GE would not be the company it is today without its employees. From working mothers to U.S. military veterans, GE has a diverse team that should be recognized and celebrated. So, we created a series called the “Quick Six”—six questions we are asking employees to help us learn about their talents and backgrounds. Together, GE works.

In our first installation of Quick Six, The Bike Shop sat down with Katie Culic, a Military advanced programs project manager in Cincinnati, Ohio.

How long have you been in your current position, and could you provide a brief overview of what you do?

I have been in my current role for two months. In this role, I provide management of multiple key programs in the advanced programs area.

How did you end up in this position? Did you always want to work in Aviation?

I am a graduate of the Junior Officer Leadership Program, a program that helps to transition high-performing military officers into successful GE careers. I spent my last role on program in the advanced manufacturing programs area where I was fortunate to be introduced to this and the supporting organizations.  I loved the group and the work that they do and applied for my off-program role.  I have always been in aviation but not as a GE employee; instead I was an operator flying the mighty Sikorsky MH-53E for the US Navy.  GE has been a phenomenal transition to the civilian sector.

What motivates or inspires you to work hard?

As corny as it sounds, the military customers that we serve.  As a former Navy pilot, I feel like I am still connected to my past and fellow service members that are still out on the front lines serving.

What has been a lesson you’ve learned while working at GE? Do you have any advice for other people?

To be confident and speak up even if you haven’t been in the role for very long. Your diversity of opinions and ideas usually adds value to the team.

What is your favorite engine and why, and could you draw a picture of it?

I am partial to the T64-419 because of the incredible power it provided to my US Navy helicopter! However, since it’s no longer in production, I envy the modular concept of our current engines. My maintainers would have loved that notion. Don’t mind the rudimentary engine drawing—block drawings are ingrained in me from my military past!



What is one potentially surprising thing that people don’t know about you?

I have a fraternal twin sister, and we do not look alike.