Michael Amalfitano

Embraer Executive Jets

President & CEO

Michael Amalfitano is the President and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets, leading the company’s global business with annual revenues in excess of $1.5 billion and an active fleet of more than 1,500 aircraft
with over 940 customers worldwide. A long-standing industry veteran, Amalfitano has 40+ years of executive leadership experience in business aviation and financial services. He is a voting member of the Embraer SA Executive Leadership Management Board.
Prior to joining Embraer, Amalfitano served as Executive Vice President, Senior Managing Director of Business Aviation at Stonebriar Commercial Finance. Amalfitano also led as Managing Director, Executive Head of Global Corporate Aircraft Finance at Bank of America Merrill Lynch for over 22 years,
following a decade-long tenure in sales management at GE Capital.
Amalfitano is Chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and currently serves on their Finance, Investment, and Strategic Committees, following his previous role as Chairman of the Communications Committee. He also serves as Chairman of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Advisory Council and as a member of the NBAA Board of Directors, Audit Committee, Joint Task
Force Committee, and Leadership Council. Amalfitano also serves as the OEM President Representative for the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), following his former position as Chairman of the Associate Member Advisory Council. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Past board positions include former Chairman of the Associate Members Advisory Council for the National Aircraft Resellers Association (NARA) and former two-term President of the National Aircraft
Finance Association (NAFA). Past association memberships include European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) and the Helicopter Association International (HAI).
Amalfitano graduated with a B.A. in Economics and a Master’s in Financial Management from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. He has written numerous articles for aviation industry publications and is an active speaker and panellist at business aviation seminars, forums, virtual podcasts & webinars,
and thought leadership conferences throughout the industry.

René Banglesdorf

The Aviation Collective

CEO

René Banglesdorf is an entrepreneur, business strategist, author, podcast host, public speaker and board member. She is the founder and CEO of The Aviation Collective, a leadership development company specifically designed to help aviation professionals and emerging leaders. She is founder and chairman of Charlie Bravo Aviation, a company that sells private jets –spanning nearly $1B in sales in 44 different countries under her tenure as CEO. René serves on the FAA’s Women in Aviation Advisory Board, the Ohio University Department of Management and Strategic Development Advisory Board, and as a high-performance business coach for Full Focus Company. René earned her private pilot license in 2021 and flies her Piper Comanche regularly with her daughter Brooke, who holds a commercial license.

Sheryl Barden

Aviation Personnel International

President & CEO

An aviation industry recruitment and talent identification veteran, Sheryl A. Barden is a frequent guest speaker, blogger and writer for the monthly “AINsight” thought leadership column for Aviation International News. She is particularly regarded for applying her extensive background in employee search, screening and coaching to fulfill aviation recruiting and human resource consulting needs.

To help API’s clients attract and retain the level of talent they’re seeking, Sheryl serves as a trusted advisor on HR-related matters, such as aviation hiring best practices and competitive compensation packages.

Sheryl joined API in 2001, as Vice President of Business Development, and she assumed the critical role of President in 2003. She added CEO responsibilities to her position in 2013. API has grown exponentially under her leadership, while always remaining true to the company’s founding principles of integrity, confidentiality and industry-leading client service.

As an aviation industry thought leader on employment issues, such as the aviation talent shortage and pilot professionalism, Sheryl has also contributed commentary at the National Transportation Safety Board’s Safety Symposium, in response to the 2009 Colgan Air accident.

Sheryl is a member of the International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), Women in Corporate Aviation (WCA), Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the NBAA Advisory Council.

She is also a former member of the NBAA’s Board of Directors and former Chair of the NBAA Advisory Council. For six years, she served on the NBAA’s Corporate Aviation Management Committee. Additionally, she’s past president of the International Women’s Forum of Northern California.

Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management with an emphasis in Personnel Management from Pennsylvania State University, and a MBA from the McLaren School of Business, at the University of San Francisco. In 2021, she also earned her Certified Aviation Manager credential from the NBAA.

Aadesh Batra

Titan Aviation

Vice President EMEA

Aadesh is the VP for Europe, Middle East and Africa regions of Titan Aviation. The highlights of his diverse 26 years in aviation include becoming the youngest Country Manager British Airways ever had and for a region that then saw the highest recorded ROS figures under his care. Having then been headhunted to the world of General Aviation, he fell in love with its pace, creativity and attention to detail. Here he led one of the largest charter broking companies, combining his wealth of commercial acumen with the vibrancy and adaptability of an ever changing and dynamic industry; venturing into new markets and enhancing service offerings, whilst constantly increasing profitability. Eventually in 2015, his entrepreneurial spirit got the better of him and he founded his own Company to deliver a bespoke service – unfettered and unique, his clients resonated with the fresh perspective.
When he was approached to join the “Titan Team” (as they are referred to internally), he was invigorated by the passion of his peers and moved by the commitment and desire of the team. Aadesh has lived, studied and worked all across the globe and calls himself a true Citizen of the World!

Richard Berkemeier

Pegasus Aircraft Appraisal Group

Senior Appraiser

Richard Berkemeier, ASA, Senior Appraiser at Pegasus Aircraft Appraisal Group, began his one-year term as International President for the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) effective July 1, 2022.

Mr. Berkemeier graduated from Cincinnati University and completed his required course of study for appraisal accreditation through ASA’s Appraisal Review & Management and Machinery & Technical Specialties program. He joined ASA in 1994 and earned his Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) designation in 2000. Richard has held many leadership positions, including most notably serving on ASA’s Board of Examiners, as International Vice President of ASA’s Board of Governors, as well as past Chair of ASA’s International Education Committee, ASA’s Budget and Finance Committee, and ASA’s Machinery & Technical Specialties Discipline Committee. He was also previously a member of ASA’s International Marketing Committee.

As an established senior appraiser, Richard owned and operated Pegasus Aircraft Appraisal Group, one of the world’s largest aircraft, helicopter, and parts appraisal firms, for more than 14 years. His strong passion for appraisal, valuation, and economic proposition related to aircraft and his expertise on this subject matter have taken him around the world, educating groups at the Big-4, Marsh, DLL, and many other businesses across six continents. He has taught appraisal classes in Russia, England, Japan, Australia, Germany, Korea, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Canada.

Richard’s experience has included appraisals for many corporate jets, rare aircraft, helicopters, military planes, engines, spare parts, and simulators. He has been referred to as the “Appraiser to the Stars” and assisted high-profile individuals, sometimes involved in divorce cases, and has served as an industry expert witness.

Richard is a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Helicopter Association International (HAI), the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT), and has been a featured speaker at many industry events. He is a life member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, a former board member with the Peace Museum, and a member of Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy II Finance Committee. Mr. Berkemeier graduated from Piqua Central High School and the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Berkemeier is also an avid collector of the works of James Ingram Merrill and William Congdon.

David Best

Jet Aviation

SVP Regional Operations and GM, Americas

David Best was appointed SVP regional operations and general manager for the Americas, where he is responsible for driving the successful growth of the U.S. region by focusing on customer engagement and advancing our U.S. operations.

Since joining Jet Aviation in January 2017, Best has also managed a number of successful business development projects, most notably the acquisition and integration of Hawker Pacific and the Scottsdale Jet Center in the U.S. He assumed the role of SVP strategic global growth in December 2018 and made significant progress in aligning the sales organization and improving customer data management.

With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, Best served Signature Aviation as president Asia, chief commercial officer USA, and managing director EMEA prior to joining Jet Aviation. He is a graduate of the University of Strathclyde, where he earned his MBA, and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

Megha Bhatia

Rolls Royce Business Aviation

VP Sales & Marketing – Aftermarket Business Aviation

Megha Bhatia leads as Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the dedicated business aviation organization at Rolls-Royce. Her passion for technology combined with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and Masters of Business from Embry-Riddle University has enabled her to serve as a driver of change within the aerospace industry.
During her time in business aviation she has launched CorporateCare® Enhanced which was the first aftermarket program to expand its premier comprehensive protection for the full powerplant including engine & nacelle. Under her leadership, CorporateCare Enhanced has rapidly grown, having recently reached a milestone with their 1000th contract signature. She also led the introduction of SAFinity, which enables carbon neutral flight by combining sustainable projects with a direct investment in SAF.

Prior to her current position, Megha specialized for more than a decade in Sales and Strategy with Rolls-Royce. Based both nationally and internationally in the United Kingdom and Singapore, Megha has partnered with customers globally within marine, airlines and business aviation sectors. She led Sales & Business Development for an innovative division focused on advancing ship intelligence, including autonomous solutions. She also headed the global Customer Issues Resolution team to transform their process with significant improvements in customer satisfaction. Megha brings with her a breadth of customer & strategy expertise with the proven ability to positively impact business revenue and performance.

Megha serves on IADA Foundation Board, has co-founded Rolls-Royce Women Houston Chapter, and is currently a member of the NBAA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion working group.

Megha’s hobbies include traveling, salsa dancing, and playing fetch with her energetic dog.

