CINCINNATI, OHIO, September 22, 2025 – Diatom Capital, a leading innovator in the aerospace industry, and its affiliates, today announced the appointment of Leslie O’Hara as Vice President of Human Resources (HR). With more than 30 years of HR leadership across the automotive, transportation, and consumer products industries, O’Hara will oversee Diatom Capital’s HR functions and processes — from strategic recruitment, talent management, employee benefits, and employee engagement to supporting business integrations and acquisitions.
Most recently, O’Hara guided HR and total reward and labor strategy for multi-billion-dollar Greenfield investments, including the LH Battery/Honda-LG joint venture in Jeffersonville, Ohio, and Semcorp Manufacturing in Sidney, Ohio. She has held a variety of roles leading large-scale business integrations, startups, and newly acquired operations.
“Diatom Capital is pleased to welcome Leslie and have her innovative HR leadership and insights added to the team. With her deep industry experience and broad skillset, especially from supporting global ventures with regional approaches, we look forward to Leslie’s immediate and long-term impact with the Diatom family of companies,” said Burt Mattice, President and co-founder, Diatom Capital. “Leslie shares our unwavering commitment to people. We are excited to see the impact of her leadership across the Diatom family as we continue to purposefully invest in the legacies of individuals and the businesses they’ve built.”
O’Hara holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources® certification from the HR Certification Institute® and earned her bachelor’s degree in business with a focus in human resources from the Farmer School of Business at Miami University of Ohio. She is a mission volunteer for the Impact Guatemala Team and serves on the board of directors for wildlife preservation Ashton Biodiversity.
Media contact:
Burt Mattice
President & Co-founder
burt@diatomcapital.com
937.397.2070
Cincinnati, OH — July 22, 2025 — Diatom Capital, a private investment firm focused on accelerating growth and acquiring founder-led businesses in the aerospace and defense sectors, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Industrial Electronics Services Inc. (IES), a technology-based powerhouse providing design, manufacturing, and lifecycle management services for electronic products.
This strategic acquisition expands Diatom Capital!s portfolio in aerospace, which includes Diatom Aviation, a recognized leader in the design, maintenance, and repair of air-cargo containers (ULDs, or Unit Load Devices) and Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and Midwest Aero Support (MAS) an FAA, EASA, and CAA-certified repair station specializing in the overhaul and repair of aircraft structures and components.
With Industrial Electronics Service’s renowned electronic expertise and Diatom Capital!s cutting-edge aviation solutions, the combined team is set to deliver next-level, turnkey infrastructure projects for military, aerospace, energy, transportation, medical, communications, and industrial markets.
“This is more than an acquisition — it!s an alliance built to accelerate innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors,” said Burt Mattice, President of Diatom Capital and Diatom Aviation. “Industrial Electronics Service’s stellar reputation and skilled workforce are a natural fit for Diatom!s mission to deliver Aviation Simplified™ by unlocking operational efficiencies and maximizing value for both customers and stakeholders.”
Diatom Capital!s investment philosophy is centered on respect for legacy. Rather than reshaping a company!s identity, Diatom seeks to honor what founders have built—partnering with founders and leadership teams to unlock sustainable, long-term growth while honoring the culture and values that made the business successful. IES will continue to operate from its facility in Gray, Tennessee, under its existing brand, while now benefiting from Diatom Capital!s global infrastructure, capital investment, and strategic support.
“This merger marks an exciting new chapter for our team, our customers, and the legacy we’ve built,” said Kathy Mullins, CEO of IES. “We’re proud to join forces with a company that shares our values and commitment to quality and on-time delivery to drive our vision for the future. Together, we’re positioned to achieve more than we ever could alone.”
This marks Diatom Capital’s second acquisition this year, following its recent purchase of Midwest Aero Support — a move that expanded the company!s component repair and maintenance capabilities and added to their regional footprint. Together, these acquisitions reinforce Diatom Capital!s commitment to delivering integrated, end-to-end solutions across the aerospace and defense ecosystem.
About Industrial Electronics Service
Founded in 1989, Industrial Electronics Service, Inc. (IES) is a technology-based company providing design, manufacturing, and lifecycle management services for electronic products. Serving value-centric clients across military, aerospace, energy, transportation, medical, communications, and industrial markets. IES partners with their customers at every stage of the process—research, development, production, packaging, distribution, and aftermarket support. IES leverages its expertise across their network, bringing our customers’ visions to life with effective, tailored solutions.
About Diatom Capital
Diatom Capital is a private investment firm dedicated to accelerating growth and acquiring founder-led businesses in the aerospace and defense industries. Through its Aviation Simplified™ approach, Diatom invests in and scales aviation manufacturing and service providers—unlocking operational efficiencies and delivering long-term value for all stakeholders.
Innovative Leader with Over 30 Years of Aerospace and Defense Experience to Drive Growth and Strategic Vision
Diatom Aviation, a leading innovator in the aerospace industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Burt Mattice as its new President. With over three decades of leadership experience in aerospace and defense, Burt brings a wealth of expertise in corporate strategy, product management, and global expansion that will help drive the company’s continued growth and success.
As President of Diatom Aviation, Burt Mattice will focus on advancing the company’s strategic vision, accelerating new product introductions, and exploring strategic acquisitions to fuel innovation and market expansion. His hands-on approach to operations, supply chain management, quality, and mergers & acquisitions, combined with his ability to lead diverse teams, positions him to deliver sustainable, profitable growth for the organization.
“We are excited to welcome Burt Mattice as President of Diatom Aviation,” said Jeff Zalla, Managing Partner of Foxhole Equity. “Burt’s proven track record of leadership in both the technical and commercial aspects of aerospace is precisely what Diatom needs as we continue to expand our footprint globally. His vision and operational expertise will help to accelerate growth and further solidify Diatom’s position as a leader in the aviation industry.”
Burt’s extensive background includes leading large-scale transformations, aligning cross-functional teams, and driving operational efficiencies for companies around the world. His experience spans both commercial and technical leadership, having managed diverse global teams across multiple industries, and he is recognized for uncovering new revenue streams and delivering exceptional results.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Burt is also a licensed and instrument-rated private pilot with over 1,000 hours as Pilot in Command. His deep understanding of aviation and operational excellence complements his leadership capabilities, enabling him to offer valuable insights into product development and customer needs in the aviation sector.
“I am honored to join the talented team at Diatom Aviation,” said Burt Mattice. “The company has built a strong reputation for innovation and excellence, and I look forward to leading the team in continuing to push boundaries and deliver breakthrough solutions. Together, we will focus on accelerating our growth, driving new product development, and expanding our market presence on a global scale.”
Burt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Chemical/Materials Engineering from the University of Dayton.
Hear from Chris Carmichael, Diatom Aviation’s Final Inspector, as he shares his experience working with our team! From ensuring top-quality air-cargo containers to being part of a company that values precision and dedication, Chris gives an inside look at what makes Diatom Aviation stand out.