About Us
Leadership Team
FlexSys is an aerospace technology and products company that applies morphing design and engineering expertise to new and legacy aircraft. We deliver innovative solutions for aircraft sustainment support, repair development, and performance modifications.
Dr. Sridhar Kota
Founder and CEO
Dr. Sridhar Kota is the CEO of FlexSys, Inc., which he founded in 2001. He founded the company to develop practical applications of his patented technology, Distributed Compliant Design, which exploits the natural elasticity of materials. FlexSys—the front runner in adaptive structures—applies Dr. Kota’s technology to create shape-changing structures and more efficient design.
In addition to leading FlexSys, Dr. Kota is the CEO and founder of Inspire Rx. He is also the Herrick Professor Emeritus of Engineering and the Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Formerly, he served as the Assistant Director for Advanced Manufacturing at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OTSP) between 2009 and 2012.
Dr. Kota earned his doctoral degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota. He authored more than 250 publications, including 40 patents, and received the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Machine Design Award, the Leonardo da Vinci Award, and various awards from the University of Michigan (Outstanding Educator Award, Distinguished Innovator Award, and Regent’s Award for Distinguished Public Service).
Hal Chrisman
President
Hal Chrisman, President of FlexSys, is a seasoned aviation, aerospace and defense professional with over 38 years of experience in the industry. Hal has split his time between C-level industry positions and consulting. His experience spans all major market segments, including defense, commercial air transport, rotary wing, and business aviation.
Most recently, Hal was the President of Raisbeck Engineering, a leader in aircraft performance improvement solutions. Prior to Raisbeck, Hal held several positions in engineering, private equity, and management consulting.
Hal began his career as a project engineer with Williams International, a leading gas turbine Original Equipment Manufacturer, working on the Cruise Missile Engine Program and leading the APU development for the Comanche Helicopter.
Hal is recognized as a thought leader in the industry, frequently called on to speak at industry conferences and events.
Hal holds a BA from Hanover College, a BS in Engineering from Texas A&M University, and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
Gregory Ervin
COO
Greg Ervin serves as the Chief Operating Officer of FlexSys Inc., an innovative aerospace technology company based in Ann Arbor, MI. Since joining FlexSys in 2002, he has channeled his expertise in aircraft structures into the design, modification, and flight testing of advanced aircraft applications for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, NASA, and commercial manufacturers.
With more than 20 years of experience at FlexSys, he combines his deep understanding of mechanical systems with strategic business acumen to steer corporate operations, driving growth and supporting the vital U.S. defense industry. His dynamic leadership continues to propel FlexSys into the future of aerospace technology.
Mr. Ervin is a devoted husband and father of 7 who strives to lead by example in all areas of life, especially in his work. He prioritizes people, fostering trust and transparency in his relationships within FlexSys, and with customers and suppliers.
Heather Coykendall
Director of Human Resources and Cyber
Heather Coykendall brings over eight years of progressive experience in human resources management to her role as Director of Human Resources and Cyber at FlexSys. With a strong background in talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits administration, and regulatory compliance, she plays a key role in shaping a positive and productive workplace culture.
Heather also leads efforts related to CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) compliance within FlexSys, which includes maintaining documentation, overseeing employee training, managing policy audits, and ensuring personnel-related security controls meet DOD contractor requirements.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and is passionate about fostering employee engagement and operational excellence. Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and their two rescue dogs.
Mark Trost
Director of Engineering
Mark Trost is the Director of Engineering at FlexSys Inc., where he leads the company’s technical strategy and manages cross-functional engineering efforts across advanced aerospace programs. Since joining FlexSys in 2012, he has contributed to over a dozen R&D initiatives involving compliant structures, full-scale aircraft testing, and aerospace system development.
Earlier in his career, Mark led the design of large structural test frames for applying loads to aircraft wing sections and played a key role in ground testing morphing control surfaces for load alleviation. His work spans mechanical design, systems integration, and aircraft modification.
Mark holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
Adam Van Dis
Director of Manufacturing
Adam Van Dis is a results-driven manufacturing leader with over 20 years of experience in operations, logistics, and team leadership in the defense sector. At FlexSys Inc., he oversees full-scale production operations, helping deliver advanced, morphing structures and precision components for high-performance defense applications.
Adam combines a strategic mindset with hands-on problem-solving, using data to drive decisions and continuous improvement. He’s led successful implementations of 5S, Kaizen, and lean manufacturing, helping teams streamline processes, boost efficiency, and improve quality.
He’s passionate about building strong teams, improving supply chain performance, and creating work environments where people and processes thrive.
Outside of work, Adam enjoys spending time with his family and staying active outdoors—whether it's hiking, biking, or just getting outside.
Our Core Values
Operating with Integrity
Transparency in Everything We Do
People First
Pursuing Excellence
Transparency in Everything We Do
Operating with Integrity
People First
Pursuing Excellence
Cultivate a Team-Oriented Mindset
Seek the Common Good | Resolve Conflicts
Celebrate Team Success
Share Knowledge | Be Approachable
Develop Teammates | Motivate Others
Show Accountability | Be Honest
Don’t Cut Corners | Recognize Mistakes
Commit to High Standards | Seek Improvement
Lead by Example | Apply Feedback
We prioritize people, foster camaraderie, and embrace a team-over-self mindset to achieve collective success.
We operate with honesty, respect, and a commitment to taking responsibility for our actions.
We adapt to challenges with a flexible mindset and maintain open, honest leadership.
We seek to understand first, and every day we learn, innovate, and improve.
Since its founding in 2001, FlexSys has operated with an emphasis on integrity and excellence. We represent our values at all levels, striving to ensure positive and effective relationships.
Foundations
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Successful Outcomes
FlexSys worked with the U.S. Air Force and NASA to validate Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE) flight control surfaces on a Gulfstream III, marking the first modern flight of seamless, adaptive control surfaces. Testing took place over the course of three-and-a-half years, taking FlexSys’ morphing control surfaces to 40,000 feet and Mach 0.85.
In total, 75 tests demonstrated the structural robustness and aerodynamic performance of FlexFoil™ control surfaces. NASA found that FlexFoil reduced aircraft noise by 30%, especially during landing maneuvers.
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Benefits Beyond the Sky
With more than 20 years of experience perfecting morphing technology, we have successfully applied our unique and proprietary design approach to other engineering challenges.
Our expertise in engineering design, prototype fabrication, controls, testing, and manufacturing benefit customers seeking innovative solutions that reduce weight, complexity, and cost.
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FlexFoil™ and Compliant Design
Dr. Sridhar Kota pioneered a new paradigm in engineering design called Distributed Compliance, which combines strength and flexibility to eliminate joints, friction, and wear. In 2001, Dr. Kota founded FlexSys to transform the patented shape-morphing designs into aerospace applications.
The technology has been applied to fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, integrating morphing with the leading edge, trailing edge, and other adaptive control surfaces. The U.S. Air Force funded various structural, wind-tunnel, and flight tests; however, the company also received support from other U.S. Department of Defense agencies and NASA.