Jim Blessing

AirFleet Capital

President

Jim Blessing is the President of AirFleet Capital, Inc., a small privately-owned finance firm focused on aircraft lending to the owner-pilot segment of the aviation industry. At AirFleet he oversees all functions of the company, to include strategic planning, marketing and sales, and participates regularly with credit evaluation and underwriting. He joined AirFleet in 1999 and has helped participate in its growth from a new entrant in aircraft lending to one of the larger firms in the segment.
Prior to AirFleet he was the CFO for an aviation company with a focus on government contracting, providing logistical support through the Department of Defense and United Nations special programs groups. The company owned and operated special-use aircraft and was an FAA Repair Station with focus on regional airliners, cargo and special-mission aircraft.
Jim has worked in the field of aviation for his entire career, receiving his BS in Aviation Management from Florida Institute of Technology in 1992. He has been a pilot since 1988, is a lifetime member of EAA, AOPA and the Seaplane Pilots Association, and a proud member of Alpha Eta Rho. Aviation is in his family’s DNA, as he was originally inspired to pursue an aviation career by his father who served in the USAF. His wife Cathy is also a pilot with both instrument and seaplane ratings (and an active career in air traffic control systems design).
Outside of AirFleet, Jim is the President of the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA), serving his 4th consecutive term as President. NAFA represents the aircraft lending community with nearly 200 member companies. The Association recently celebrated it’s 50th anniversary, and its mission is to facilitate the exchange of ideas and capital that finance the world’s business and general aviation aircraft.

Katya Brozyna

Jefferies Aviation Investment Banking

SVP, Aviation and Aerospace Investment Banking

Katya Brozyna co-leads Jefferies’ Aviation & Aerospace Investment Banking practice. With over ten years of experience, Katya specializes in capital raising and advisory for clients across business aviation and commercial aerospace end markets. She has completed over 75 M&A, debt and equity transactions for operators, FBOs, MROs, manufacturers, leasing companies and other sectors in the aviation landscape. Katya received a B.S. in Finance and Accounting from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia.

Christopher Broyhill

AirComp Calculator

Founder & CEO

Christopher Broyhill is an industry veteran with over 40 years in aviation. He served with
distinction for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, and flew the AT-38 Talon, the OV-10 Bronco,
the A-10 Warthog, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Chris served in a variety of leadership
positions at the squadron and wing level while he was in the Air Force and was the top
graduate in his class from the Air Force Fighter Weapons school.
Chris transitioned to business aviation after his retirement from the Air Force and has
held several leadership positions including Chief Pilot and Director of Operations under
14 C.F.R. Part 135 and Chief Pilot and Director of Aviation for two Fortune 100 Flight
Departments operating under 14 C.F.R. Part 91. He has also served at the executive level
in four aviation companies.
In 2017, while serving as a member of the National Business Aviation Association’s
Business Aviation Management Committee, Chris began series of scientific research
projects that focused on personnel retention in the industry. He has since completed four
of these projects, presented his results at several industry conferences, and published two
books on his findings. Chris’s research led to a consulting practice focusing on retention
and compensation that has made him one of the industry’s most sought-after experts on
these subjects. Chris has performed retention/compensation analyses for over 100 flight
departments throughout the country and invented the AirComp CalculatorTM, the
industry’s only tool for online, compensation analysis.
Chris has been an NBAA Certified Aviation Manager since 2010 and holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in Computer Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a Master of Arts
degree in National Security Studies from California State University, and a Ph.D. in
Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Pete Bunce

GAMA

President & CEO

In April 2005, Peter (Pete) Bunce became President and CEO of GAMA, which has North American headquarters in Washington, D.C. and European/Middle East headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He and the GAMA staff travel worldwide engaging regulators, policymakers, and elected officials to promote general aviation and advance the interests of GAMA’s global membership of more than 100 airframe, avionics, engine, and component manufacturers, as well as the world’s leading business aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul companies.

Pete retired from the United States Air Force in March 2005, with his last assignment as the Director of the Air Force Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison. During his 26-year Air Force career, Pete flew F-15s and A-10s, while commanding several large operational fighter units.

A Wisconsin native, Pete learned to fly as a teenager in the skies over southern Wisconsin. He entered the Air Force in 1979 as an honor graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. He received his master’s degree in International Affairs from Troy University in 1988 and was an International Affairs Fellow at Harvard University in 1996-97.

Pete is an active pilot with more than 7,000 hours in military fighter and training aircraft as well as civil piston, turboprop, and business jet aircraft. He holds an FAA airline transport certificate and seaplane rating, and serves on the board of directors of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, Veterans Airlift Command, and a trustee of the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation. Pete is also a member of Federal Aviation Administration’s 13-member Management Advisory Council (MAC). Additionally, Pete serves as both the FAA’s NextGen Advisory Committee, MITRE Corporation’s Aviation Advisory Committee and the NASA Advisory Council Aeronautics Committee.

In May 2015, Pete organized the Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Flyover the U.S. Capitol Mall. More than 50 warbirds flew down Independence Avenue, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Allies Victory in Europe.

Pete was named the 2007 Aviation Industry Leader of the Year by the Living Legends of Aviation. In December 2009, he was awarded the ICAS Sword of Excellence, the air show industry’s premier annual award. In January 2010, he was inducted as one of the 70 Living Legends of Aviation. Pete and his wife Patty reside in Arlington, Virginia, and have six children.

Curt Castagna

National Air Transportation Association

President & CEO

Curt Castagna, C.M. was named the 11^th President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) in August 2022. Prior to this post, Castagna served over six years as an NATA Board Member including two years as Board Chair and one year as Immediate Past Chair.   

Castagna has a diverse background and more than 35 years of proven industry expertise, including in his concurrent role as President and CEO of Aeroplex Group Partners, who’s core competencies are airport development, airport project management, and aviation consulting. Aeroplex maintains general aviation and business aircraft centers at the Long Beach, Van Nuys and Dallas Love Field Airports. He has overseen the complete development, construction, management, leasing, sales, service, and promotion of complex and diverse projects.

Castagna has a long history of leadership roles in airport tenants, community stakeholders and aviation trade associations. He is recognized by his peers and colleagues for establishing collaborative partnerships and negotiating complex general aviation challenges, while maintaining a focus on compromise and consensus building.

Devoted to mentoring future aviation professionals, he has over 30 years of experience as an adjunct professor in the Aviation Administration programs at California State University, Los Angeles, and Cypress Community College.

Castagna is a certified private and instrument-rated pilot and aircraft owner.

Andrew Collins

Sentient Jet

President & M&A, Onesky

As the President and CEO of Sentient Jet, Andrew Collins is responsible for a $450 million consumer travel and aviation business that has rapidly flourished over the last six years. Under his leadership the company has benefited from both a digital and business model transformation, in addition to an organizational restructuring. This includes setting market, product, and brand strategy, integrating a full suite of retail and wholesale technology applications, tripling sales, optimizing client acquisitions costs, and significantly moving top-line revenues, while also evolving Sentient into an EBITDA-positive entity.
In addition to running Sentient Jet, Collins is a lead executive at parent company OneSky where he is focused on M&A, operations, and revenue management activities.
In 2021 Collins lead the acquisition of Halo Aviation in London and integrated the company with Associated Aircraft Group (recently acquired from Sikorsky Lockheed Martin) in NYC to form OneSky’s Vertical Lift division, creating a global fleet of 24 helicopters and a platform for the future of flight. Inclusive with this effort was an order for 200 eVTOL (electric vertical take off and landing) vehicles from Embraer’s EVE.
In 2018, Collins, on behalf of parent company OneSky, led the acquisition of international digital charter provider PrivateFly to help establish a $100 million, on-demand global platform with a network of 20 localized websites and offices in London, Boston, New York, and Florida.
In recent years Collins has motivated a significant digital and technology transformation at Sentient Jet and its parent company, OneSky. This has included the creation of retail product, online consumer “touch points,” novel mobile applications, and a brand-new, supply-side platform for driving further efficiencies in flight time procurement.
With his direction, Sentient Jet also leveraged its exclusive partnership program to include such leading, world-class brands as Aspen/Snowmass, Sotheby’s, and YPO/WPO. In 2016, Sentient Jet became the first official private aviation partner ever for the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs.
Collins has been featured in a number of media outlets and forums including CNN, CNBC, Forbes, NBC, and the Wall Street Journal. In 2016, Sentient Jet and Collins were featured in a Harvard Business School case study entitled “Sentient Jet: The Uber of Private Jets.” He sits on the board of or Tuvoli, the digital aviation payments company, PrivateFly, and Halo Aviation.
He received his BA from Union College and a Master’s Degree from the Sloan School of Management at MIT. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the Wall Street Journal CEO Council.

Bobby Courtney

Fontainebleau Aviation

Vice President of Aviation

Bobby D. Courtney serves as the Vice President of Aviation., an integral role which spearheads the growth and success of Fontainebleau Development’s, Aviation Division – Fontainebleau Aviation.

The company caters to the elite clientele that is private aviation. Operating out of Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, Courtney has educated his consumers on the infamous brand which defines service and experience. Fontainebleau is not only on Miami Beach; it reaches the aviation world as well.

The evolution of the Fontainebleau Aviation brand was made possible through the development of the existing Fontainebleau FBO. Bobby embarked on the concept of developing the new FBO into a dominating facility on the airfield. In 2014, he pioneered the development of the $27 million expansion, which branched the FBO into a 235,000 sq ft. footprint. He envisions a full-service facility that comprises of all logistical necessities for every type of operation and service that serves as the touchstone for all private aviation enterprises.

Bobby has dedicated two decades to the industry and has been instrumental in maximizing growth in other fast paced, high volume airports. While his dedication to his vocation is meaningful, Bobby is devoted to his family. He instills hard work, commitment, and faith to his three younger children and hopes that they may grow into their successful paths.

“The success of this company is only made possible through the support of our ownership and the drive of my staff. Being a hospitality organization in aviation sets the tone of what our clients come to expect and what I expect of our staff. To see what this company has accomplished in such a short amount of time is amazing. The best is yet to come.”

David Crick

DavAir Group

Managing Director

David Crick is an Accredited Senior Appraiser of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). He serves as the Machinery & Technical Specialties Discipline Governor on the ASA International Board of Governors and is the recent President of the ASA Australian Chapter. He also serves as the Chair on the Finance & Leasing Committee of the Helicopter Association International.

