France.[5] Fatih Ozmen pursued higher education in the United States receiving a M.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. He went on to obtain a masters, with a thesis on navigation and landing systems.
Career
Ozmen started at Sierra Nevada Corporation as an engineering intern in 1981; during his early years at the company, he helped develop numerous systems and managed several key programs. In 1994, Fatih Ozmen and his wife Eren Ozmen acquired Sierra Nevada Corporation.[6] Under the Ozmens, SNC has completed 19 strategic acquisitions,[7] and has expanded to 34 locations in 19 U.S. states, England, Germany and Turkey,[8] with a workforce of over 3,000 personnel
Fatih is a member of the National Space Council Users Advisory Group, established in 2018 under Vice President Mike Pence.[9]
In 2017, Fatih and Eren Ozmen launched Ozmen Ventures, a $5 million venture capital fund headquartered in Reno.[10]
Philanthropy
In 2014, Fatih and wife Eren donated $5 million to the University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Business to support entrepreneurial programs.[11]
Awards and recognition
Personal
- Aviation Entrepreneurs of the Year[12]
- Living Legends of Aviation[13]
- "Ellis Island Medal of Honor"[14]
- Top 10 Most Influential Turkish Americans, TurkOfAmerica[15]
- Honorary Doctorate of Science – University of Nevada, Reno (2016)[16]
- On May 13, 2016, Fatih Ozmen delivered the keynote speech at the University of Nevada, Reno commencement ceremony.[17]
References
