Jim Liu ’00 Procurement Agent Boeing

Whether delivering humanitarian aid after a natural disaster or supplies to American troops in combat, the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter has proven to be one of the most reliable cargo aircrafts used by the U.S. military since the Vietnam War.  A BGSU alumnus is helping advance that legacy.

Jim Liu ’00 is a supply chain manager for the aerospace giant, Boeing. His job is to acquire components of the dual-rotor helicopter, which is known in the flight industry to be the “workhorse helicopter for the military,” Liu said.

“Even if our country is not at war, this helicopter has quite a lot of use,” Liu said, adding that the CH-47 model was used to deliver water to cool the Fukushima nuclear plant damaged during the 2011 tsunami in Japan.

Despite the growing public curiosity about unmanned aircrafts or drones, Liu remains confident in the staying power of the Chinook. In June 2013, the U.S. Army committed to spend $4 billion to acquire nearly 200 CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Boeing, which continues to modernize this classic aircraft style. That’s why Liu focuses on building long-term relationships with his suppliers — because his product promises to remain relevant for a long time.

Liu joined the Fortune 100 company six years ago after positive encounters with Boeing staff on a project between the aerospace company and his then-employer, a wireless communication company. He counts his proudest achievement as simply being hired by Boeing, which is known to be extremely selective in hiring as a global leader in aviation technology.

Liu acknowledges the career boost that came with a BGSU degree, as a supply chain management major.

“No matter how hard it is, no matter how you struggle, stick with it and graduate,” Liu urges BGSU students. “Don’t ever give up.”