David is the Managing Director of the DavAir Group, an Australian company providing international aviation inspection, appraisal and advisory services.

He has an unparalleled passion for the aviation sector performing appraisals of both fixed wing & rotary aviation assets in Australia, the Asia Pacific Rim, the USA and various countries in Europe & the Middle East.

With over 20 years of specialised valuation and consulting experience to many different sectors, David has considerable knowledge of corporate valuation requirements for financial reporting, mortgage security assessments, insurance & liquidation disposals. He performs appraisals for finance and leasing, aviation sales, mergers and acquisitions, insurance disputes, and expert witness for the legal fraternity.

David has presented at various international forums addressing current issues in aviation assets and appraisal methodologies, including events in the UK, USA, Russia, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. He also lectures at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the USA on Aircraft Appraisal methodology and processes as well as teaching Aircraft Appraisal courses in London, UK.

David was formerly with Lloyds Asset in Australia joined DavAir in August 2016

Gregory Davis

Eviation Aircraft

President & CEO

Gregory Davis is President and CEO of Eviation Aircraft, a global manufacturer of all-electric aircraft. As a licensed commercial pilot and skilled engineer, Gregory brings an in-depth understanding and true passion for the industry to Eviation. 

Gregory has extensive experience in the aerospace industry with over 15 years of progressive leadership roles. Prior to Eviation, Gregory served as Vice President of Customer Service and Product Support for Viking Air Limited, a global leader in utility aircraft services and manufacturer of Series 400 and Guardian 400 Twin Otter aircraft. Before that, he served in an engineering role at Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, one of the largest privately owned and independent aerospace and defense companies. Under Gregory’s leadership, Eviation is building a new category of aircraft that challenges the limits of air travel and creates new market opportunities. 

Gregory holds a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Carleton University, and an MBA from the University of Calgary.

Emily Deaton

jetAVIVA

Chief Executive Officer

As the Chief Executive Officer for jetAVIVA, Emily (Weber) Deaton leads one of the largest private jet sales organizations in the world as measured by total annual transaction volume. Deaton joined jetAVIVA in early 2019 as Vice President of Sales. She was appointed to the role of Chief Operating Officer in March 2020, and helped to lead jetAVIVA to two record-breaking sales years in 2020 and 2021. Prior to joining jetAVIVA, Deaton held leadership positions in CRM Strategy and Customer Experience at Embraer Executive Jets.

Maria Della Posta

Pratt & Whitney Canada

President

Maria Della Posta was named President, Pratt & Whitney Canada in June, 2019. Maria leads all global operations,
engineering, customer service, sales, marketing and business development organizations, and a team of more than
10,000 employees worldwide. She is focused on launching products and services that drive growth and deliver
exceptional customer service across all company segments including general and business aviation, regional
turboprop, helicopter and auxiliary power unit markets.
Maria joined Pratt & Whitney Canada in 1985 and progressed through roles of increasing leadership in Supply Chain,
Finance and Customer Service. Named vice president, Customer Support in 2001, senior vice president, Sales and
Marketing in 2010, and senior vice president Pratt & Whitney Canada in 2012, Maria has been instrumental in driving
a significant business model transformation, customer-centric culture and focus on sustainability. She led the growth
of a global aftermarket network which supports an extensive portfolio of almost 65,000 engines in service, and more
than 13,000 customers worldwide. Across its segments, the Pratt & Whitney Canada team is leading the way toward
evermore sustainable aircraft propulsion, from class-leading current products to sustainable aviation fuels to alternate
technology solutions such as hybrid electric.
Maria, who holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and an MBA from McGill University, is also recognized as a
champion of inclusion and leadership development both within Pratt & Whitney Canada and in the industry and
community. Active on many educational and philanthropic boards, Maria currently serves on several industry boards
and associations, including AIAC, Aero Montreal, GAMA and McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation.
She is currently the chair of the GAMA Communications Committee and co-chair of Centraide (United Way)
Campaign of Greater Montreal.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and
auxiliary power units.

Eric Deye

QS Partners

Vice President, Sales

Based in Miami, Florida with nearly 25 years’ experience in business aviation Eric joined IADA accredited dealer QS Partners in 2017 leading sales efforts in Florida and Europe.  Growing up in an aviation family, Eric went from flying around the world to operating his own aircraft and studying aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  

QS Partners is one of the largest acquisition and brokerage companies in the world executing well over 60 transactions per year across the top 50 business jet markets.  

Kenny Dichter

Wheels Up

Founder & CEO

Kenny Dichter is Founder and CEO of Wheels Up, the revolutionary membership-based private aviation company that minimizes the upfront investment needed to fly privately. the company provides members with unmatched accessibility and flexibility through its innovative business model and diverse fleet. Wheels Up offers the only scalable total private aviation solution in the marketplace, ranging from the King Air 350i to the Global 6000, through partnerships with industry leaders such as Beechcraft, Cessna, Heliflite, JetSuite, Jet Aviation and VistaJet.

Previously, Dichter founded Marquis Jet in 2001 and introduced the first ever fractional jet card program, which revitalized and democratized and private aviation industry. Led by Dichter, Marquis Jet generated over $4 billion in revenue, culminating in its sale to Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway’s NetJets in 2010. At that time, Dtchter was named Vice Chairman of NetJets.

An entrepreneur at heart, with a sociology major from the University of Wisconsin, Dichter is a self-proclaimed  man of the people. Since his youth, he has been known for being a trend spotter and a trendsetter, and has always had an innate knack for branding, marketing, public relations and advertising. Dichter’s successes prove the he can apply these skills to a variety of industries. As always, Dichter has his eye on early-stage businesses where he sees potential for hype growth. He has an active role and has invested in Juice Press, a Manhattan-based, multi-location, grab-and-go organic, raw food and juice company; SportsYapper, a global communications platform for talking sports; CYC, which offers an exhilarating, beat-based, 45 minute ride that activates the whole body, the whole time; and Cirrus, a fitness company that customizes premium exercise equipment.

Delray Dobbins

Pratt & Whitney Canada

ESP Sales & Global Strategy

Delray Dobbins leads Sales and Global Strategy for Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Eagle Service™ Plan (ESP™), an engine maintenance program for the corporate jet segment. Since joining the company in May 2018, Delray has worked closely with business jet customers, industry influencers, and other key stakeholders to continue to enhance P&WC’s ESP maintenance program offerings.

During his 25+ year career, Delray has held several key positions in the aviation industry. Starting with Rolls-Royce in the early 90’s, Delray worked in the technical publications division supporting the AE3007 engine program. Delray then advanced into a customer support role in 2001 on the GV and G550 engine programs. Later, he was promoted to Regional Customer Manager supporting NetJets’ 130 Gulfstream and Citation X aircraft.

In 2009, Delray became a regional sales executive for CorporateCare covering the Midwestern United States and developed strong relationships with many of those flight departments.

In 2015, Delray joined the Mente Group where his primary mandate was to assist clients in buying and selling aircraft as well as ensure they were knowledgeable of the available engine programs.

Delray has volunteered with the National Aviation Hall of Fame based in Dayton, Ohio and often supports their efforts at the Reno Air Races and their annual Enshrinement Gala.

Delray has a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Technology from Purdue University where he graduated with his airframe and power plant license as well as commercial/instrument pilot’s license. Delray is also part owner of a 1967 Beechcraft V35 Bonanza.

Keri Dowling

Air Law Office

President

Keri L. Dowling earned her Juris Doctorate and was admitted to The Ohio Bar in 1998.

She represented the City of Cleveland before the FAA, NTSB and other governmental agencies, and in negotiations with tenants, landowners and contractors during the expansion of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the largest civil aviation airport expansion in US history.

Keri Dowling represented various airports and aircraft manufacturers in civil litigation in both state and federal courts until 2005, when she, newly admitted to the Florida Bar, began to represent various aircraft owners in the purchase of aircraft, structuring of ownership and operational needs, as well as other transactional related matters.

Toni Drummond

Titan Aviation US

President

Toni Drummond is a highly recognized industry leader and specialist in the private & general aviation industry. She is the Founder & CEO of Global Aerial Management Group, an emerging technologies company, and also a Partner at Prestige Air Group, a private jet charter & management company. 

Toni studied business management at East Carolina University and went right into the general aviation industry out of college. Throughout her career, she developed an expertise in aviation centric business development, marketing, advanced worldwide aviation logistics, aircraft management, charter sales & flight operations, and over all C suite company management. 

Her passion grew over the decades as an aviator. Toni’s career became highly specialized as she lead global aircraft charter & management companies in as she spearheaded intricate project management, FAA Part 380 shuttle Schedules, FAA Compliance, Technology integration in the flight department, UAM rotorcraft shuttle implementation, mass passenger movements & high level VVIP travel.

Beginning in 2020, a project developed into a passion for electric and autonomous solutions, sustainable aviation and emerging technologies. Before long, Toni began comprehensive consulting services for forward facing aviation projects.

Toni currently owns multiple aviation business and is grateful for knowledge gained through a unique perspective on these topics. Toni enjoys sharing her passion and mentoring young women through aviation careers around the globe .

Toni was the winner of the 2021 Women and Drones Team Innovation award and was also named as one of the Top 100 Women to Watch in aviation & aerospace in 2022.  She is a member of the National Business Aviation Association’s Emerging Technologies Committee and resides in Scottsdale, AZ.

