Teresa Ferraro

Teresa Ferraro is the President & CEO of East/West Industries, an SBA-certified Woman-Owned Small Business/Women’s Business Enterprise (WOSB/WBE) company in Ronkonkoma, NY. East/West has over 55 years of dedicated service in the design, development, and manufacturing of aircraft seating systems and other critical components for military aircraft crew safety in both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

Ms. Ferraro has a 40-year track record of success providing fiscal, strategic, and operational leadership at the rapidly growing company her parents founded in 1968. 

She is known for her exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to resolve multiple and complex challenges while motivating staff to peak performance. Over the last eight years, she led the most significant business expansion in East/West’s history, including the move to a new facility and a recent expansion, which increased the company’s footprint by 50% and led to almost doubling its workforce. Ms. Ferraro has utilized her skills to create successful business relationships with major aerospace and defense contractors, including Boeing, Lockheed, Sikorsky, and Northrop Grumman. Ms. Ferraro led East/West’s success as the 2018 Boeing Supplier of the Year. 

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How did you get your start working in the aviation industry?

Teresa Ferraro: I have been in this industry for 40 years, and I entered our family business after I graduated from Adelphi University. Throughout my college career, my main focus was business administration and finance. I did not think I would enter military and commercial aviation. East /West is an engineering manufacturing company that produces life-support and ground-support equipment for military and commercial aircraft. Equipment such as helicopters, seating systems, and oxygen systems provide the highest level of safety in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

How are the insights of women in leadership roles important in fostering innovation and the commitment to sustainability and inclusivity?

Teresa Ferraro: Throughout my career, I have seen the advancement of women in aviation, not only on the manufacturing side but also from the OEM side (such as Lockheed, Sikorsky, Boeing). The commercial aviation field is expanding, which is the pathway for young women to show the available opportunities. 

I have also worked closely with the Cradle of Aviation to expose young women to female astronauts who have been able to shatter the glass ceiling. These female astronauts have been able to explain to young women that their goals, dreams, and paths are not boundaries. 

How has networking or involvement in the Airport Community benefited your career?

Teresa Ferraro: Networking and mentoring are critical skills for any leader. I work closely with the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City to foster STEM and mentoring to the next generation. I also work closely with Long Island MacArthur Airport and the Cradle of Aviation to bring hands-on experience and knowledge to local high school students. Both these opportunities provide local manufacturing companies focused on the aviation field exposure to students, whether college-bound or not, to the opportunities within aviation.  

What is the most memorable moment during your career in aviation or at the airports?

Teresa Ferraro: I was recently honored with the Harriet Quimby Award at the Cradle of Aviation’s 20th Annual Air & Space Gala. This award celebrates the exceptional contributions of women in aviation. I shared the honor with Colonel Eileen Collins, a U.S.A.F. pilot and astronaut who was the first female pilot on a shuttle mission. 

This award and the Leroy R. Grumman Award for leadership in the aviation community were two highlights of my career. Leroy Grumman was truly inspirational and at the forefront of aviation on Long Island. I was incredibly proud and honored to have East/West highlighted our contributions to the aviation community. 

Is there an airport redevelopment project that you are most interested in seeing completed?

Teresa Ferraro: I am most interested in the Airport development project for Long Island at Long Island MacArthur Airport. This airport will provide excellent opportunities for aviation growth here on Long Island. It will also provide a path to many destinations and offer a career path for those in aircraft maintenance, general aviation, and management positions.