B.S. in mechanical engineering, 1984
For over four decades, Mark Rhodes has had a distinguished career in the aerospace and defense industry, making significant contributions to engineering, technology and leadership in advanced aviation programs.
Rhodes graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He went on to strengthen his leadership acumen by completing executive education programs at the University of Oxford, Georgetown University, University of Virginia and Indiana University.
Since 2019, Rhodes has served as a senior advisor for Belcan. He transitioned to the role after retiring in 2018 as vice president of engineering and technology for Rolls-Royce North America, where he was responsible for the design, development, certification and in-service support of Rolls-Royce products in Indianapolis. Under his leadership, a team of over 1,500 engineers worked to advance cutting-edge propulsion systems. His role also encompassed developing key people, processes and technologies that ensured the company’s ongoing competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.
Throughout his 34-year career with Rolls-Royce, Rhodes held several high-profile positions, including vice president of the F136 program for the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, F136 chief engineer, chief engineer for the AE 2100 Turboprop Engines, chief engineer for the F-35B LiftFan and chief engineer for Rolls-Royce Defence Engines. In the latter role, he had technical and product safety responsibilities for all defense, helicopter, energy and marine product lines in Indianapolis.
Rhodes has been deeply involved in the advancement of industry in Indianapolis, serving on multiple boards, including the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Conexus Indiana and the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. He also worked in service to the field on the Aerospace Industry Association’s Technical Operations Committee and as a member of the Indiana Aerospace and Defense Council.
Rhodes is a Kentucky Colonel and has remained engaged with his alma mater as a longtime member of the external advisory board for the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He has been a strong advocate for the UK Pigman College of Engineering, supporting its mission to develop the next generation of engineers.