Chris Ellis

Avpro

Co-Founder & Managing Partner

Chris Ellis is the Co-Founder & a Managing Partner of Avpro, Inc.  Chris graduated from Marietta College in 1987 with a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering.  After graduation, he worked for Omni International Jet Trading Corporation selling private jet aircraft.  In 1991, Chris along with two partners, Don Bass and Bob Rabbitt established Avpro, Inc. in Annapolis, Maryland. Over 30 years later, Chris continues to be directly involved in all facets of the sales and acquisitions processes.  He has deep roots in all facets of the industry, possessing vast knowledge and expertise. Avpro is the one of the largest corporate aircraft brokerage and acquisition firm worldwide averaging $1 billion in retail sales annually, typically involving more than 100 transactions per year.

Alex Fecteau

Boeing Business Jets

Director of Marketing

Captain Alex Fecteau is the Director of Marketing for Boeing Business Jets, a division of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Prior to his current position Captain Fecteau worked with airlines around the world in Boeing Commercial Airplane marketing, with a focus on flight deck technology, and Boeing technical product subject matter. Captain Fecteau earned his undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and Master of Science Degree in Mechanical engineering, followed by an extensive career as an F-15 instructor pilot in the US Air Force and pilot for 2 major US Airlines.

Alex has extensive experience working with customer flight operations departments, flight standards, training, and executive levels leadership. He has also worked with regulators worldwide for airplane systems certifications and performance based navigation operational approvals, and was an advisor to several EASA, ICAO, and FAA aviation rulemaking committees.

Stephen Friedrich

Embraer Executive Jets

CCO

Steve Friedrich is the Chief Commercial Officer at Embraer Executive Jets, where he is responsible for the direct management of the global sales organization for new and pre-flown aircraft as well as the oversight of relationships with customers and industry collaborators. With more than 30 years of experience in the leasing and aerospace sectors, his wealth of experience spans across sales, marketing, finance, customer support and services and aftermarket programs.
Prior to joining Embraer, Steve led global sales efforts and marketing activities at Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace Business Aviation as the company’s Vice President-Sales & Marketing. His previous banking and aviation finance experience includes key leadership positions as Vice President at Summit Bank of New Jersey and Assistant Vice President at United Jersey Bank.
Currently, Steve serves on the Board of Trustees for Elizabeth City State University and for the South East Leadership Council at Lafayette College.
Steve graduated with an A.B. in Economics & Business from Lafayette College and received his M.B.A. from the Stern School at New York University.

Patrick Gallagher

NetJets

President, Sales, Marketing & Service

An expert in private aviation, Patrick has served the industry in numerous roles for more than 20 years.

As President of Sales, Marketing and Service at NetJets, Patrick is responsible for strategic oversight of NetJets’ sales and marketing efforts across the Americas. He understands the unique needs of people seeking private aviation and develops solutions that improve the lives of NetJets Owners. Prior to joining the company, Patrick was Executive Vice President, Head of Sales at Marquis Jet Partners, where he was instrumental in the sale of Marquis Jet to NetJets. He previously held sales and management positions at Jet Aviation and United Airlines®. An Ohio native, Patrick received a Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University®. He serves as a board member for Lurie Children’s Hospital Foundation in Chicago, where he and his family have lived for more than 20 years.

Jack Gilchrist

Gilchrist Aviation Law

Founding Director & Shareholder

Jack Gilchrist is the founding director and shareholder of Gilchrist Aviation Law. He serves as special counsel representing clients involved in all areas of the aviation industry. Since 1989, Mr. Gilchrist has specifically focused his career on aviation transactions involving every current structure of aircraft including engines, propellers and spare parts.

Mr. Gilchrist has counseled clients around the world in aircraft transactions, including many of the major air carriers, aircraft and engine leasing companies, fractional ownership programs, air cargo companies, corporations, banks and other lending institutions. He also works closely with aircraft brokers, dealers and manufacturers.

Doug Gollan

Private Jet Card Comparisons

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Private Jet Card Comparisons is a buyer’s guide to private aviation services. We provide an unduplicated database of over 40,000 data points across more than 250 jet card, charter and fractional ownership programs. Paid subscribers can access a searchable spreadsheet, enabling them to compare private travel options and find the providers that best fit their needs. Doug is a veteran reporter and media executive whose career in travel, luxury goods and services, and private aviation spans over 30 years. Before founding Doug Gollan, LLC in 2015, he launched a luxury lifestyle magazine delivered on private jets in 2001, where he served as President and Editor-in-Chief. He started his career covering the airline industry for a trade publication, advancing to Managing Director, where he launched the first online training programs for travel agents. Doug and his teams generated over $100 million in operating profits and income from selling these properties for ownership. He is the author of several books on UHNW consumers and is regarded as an expert on jet cards, memberships, and charter flight travel. He is also a contributor to Forbes.com. He writes about the business of luxury travel and private aviation. Doug is frequently quoted in national media for his insights on private jet and luxury travel.

Eddie Gross

Vedder Price

Shareholder

Eddie Gross has almost 40 years of experience representing bank-affiliated, captive and independent financing providers and investors, as well as lessees and borrowers. in all aspects of aviation and other equipment finance transactions, including documenting, structuring, negotiating, syndicating and enforcing these transactions.

Eddie is considered an industry leader regarding the leasing and financing of all types of aviation assets, including fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and engine pools. Clients include market-leading aircraft and helicopter financing providers, investors and operating lessors, as well as large publicly or privately held businesses, governmental entities or high-net-worth individual lessees and borrowers. The business aircraft financed in these transactions include jets and turbo-prop aircraft operated primarily for the customer’s business purposes, or for transportation services including chartering, or pursuant to fractional or “pay card” arrangements. The financed helicopters are typically operated in various service capacities (e.g., air ambulances, oil and gas service, fire suppression, hauling, etc.) or for VIP, business or other transportation purposes. These aircraft and helicopter financings vary in structure and include domestic and multi-jurisdictional tax and non-tax leases, operating leases and secured loan financings, involving progress payment, completion and other multi-funding structures. The structures of these transactions typically involve multiple counter-parties, including citizenship and other trusts, management companies, maintenance program providers and affiliated and unaffiliated users of the aircraft and the manufacturer or other seller.
In 2016 through 2022, Eddie was ranked Band 1 in Private Aircraft (Global-wide) in Chambers High Net Worth. The legal ranking recognizes the world’s leading high net worth advisers where one aviation professional described Eddie as “the most knowledgeable aircraft finance lawyer in the US that I’ve worked with, both from a know-how and market perspective.” He was also recognized among the world’s leading aviation attorneys by Euromoney Legal Media Group’s Expert Guides from 2013 to 2021.

Nazeif Habboub

Collins Aerospace

Director – Business Aviation Solutions

Hamish Harding

Action Aviation

Chairman

Hamish Harding lives in Dubai with his family and is Chairman of Action Aviation. He has been an enthusiastic pilot since his days at Cambridge University where he gained degrees in Natural Sciences and Chemical Engineering. He holds an Airline Transport Pilots License and various business jet type ratings including the Gulfstream G650, and is an experienced skydiver.
In 2017, Hamish worked with Antarctic VIP tourism company, White Desert, to introduce the first regular business jet service to Antarctic using a Gulfstream G550, landing on Wolfsfang Runway, a newly-created ice runway in Antarctica.
Hamish has also visited the South Pole a number of times, accompanying Buzz Aldrin in 2016 as he became the oldest person ever to reach the South Pole (age 86) and, in 2020, Hamish took his son Giles Harding, who became the youngest person ever to reach the South Pole (age 12).
In 2019, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, Hamish, along with friend and Living Legend, astronaut Col. Terry Virts, led a team of aviators that captured the Guinness World Record for circumnavigation of the earth via North and South Poles. The record was achieved in a Gulfstream G650ER in 46 hours 40 minutes. A Hollywood movie, One More Orbit, was made of the successful capture of the world record.
In 2021, Hamish undertook a mission in a two-man submarine to the lowest point in the world’s oceans, Challenger Deep (in Marianna Trench, Pacific Ocean) to a depth of 36,000 ft. This 13-hour underwater mission resulted in two Guinness World Records, longest duration spent at Full Ocean Depth (4 hours 15 mins) and longest distance traversed at Full Ocean Depth (4.6 km).
In 2022, Hamish was one of six astronauts to go to space on Blue Origin’s 5th human spaceflight aboard the New Shepard rocket.
Owner of international business jet brokerage company, Action Aviation, Hamish is regarded as a leading authority on the worldwide business jet market. Hamish is one of the very few business jet brokers who also pilots the larger business jets himself.

Keith Hayes

PNC Aviation Finance

National Sales Manager

Keith Hayes is senior vice president and national sales manager of PNC Aviation Finance.  Prior to joining PNC Aviation Finance in 2017, Keith was with Regions Bank, BB&T and GE Capital for 27 years where he held numerous leadership roles across different business lines, including the last 8 years as national sales manager for GE Capital Corporate Aircraft Finance. Keith holds a B.A. in business administration and a MIS degree from the University of North Florida.

David Helfgott

SmartSky Networks

Chief Executive Officer

As Chief Executive Officer of SmartSky Networks (SSN), David Helfgott has responsibility for the company’s strategic direction, to drive the completion, launch and expansion of its ground-breaking broadband Air-to-Ground (ATG) network, and to implement its product development and operational programs, serving the growing connectivity needs of business, general and commercial aviation markets.

As a 20+ year industry veteran, he has extensive experience in airborne communications, satellite broadband, mobile telecommunications and commercial & government SATCOM networking services. Mr. Helfgott has held leadership positions at Phasor, Inmarsat, Cobham, DataPath and SES. He holds a BA Degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the Darden School.

