Management and Organization:

The ATLAS team is very crucial in the production of the hovercrafts.  The hovercraft we produce today will be the model for our company’s future and success.

Kurt H. Peterson, CEO, is a third generation boat builder and designer with a background in aviation. Mr. Peterson invented and innovated all of the hovercraft technology and designs used by ATLAS Hovercraft Inc. Mr. Peterson has professional experience as a teacher of advanced diesel engine technology, automotive and heavy-duty trucks, and marine technology from Universal Technical Institute in Chicago, Illinois. He conducted class in most phases of the related technology, he wrote curriculum, and developed test material. In addition to regular teaching duties, he designed and constructed training aids for students. He sponsored and mentored students in the construction and operation of a NHRA diesel powered dragster racecar.

Anthony Difiglio Sr., Vice President, has over 40 years of experience in running multi-million dollar manufacturing and service related companies. The Difiglio family has over 30 years experience in passenger vessel operations. They own and operate 150 to 400 passenger dinner cruise boats on Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois.

Anthony Difiglio Jr., VP of Finance, has a wide range of business, financial, and operations experience that allows him a great deal of flexibility to adapt, assess, and facilitate solutions. Mr. Difiglio has gained an exceptional level of knowledge and understanding about hovercraft technology and the needs of the marine industry. In addition, he brings marketing and sales experience along with a strong desire to see ATLAS Hovercraft Inc. dominate the Florida transportation choices as a state of the art alternative to conventional travel.

Jay M. McCleary, CFO/COO, is a 20-year professional in management, process, and policy development. He has a background in Hospitality, Accounting, Information Technology, Warehousing, and Logistics. He is experienced in handling multi-million dollar projects and operating budgets

William Hayden, PE, VP of Engineering, is a graduate of the S.U.N.Y. Maritime College with a B.E. in Naval Architecture and a 3rd Assistant Engineer license.  He is a Professional Engineer licensed by the State of Florida.  He is a former employee of the US Coast Guard Headquarters with over eleven years experience in development and application of regulatory and policy requirements. Mr. Hayden has served as a technical advisor on a number of US delegations to the International Maritime Organization and on a number of industry standards development committees. He was chair of the Society of Navel Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) technical panel HS-9 (Composite Materials) for three years and now holds the position of Chairman for the South East Chapter of SNAME. Mr. Hayden is also a member of the Florida Engineering Society and the National Society of Professional Engineers. He has authored a number of papers and articles for symposia and technical journals.  Mr. Hayden is a National Marine Manufactures Association Standards Compliance Specialist after attendance at, and successful examination, the 2001 NMMA Engineering Compliance Seminar. Bill is also American Boat and Yacht Counsel Standards Accredited in Florida.

Captain Don Hainline, VP of Research & Development, is a 20-year retired veteran of the US Navy.  Don spent 19 years with the Navy LCAC hovercraft program and earned a degree in fluid dynamics.  Capt. Hainline is responsible for all aspects of research and development, writing safety procedures, quality control, and coordinating efforts between our engineering department and production team.

Captain Steve Martin, VP of Marine Operations, is a 20-year retired Navy LCAC hovercraft pilot. Capt. Martin has been a great asset to Miami Keys Hover Express by creating a program to recruit, train, and assign retired Navy LCAC personnel with jobs suited to their navy training with placement in operations of the ATLAS hovercrafts. Capt. Martin works very closely with the United States Coast Guard establishing the criteria and requirements for commercial hovercraft pilots and crew operations.