David Hernandez

Vedder Price

Shareholder

Mr. Hernandez has extensive experience assisting clients with a wide variety of business aircraft
transaction and regulatory matters, including aircraft purchase/sale agreements, aircraft flight
department restructuring, aircraft management arrangements, fractional program documents, use
policies, cross-border transactions, personal use of aircraft, joint-ownership use agreements and
regulatory and enforcement matters. He is the Chair of Vedder Price Business Aviation and Regulation Sub-Practice Group, the Chair of the National Business Aviation Association’s
Tax Committee and a frequent speaker on various business aircraft and regulatory topics. Mr. Hernandez
has been recognized among the world’s leading aviation attorneys by Euromoney Legal Media Group’s
Expert Guides “Aviation Guide” and Chambers as a highly rated High Net Worth Individual Aviation Advisor.

Millie Hernandez Becker

SkyQueen Realty

President & CEO

Millie Hernández-Becker is a licensed real estate broker specializing in airport development and hangar leasing. She is recognized leader in the private aviation industry with over 30 years of documented success.
Hernández-Becker is widely known for her knowledge, experience, and commitment to excellence. She has leveraged her stellar skills and reputation in Business Aviation to secure and build long-lasting mutually beneficial relationships with, Airport Authorities, FBO’s, Charter & Management companies, and Private Equity groups.
Her service-oriented mindset allows her to focus on delivering results for her clients and their aviation assets. Providing professional guidance and advice, in the areas of FBO and Airport Operations, Sales & Marketing, Real Estate and Acquisitions Some of her clients include, FlexJet, Hess , the Carlyle Group, Goldman Sachs, Macquarie, SkyHarbour Group, and The Port Authority of NY & NJ. As a licensed broker she has successfully located and leased hangars nationally in major markets.
Currently, SkyQueen is under exclusive engagement with Sky Harbour Group, to market and lease their premium portfolio of hangar campuses in Miami, Houston, Dallas, Nashville, Phoenix, and Denver. Her passion includes introducing aviation opportunities and careers to minority youth in her community.

Janine K. Iannarelli

Par Avion

Founder & President

Janine Iannarelli is the founder and President of Par Avion Ltd., an international aircraft brokerage firm, established in Houston in 1997.  Par Avion specializes in the exclusive representation and acquisition of business aircraft whose area of expertise lends itself to a variety of small, mid/super midsize and large cabin jets.  An industry veteran, Ms. Iannarelli has more than 35 years of aircraft sales experience and has represented a diverse group of corporations and private individuals worldwide. 

Iannarelli is a member of the National Business Aviation Association where she serves as a “go to resource for the media” and has been a part of their Mentoring Program for 2020-22; the European Business Aviation Association where she serves as the Vice Chair of the Associate Members Advisory Council and Chair of the AMAC Sales & Acquisition committee; Women in Aviation, International, and the American Marketing Association.  In 2014, Iannarelli was appointed to the Texas Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee and made presiding officer by Governor Abbott in 2016, serving in that capacity through April/2020.  Among the numerous accolades and recognition bestowed on Iannarelli, she was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey in 2016.  In the Fall of 2019, Corporate Jet Investor declared Ms. Iannarelli as one of America’s Top Dealmakers.  As a sought-out mentor and inspirational advisor, Iannarelli is a frequent guest lecturer for youth groups and women’s organizations.  She is a passionate advocate and supporter of those charities benefitting children and animals.

A native of Fair Lawn, New Jersey and a long-time resident of Houston, Iannarelli graduated from Montclair State University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Chris Jordan

Honeywell Aerospace

MSP Engines

With more than 25 years in Aviation and the last twelve in Aftermarket Service Programs, Chris is Honeywell MSP’s resident expert for turbofan engine programs and life cycle cost of ownership.  Chris brings a win-win mindset to working with his customers and takes the time to make the complex simple.  Chris is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology and is a licensed pilot and A&P mechanic.

Vivek Kaushal

Global Jet Capital

Chief Executive Officer

Vivek Kaushal serves as Chief Executive Officer for Global Jet Capital. Vivek joined the firm in 2015 and has been part of Management Team throughout, first as Chief Risk Officer, and most recently as President and Chief Operating Officer. Vivek has nearly 30 years of leadership experience in various financing businesses and was the Chief Risk Officer for GE Capital Business Aviation Finance prior to its purchase by GJC. Vivek received an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, and a BS in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

Tal Keinan

SkyHarbour Group

CEO

Tal Keinan assembled and leads the Sky Harbour team. He works closely with aviation professionals and operators to constantly improve the Sky Harbour model. He serves on the board of directors of Clarity Capital, a global asset-management firm, and as chairman of Koret Israel Economic Development Funds, Israel’s largest nonprofit lender to small and micro businesses. Tal also serves on the boards of foundations engaged in veterans’ affairs, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and youth leadership. He is a member and outgoing chairman of the YPO Intercontinental Chapter.
Tal was born in Miami, Florida, and studied at Phillips Exeter Academy and the Georgetown School of Foreign Service. He then immigrated to Israel and enlisted in the Israeli Air Force, where he served for 18 years as an operational F-16 pilot and an air combat instructor, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He remains a licensed commercial pilot. Tal earned a master’s degree in business administration from the Harvard Business School. He is the author of “God Is in the Crowd,” Random House, 2018.
Tal also serves as chairman of global investment management firm Clarity Capital, which he co-founded in 2005. It has offices in New York and Tel Aviv and provides wealth-management services to institutional and individual investors worldwide.

Dan Kilkeary

Jetcraft

SVP Sales, Americas

Dan Kilkeary joined Jetcraft in 2016 as a sales representative based in
North East U.S. In his current role, he leads all sales initiatives in
North and South America and manages a team of Sales Directors
based in those regions. Prior to Jetcraft, Dan served as a results
leading sales executive with Dassault Falcon and, before that, as Vice
President of Sales for L.J. Aviation in Latrobe, PA, where he was
responsible for charter and aircraft management oversight, growth of
the FBO, creation of a regional JetCard program and an aircraft
repossession business.
Dan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration
from Shippensburg University, and an M.B.A. from the University of
Pittsburgh. Dan resides in Fair Haven, NJ.

John King

Solairus Aviation

President

Mr. King was a founding shareholder of Solairus Aviation and served as the Chief Financial Officer for two years before being appointed President in 2011.  In that role, he oversees the management team, directing sales, marketing, and operations and directs the implementation of strategic business and operational plans, projects, programs, and systems.

Prior to joining Solairus, John worked in the worlds of investment banking and technology.  In the investment banking practice, he provided client companies general business and strategy consulting services with an emphasis on business development, value creation, intellectual property commercialization along with consulting on M&A transactions.

Previously John was a founder and President of PSW3, a systems development and integration firm with areas of specialization in electronic payments and command and control systems for public safety agencies.  In 1989, he consummated the sale of PSW3’s public safety division to Tiburon, Inc. and stayed on as President of PSW3’s financial services division. 

John has served on multiple non-profit boards, most recently the National Air Transportation Association and that organization’s board finance committee.  His undergraduate degree (computer science) is from the University of San Francisco

Greg Konrad

Jefferies

Equity Research – Defense and Aerospace

Greg Konrad is a Senior Vice President in Equity Research at Jefferies covering the Aerospace and Defense sector with Sheila Kahyaoglu, Managing Director. He is the lead analyst for AJRD and TDY. He joined Jefferies in October 2009 and has over eleven years of experience covering the Aerospace and Defense sector. Prior to joining Jefferies, Mr. Konrad held numerous positions at John Hancock Manulife including strategy roles within the group managing third party investment managers and variable annuities. Greg holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and received a BS in Finance from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

Isabelle Lafond

LBC Capital

Assistant Vice President – Aviation

Isabelle Lafond is currently Assistant Vice President, Aviation Finance at LBC Capital. LBC Capital’s Aviation Finance Group provides capital for the acquisition and refinancing of corporate aircraft and helicopters, serving corporations, high-net worth individuals and aircraft charter operators within the North American General Aviation market. Before joining LBC Capital, Isabelle was Financing Manager at Export Development Canada, and she spent 14 years with the Bombardier Business Aircraft Group where her role was to facilitate aircraft financing for domestic and international clients. Isabelle is currently serving on the board of the Canadian Business Aircraft Association and is an active member of the CBAA, NBAA, NAFA and HAI. She holds an International Aviation MBA from Concordia University in Montreal, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Hautes Études Commerciales Montréal.

Ève Laurier

Bombardier

Vice President, Communications, Marketing & Public Affairs

Ève Laurier was appointed Vice President, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs at Bombardier in May 2021. A seasoned professional and senior executive leader, Ms. Laurier brings more than 20 years of knowledge and experience in public relations, communications, corporate marketing and branding to Bombardier. Her mandate is to lead the company’s community and government engagement, employee and customer outreach, and steward the brand journey internally and externally, around the world. She has given herself the mandate of making Bombardier shine in its home province of Quebec and, in turn, highlighting Quebec know-how around the world through the company’s unparalleled products and its international activities.
Ms. Laurier sets herself apart through her passion for corporate culture and her desire to put authenticity at the heart of her interactions. She the executive co-champion of Bombardier’s Diversity and Inclusion forum for women. She is also an executive-level catalyst for Bombardier’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) strategy, an essential driver of Bombardier’s decarbonization efforts and a pillar of the company’s Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) strategy. Additionally, she is a member of the board at Aéro Montréal.
Prior to joining Bombardier, Ms. Laurier held several senior leadership roles including serving as a General Manager at Edelman’s Montreal office, where she was instrumental in helping businesses and organizations evolve and promote and protect their brands and reputations. She was also Vice President, Strategic Relations, at Richter, an accounting and financial consulting firm. Her impressive knowledge of communications and marketing was honed with various roles and responsibilities at other well-known agencies and organizations.
Ms. Laurier’s accomplishments and her participation in numerous conferences and charitable activities, as well as her presence on corporate boards, have contributed to her recognition as a role model for future generations of women. In 2018, she was part of a
ÈVE LAURIER
Vice President Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs
September 2022 | www.bombardier.com
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select group of women leaders from around the world chosen to participate in the International Women’s Forum Fellows Program – an intensive leadership development program in partnership with Harvard Business School and INSEAD. In 2020, she received the Prix Coup de Coeur from the Association des femmes en finances du Québec, and she was also an award finalist in the Leadership, Femmes d’exception category at the 2020 Les Mercuriades gala, a prestigious business contest organized by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ).
In 2021, Ms. Laurier co-chaired Bombardier’s annual fundraising effort for Centraide.
Ms. Laurier holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from McGill and HEC Montréal and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University.
She is based at Bombardier headquarters in Montreal, Canada.

Matt Liotta

Volato

Chief Executive Officer

Matt Liotta is a serial entrepreneur who has founded and exited four successful startups. His extensive business and entrepreneurial experience span several industries including agriculture, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, software, and now private aviation. Matt enjoys disrupting traditional and complex industries by developing agile, customer-focused products based upon insights, skills, and knowledge. Matt combined his business experience and years in private aviation as a passenger and pilot to create Volato, a full-service private aviation company with innovative solutions to fractional ownership, charter, aircraft management and jet cards. Volato has a fleet of HondaJets and Gulfstream G280s, and is forecast to reach 200 employees in 2022.

Jim MacDougall

Gogo Business Aviation

VP Product Management 

Jim MacDougall is Vice President of Product Management for Gogo Business Aviation, an position he’s held since 2019. In that role he leads Gogo’s efforts to bring an innovative and disruptive new broadband satcom products to the business aviation market. MacDougall has worked in Aerospace for the last 26 years.  He spent 22 years at Honeywell Aerospace, working in positions of increasing responsibility in engineering, customer support, program management and product management, with his final five years as the Senior Product Line Director leading Honeywell’s Cabin Satcom business, covering the business aviation, commercial air transport and military/government verticals. 

He has degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona and is Six Sigma and PMP certified.

Bruce Marshall

AIC Title Service

Executive Vice President & General Counsel

Bruce L. Marshall joined AIC Title Service as its Executive Vice President and General Counsel in February 2014, helping ensure that AIC’s clients and leadership are protected as they move through unprecedented FAA and industry changes. Marquis Who’s Who recognized Bruce as a recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. In August, 2019 he was a recipient of the Drinker Biddle First Chair Top General Counsel Award for the third year in a row. The First Chair Awards is an annual selection of in-house counsel who have, thorough their hard work and innovation, made significant contributions to the legal community nationwide. He received his initial First Chair Award in August, 2017 and his second in August 2018. Bruce was also recognized in the November 2013 issue of D CEO Magazine as one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s top corporate attorneys following his win as Outstanding General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer in the Small Legal Department category at the Association of Corporate Counsel and D CEO’s 2013 Corporate Counsel Awards. Individually a 2011 winner of the Texas General Counsel Forum’s Magna Stella Award in the Small Legal Department category and finalist in the Major Litigation category, Bruce and his team also won Texas Lawyer’s 2013 Legal Department of the Year in the Diversity and Quality of Life category. With over 20 years’ experience in aviation legal matters, specializing in contracts, regulations, and litigation, he previously served as Senior Director and Division General Counsel of Bombardier’s Flexjet fractional aircraft ownership program where he strategically managed two cases challenging state and federal taxes that affected the entire fractional aircraft ownership industry and resulted in the refund of millions of dollars of paid taxes.

Bruce served as Chair of the State Bar of Texas Aviation Law Section for the years 2011-2012 and 2019. Adding to his depth of experience, he also taught Corporate Jet Investor’s Aircraft Transactions Masterclass US in November of 2019. He was elected as a Board member of the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) in May 2021 and currently serves as chair of the association’s regulatory committee.

In private practice, Bruce served as corporate counsel and business manager for a charter management company with both Part 135 on-demand air cargo and passenger operations, served as vice president and legal officer for a major financial institution in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and in private practice, he represented banks, construction companies, transportation companies, and employee benefits funds in commercial litigation matters. Bruce graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s of Science in General Management focusing on finance and marketing and holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the Michigan State University College of Law. He serves as a frequent speaker or panellist at aviation industry events.

Scott McCreary

McAfee & Taft

Shareholder

Scott McCreary represents local, national and international clients in connection with matters involving the buying, selling, leasing and financing of aircraft. His practice is primarily focused on matters relating to the Cape Town Convention, the Federal Aviation Act and the FAA Aircraft Registry, such as aircraft title, registration, finance and leasing law, as well as regulatory issues relating to the operation of aircraft under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

Scott is a frequent speaker at aviation conferences in the United States and abroad and has made presentations at venues such as the Strategic Research Institute’s Annual FAA Aircraft Registration, Lien & Securities Interest Conference; the Federal Bar Association’s Aircraft Title, Registration, Finance and Leasing Law Conference; the Institute for International Research’s Corporate Aviation Symposium; the NBAA’s Cape Town International Registry Meeting; and the Geneva International Forum on Aircraft Finance & Commercial Aviation.

His achievements in the area of aviation law have earned him inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (equipment finance law), Oklahoma Super Lawyers, The International Who’s Who of Aviation Lawyers and Who’s Who Legal.

Scott currently serves on the Regulatory Issues Advisory Group and the Tax Committee of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). He has previously served as the leader of the firm’s Aviation Group and on McAfee & Taft’s board of directors.

Scott McMahon

DM Airports

Executive Director

Scott McMahon, A.A.E., is the Executive Director of Morristown Airport in Morristown, New Jersey. Scott is currently the General Aviation Representative for the ACRP Oversight Committee for the National Academies. His previous roles include President of the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), immediate Past Chair of the General Aviation Airport Committee for AAAE and past Vice Chair of the AAAE Academic Committee. 

Jay Mesinger

Mesinger Jet Sales

CEO & President

Jay Mesinger is the CEO and Founder of Mesinger Jet Sales, an international aircraft brokerage firm, with 48 years of experience in the aviation industry. Mesinger Jet Sales has modernized the formula for buying and selling aircraft and provides their clients with the best market intelligence for aircraft sales pricing and correct acquisition expectations.
Additionally, Jay was a Member of the Board of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and the Chairman of the Associate Member Advisory Council (AMAC). He is the first aircraft broker to serve on the NBAA board. His 10-year term was over October, 2013. Jay is on the Customer Advisory Board of Jet Aviation and also served on the Customer Advisory Board of Airbus North America. Jay is also a member of Gulfstream’s ‘Key Player’ team. Jay served on the Duncan Aviation Customer Advisory Board for 2 terms, and is a member of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). He is also a member of the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA). Jay is also on the Board of Directors of The Morris Animal Foundation.
In addition, Jay regularly speaks at industry gatherings, writes the monthly Mesinger Pulse newsletter (Jay Mesinger’s Industry Perspectives), and started the very first aviation brokerage website over 20 years ago, www.jetsales.com. Jay continues to communicate from the cutting-edge of business aviation through various social networking platforms & blog (https://jetsales.com/articles/), twitter (@jmesinger) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com).

Chris Milligan

Bombardier

VP Pre-owned aircraft services

Chris Milligan is Vice President, Bombardier Pre-Owned Aircraft and Flight Operations business unit. He has held a variety of roles within Bombardier over the past 26 years and has been instrumental in the strategic planning and tactical execution of business aircraft support and services throughout the organization.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance degrees from the University of North Texas. He is based in Dallas, Texas.

Jessie Naor

GrandView Aviation

President

Jessie Naor is President of GrandView Aviation, a Global Medical Response solution – GrandView owns and operates a fleet of 18 Phenom 300s available for VIP charter and organ transport. She currently sits on the National Air Transportation Association’s Board of Governors, is Vice Chair of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, she was a member of the FAA’s Duty & Rest ARC and a NBAA Top 40 under 40 in 2020. Jessie holds an associate’s degree in Air Traffic Control, CCBC Catonsville, and a BA in Aviation Business Administration, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a MBA in Management & Finance from The Johns Hopkins University – Carey Business School. 

Brian Olds

Northern Jet Management

Director of Aircraft Sales

With nearly 10 years of jet sales experience, Brian is an IADA Certified Broker and Director of Aircraft Sales for Northern Jet Management in Grand Rapids, MI.  Also involved in management sales, Brian takes pride in working with an expanding organization, that took delivery of the last Learjet off the assembly line earlier this year.  With passion for airplanes, people and customer service, Brian feels blessed to be part of the aviation community during such an exciting time.

Tim Obitts

Alder Fuels

Chief Legal Officer

Timothy R. Obitts serves as the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Alder Fuels, bringing over 27 years of legal and executive experience.
Prior to joining Alder Fuels, Mr. Obitts served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), a trade association of 3,700 plus companies that represents aviation businesses, including aviation fuel suppliers, ground handlers/FBOs, on demand air charter/fractional air carriers, and MROs. In this role, Mr. Obitts worked on issues affecting aviation businesses, including but not limited to sustainability, before Congress, the Administration, and various federal and state agencies. Prior to serving as CEO and President, Mr. Obitts served as the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for NATA. Prior to joining NATA, Mr. Obitts served as the managing shareholder of the law-firm Gammon & Grange, P.C., where he served as counsel for numerous for profit and nonprofit corporations and lobbied Congress and federal agencies on behalf of the firm’s clients. Mr. Obitts also served as co-chair of the firm’s litigation section, focusing on constitutional law, and was with the firm for 19 years. Mr. Obitts is a member of the bars of California, Colorado, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. He is admitted to practice before numerous federal District and Appellate Courts and is member of the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
Mr. Obitts is recognized thought leader on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) for business aviation and speaks on regular basis throughout the world at events regarding SAF. Mr. Obitts serves as the Chairperson of the Business Aviation Coalition on Sustainable Aviation Fuel and as the Chairperson of the Council on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Accountability, which is collaborative effort between business and commercial aviation. In addition, Mr. Obitts serves on serval working groups inside the Federal Aviation Administration and serves on several nonprofit boards.
Raised in Santa Barbara, California, Mr. Obitts received a B.A., double major in History and Philosphy, from Gordon College, where he was All-New England N.A.I.A in Tennis. Mr. Obitts earned his Juris Doctorate cum laude from California Western School of Law.

John Owen

Airshare

President & CEO

John Owen brings nearly 20 years of experience in management and financial consulting to the leadership team. John joined Airshare as CFO in 2016 and became President and CEO in March 2018. He originally fine-tuned his consultative skills and financial acumen working in progressively higher roles at State Street, Accenture, and KPMG. He previously was CFO for a supply-chain management company and most recently served as Vice President for a national executive search firm leading their private equity practice. John received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Bill Papariella

Jet Edge

CEO

Bill is a seasoned senior executive within the aviation industry. Before co-founding Jet Edge International, he spent the previous six years working at NetJets, Marquis Jet, and Sentient. As senior vice president, Bill was responsible for advising and educating individuals and corporate clients on a variety of private aviation solutions including fractional ownership, jet card membership, charter and whole aircraft management.

During his tenure in the private aviation industry, Bill’s efforts have consistently propelled his sales teams to #1 in total new business year over year. Under his leadership Jet Edge has rapidly emerged as one of the leading sales, acquirers, and operators of luxury large cabin aircraft in the world.

Prior to being recruited into the aviation industry, Bill was a former Hollywood film executive and entrepreneur spearheading movie projects with A-list talent and major studios. Bill is a native of Pittsburgh, educated at Ohio University and is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO-WPO) – Beverly Hills Chapter.

Craig Picken

Northstar Group

Managing Partner

Co-founder and Managing Partner for Northstar Group, a boutique executive search firm based in Wilmington, NC, Craig is focused on recruiting senior level leadership, sales and operations executives for some of the most prominent companies in the aviation and aerospace industry. Clients include well known aircraft OEM’s, aircraft operators, leasing / financial organizations, and Maintenance / Repair / Overhaul (MRO) providers. Since 2009 he has personally concluded more than 200 executive level searches in a variety of disciplines.

Craig’s professional career started out with a passion for airplanes. After eight years experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time and 325 aircraft carrier landings he sought challenges in business aviation where he spent more than seven years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft.

During his tenure at Gulfstream, Craig helped drive sales efforts throughout the Middle East and Sub Saharan Africa regions and played significant roles in securing sales in Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. From there he moved over to Gulfstream’s newly created Government and Special Missions division where he was instrumental helping the company establish sales campaigns for head-of-state and militarized aircraft throughout the world including programs in the U.K, Australia, Israel, Sweden, and Denmark. He also helped to secure Gulfstream’s largest sale ever to the US Government which included firm orders for 37 Gulfstream Vs under the VC-X competition.

Andy Priester

Priester Aviation

Chairman & CEO

Andy Priester serves as Priester Aviation’s Chairman and CEO.
He is the third generation of Priesters to lead the business, the largest and oldest family-owned Management and Charter company in the world. The Priester family has a rich aviation history starting in 1945 including owning Palwaukee Airport – KPWK (now renamed Chicago Executive Airport), operating a flight school, operating multiple FBOs, providing 145 maintenance services, and operating an aircraft sales division. Priester Aviation currently focuses solely on Aircraft Management and Global Charter after the strategic sale of the other business units. In this role, Andy is dedicated to leading the growth of the organization and enhancing Priester’s position as the preeminent choice in aircraft management, aircraft charter and related aviation services. During Andy’s tenure at Priester, he has grown the fleet from seven aircraft to over 65 aircraft they manage from 15 bases globally today.
Andy currently sits on the board of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, is current Chair of YPO Chicago – Windy City, and past Chair of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). Andy is a proud University of Dayton Flyer and holds a Master’s degree from Concordia University

Brian Proctor

Mente Group

President & CEO 

Brian Proctor is founder, President and CEO of Mente Group, LLC. He founded Mente in 2009 and has been serving private aviation clients for over 19 years. Having been involved in over $8 billion in aircraft transactions and over $7 billion in aviation business planning, Brian’s experience is sought by corporations and individuals, worldwide.
After serving for six years in the US Army as an infantry Ranger and intelligence officer, Brian left the military to pursue a career in the private sector. After working at Transamerica Corporation, Mr. Proctor served as consultant, COO and President of the world’s second largest consultancy and broker/dealer.
Brian serves on boards for: International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), Jet Aviation Advisory Board, and formerly, the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas. He also previously served as President of IADA. He holds a BA degree in International Studies in Politics and Diplomacy from the University of Richmond and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.

Leona Qi

VistaJet US

President

Leona Qi joined VistaJet in 2016 as head of the Asia-Pacific market, where she tripled the customer base, and now serves as President of VistaJet U.S.  With her leadership, the team is responsible for growing Membership across North America, the biggest and fastest growing market in business aviation. Over the successive years, VistaJet sales have more than doubled in the region. 

Mrs. Qi has over a decade of experience in capital markets and business aviation finance. Prior to joining VistaJet, she held various roles at Global Jet Capital, Guggenheim Partners, and BNP Paribas. She holds a master’s degree from Princeton University and resides between New York City and London with her family.

Asad Rahman

Jetquity

Managing Partner

Asad is The managing partner of Jetquity, a Private Equity Firm, specialising in the Business Aviation Industry.
With a background in Law , Asad became a Barrister in the UK , working with the former Attorney General of England and Wales. In Addition to law , Asad also worked in Capital
Markets with HSBC , with a focus on private family offices.
Having grown up in a family involved in Aviation, Asad realised that business aviation was inefficient and that technology would have to play a large role in reducing these inefficiencies .
He wrote a research paper , that was picked up by the University of Florida , inviting him to lead a research team into the business aviation sector.
During this term, Asad advised 2 of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers, on future shifts and patterns in the industry.
As a result of the research undertaken, Asad created NEOJETS , as business aviation’s first specialist Payments and infrastructure company.
Asad then created Jetquity as a specialist Private Equity Firm, having recently raised over $1Bn to invest across multiple sectors within Business Aviation.
In addition, Asad has advised on multiple transactions in the Business Aviation sector , most recently a fund , acquiring FBO terminals across the US.

Asad is also involved in Motorsport, having been a junior driver for BMW during their term in Formula One. And holds a degree in Business from The University of Bath , A undergraduate in
Law from The University of Law Guildford , A BPTC from City University London and is a Member of The Honourable Society of Grays Inn.

Kenn Ricci

Directional Aviation

Principal

Kenn Ricci, Principal, Directional Aviation

“I always think about one thing when considering acquiring a company,” says Kenneth Ricci, Principal of Directional Aviation. “I find out if the company has a unique competitive advantage. If I can’t identify one, it’s not a fit for Directional.”

Kenneth Ricci is all about energy, passion, aviation, opportunities and people. Whether it’s generously supporting charities and non-profit organizations or building the world’s premier private aviation family, Ricci is all in.

The aviation industry is well known for its ebbs and flows. In good times, aviation companies spring up all over the nation and the world. In bad times, most aviation companies, at best, look to hold their own, but many downsize or disappear altogether. Ricci doesn’t view the bad times as a negative, but rather sees them as opportunities to pursue great companies or ideas that are having a “bad day.” As private aviation was heading into retreat, Ricci doubled down on his commitment to the industry and in so doing has brought together a unique, synergistic family of companies that serve not only private aviation but the world.

As the leader of Directional Aviation, Ricci doesn’t just acquire, he creates. Evidence of this fact is Nextant, which introduced a new industry of remanufacturing aircraft. And in realizing Sentient Jet Charter’s success and seeing opportunities to provide service and expertise for the on-demand charter customer, Ricci re-established the well-known Skyjet brand, launching the new company in 2014.

Critical to Ricci and every business acquisition he pursues is people. A unique individual who is an aviator as well as sophisticated business leader and entrepreneur, Ricci not only pursues great value in businesses, but great value in people. “My father always told me, ‘treat people with class,’” Ricci shares. And to him, that means focusing on client relationships, treating people with respect and making every interaction with Directional Aviation and its companies positive and enjoyable.

Throughout Directional Aviation are individuals who’ve realized the greatest opportunities of their professional lives since becoming part of the family. Ricci seeks individuals with different talents and skills to make Directional Aviation a unique company that protects the passion of its businesses and infuses sound business principles.

Ricci’s enthusiasm for aviation began at a young age and prompted him to pursue a career in aviation. “It’s so much fun to be part of such an exciting industry,” Ricci states. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, as well as the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Ricci learned the business side of aviation in addition to becoming a highly experienced pilot—serving as President Clinton’s pilot when he ran for office in 1992.

Outside of Directional Aviation, Ricci advises the Guggenheim Aero Opportunity Fund, as well as serves on the Business Advisory Council of the University of Notre Dame, the Board of Trustees of University Hospitals, The National Board of Childhelp and Gilmour Academy. “Every day carries an opportunity to make a difference and share yourself, your life and your resources with others,” Ricci states.

For 30 years, Ricci has directed his love of aviation and his business acumen to building and investing in the private aviation industry and will continue to explore the many opportunities that still remain. “I see immense potential and opportunity in the private aviation industry,” explains Ricci. “That’s why we continually seek out opportunities that allow us to expand and play a larger role in this industry.”

Kennedy Ricci

4Air

Chairman 

Kennedy serves as the President of 4AIR, a sustainability arm of Tuvoli, to offer expertise and guidance for creating meaningful sustainability commitments focused on aviation. Kennedy has worked to promote a more comprehensive and long-term way of thinking about sustainability for aviation while providing increased transparency, comparability, and ease of starting a program. Kennedy is a passionate general aviation pilot and has a degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Chris Rocheleau

National Business Aviation Association

Chief Operating Officer

Christopher J. Rocheleau serves as the association’s chief operating officer, overseeing NBAA’s activities relating to aircraft and flight department operations, as well as the administrative, financial and human resources functions. He joined the NBAA leadership team in June of this year.
Prior to joining NBAA, Rocheleau has served the FAA with distinction for over 20 years in multiple roles including acting associate administrator for aviation safety, chief of staff, assistant administrator for policy, international affairs and environment, executive director for international affairs and director of the office of emergency operations and investigations.
Before joining the agency, he served as an officer and special agent with the United States Air Force, retiring from the USAF Reserve in 2010 as a lieutenant colonel. He was also among the first leaders of the Transportation Security Administration.
Rocheleau holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Public Administration from City University of Seattle. He also completed the Executive National Security Program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and USAF Air Command and Staff College.

Matthieu Rosanvallon

Freestream Aircraft

Sales & Acquisition Director

As a French-American citizen, Matthieu Rosanvallon grew up in Paris and later lived in New York City for 25 years. He currently resides in Bergen County, NJ with his wife and 2 children.

With two close family members with very long-term involvement in the industry, Matthieu Rosanvallon has always had a passion for airplanes and business aviation in particular.

Matthieu is currently the Director of Sales and Acquisition at Freestream Aircraft, a global brokerage and consulting firm in Business Aviation.

Prior to joining Freestream, Matt served as Sales Director, Mid-Atlantic for Guardian Jet.  He also previously spent 10 years as the Director of Sales & Marketing at the high-end New York-based commercial real estate firm, Coalition LLC.

Matt graduated from Clark University in Worcester, Mass., with a BA in Business Management and served as the President of the Entrepreneurship club.

Chris Rozansky

Naples Airport

Executive Director

Chris joined the Naples Airport Authority in 2016, where he oversees a dynamic community asset that serves more than $1 billion worth of aircraft on any given day and nearly 200,000 passengers annually.  Naples has become increasingly popular in recent years and ranked amongst the top 10 busiest airports for private jet activity in the nation in 2021.

However, recovery from hurricane Ian is now dominating activity as we welcome donations, companies providing support and property owners back earlier than expected with hope for salvaging at least part of the 2023 winter tourist season.

Over the past 20 years, he has held various positions at airports in Florida, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  He is an alumnus of The Ohio State University.  His greatest joy is his lovely wife of 10 years and two children in pre-school and 1^st grade.

He has been selected as a Top 40 Under 40 honoree by Airport Business Magazine.  The Florida Department of Transportation previously named Chris their Aviation Professional of the Year.  The Florida Airports Council recently named Chris their Vision Award recipient.

Chris serves on the National Air Transportation Association’s (NATA) Board of Directors and is a Vice Chair on the AAAE General Aviation Committee

Greg Ryan

GE Aviation

Sr. Sales Director

Greg Ryan is a Sr. Sales Director for GE Aviation headquartered in Cincinnati, OH. Based in South Florida, Greg leads the GE OnPoint engine services sales in the Americas for Bombardier Challenger CF34 engines and Bombardier Global 7500 Passport 20 engines as well as the CT7 ECMP portfolio globally. Greg brings over 32 years of business aviation turbine engine sales and technical experience including prior roles at Pratt & Whitney Canada and Standard Aero. He has extensive experience managing turbine aircraft engine programs and MRO events.
Greg earned his MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree cum laude in Aeronautical Studies, and associate degrees in aviation maintenance and aviation management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Greg has his airframe and powerplant mechanics license as well as a single and multi-engine pilot license. He continually delivers value to his customers by drawing from his direct experience as an owner, operator, pilot and mechanic.

Bernard Schwartz

The Fleet Clubs

CEO & Founder

Bernard Schwartz is an American entrepreneur with extensive experience creating acclaimed luxury hospitality experiences. Bernard is Founder and CEO of The Fleet Clubs, a collection of boutique flying clubs serving second-home markets throughout North America. Bernard is Co-Founder of APICII, a national hospitality management and development company with more than 1000 employees. APICII is involved in dozens of private clubs, luxury hotels and residences. Notable projects include The Setai, 432 Park Avenue, The Bath Club, Aspen Ski Co, Montage, St Regis, Bloomingdales and others.

Bernard has served on the committees of numerous charitable organizations; notably, he was Chair of UJA Real Estate Board REX and a member of the Steering and Hospitality Committees of the UJA. Bernard has two daughters and splits his time between Miami Beach, Manhattan and The Hamptons.

Jim Segrave

flyExclusive

Founder & CEO

Jim Segrave is the Chairman and CEO of Kinston, North Carolina-based flyExclusive, the second largest private jet company in the United States. LGM Enterprises, LLC, the parent company of flyExclusive, and wholly owned by Segrave, is one of the 50 largest privately held companies in North Carolina. The company employs more than 750 people with annual revenue of nearly $400m.

Since establishing flyExclusive in 2015, Segrave continues to chart a course of growth with strategic investments focused on community, innovation, and service, with a fleet of over 90 jets and counting. The company is also the world’s second largest operator of Citation Jets.

With a technology hub in Durham, North Carolina and sales offices across the U.S., the company is known for its vertically integrated model that continuously improves its private jet experiences through its world-class partnership, Jet Club (2022 Robb Report Best of the Best Award) and fractional ownership programs. The company operates a state-of-the-art electrostatic paint operation and interior refurbishment shop as well as a maintenance and avionics business from its headquarters in Kinston.

Passionate about recruiting and maintaining talent, Segrave empowers his teams to collaborate often and think outside the box to create the highest quality experience for its customers, partners, and employees. From technology and operational efficiency programs to the teams engaging with customers, he and the leadership team have built an environment geared toward making all moments (and minutes) matter.

Segrave has a proven record of entrepreneurial business success over the years. In addition to flyExclusive, he is also the founder of LGM Ventures, LLC, which operates three fixed base operations (FBO) at eastern North Carolina airports, a daycare center in Kinston, and a restaurant and bar in Atlantic Beach.

Jim founded Segrave Aviation, Inc in 1993, another aircraft charter company based in Kinston. In 2010, Segrave Aviation was sold to Delta Air Lines, which eventually became Delta Private Jets.

He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of East Carolina University and is on the Executive Board of L Harvey & Son, one of North Carolina’s oldest privately held businesses (founded in 1871). He also serves as a board member of the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Industrial Advisory Board.

Jim is an accomplished professional pilot with over 10,000 hours of flight time, an Airline Transport Pilot License, type ratings in seven different jets, and a commercial helicopter rating.

Lisa Senters-McDermott

Jet Senters Aviation

CEO

Lisa Senters-McDermott, private aviation expert, is the CEO and founder of Jet Senters Aviation, JSA. With more than 25 years’ experience in the aviation industry, Lisa’s journey took off over two decades ago when she was instrumental in launching a charter brokerage firm in New York.

Lisa next landed in the corporate world as Senior Vice-President of Sales with NetJets/Marquis Jet. During her time there she was a national leader selling both the Marquis Jet Card and NetJets fractional aircraft ownership for over a decade. Senters-McDermott played an instrumental role in helping to grow Marquis Jet from a start-up to a global industry leader.

Frequently quoted as one of the leading experts in aviation, and nationally recognized in the press for her knowledge and expertise, Lisa is considered the go-to resource and trusted advisor to CEO’s, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and Fortune 100 companies. Her clients depend on her advice and honesty in deals ranging from buying entire aircraft, to structuring complex management contracts, to finding charter services when needed. She has consulted for many large and small aviation companies over the years and continues to help other aviation companies grow and thrive.

Lisa, a serial entrepreneur who has pursued a variety of interests and careers, has demonstrated the resilience to survive in pursuit of a variety of business endeavors. Lisa is also co-founder of a fractional CFO company called myCFOplan, helping numerous companies launch and thrive by leveraging experienced financial management leadership at a fraction of the cost.  Perhaps the greatest contributor to her success is her belief in trusting her instincts in the face of disbelievers and naysayers.

Lisa has been a keynote speaker and has spoken for many different groups including Harvard alumni group and most recently appeared at Big Sky Montana TEDx where she spoke about the Resilience of an Entrepreneur. She has also appeared on National TV in numerous roles.

Lisa is involved in multiple charities and along with her husband Ed, was named Honoree for JDRF.  Lisa is very active with her faith.

Jason Sperry

OneWeb

Market Development Director, Business Aviation

Jason has over 18 years’ experience in the business aviation industry including avionics, software, and connectivity services. Before joining OneWeb, Jason previously held roles in product management, business development, and strategy at Bansbach Easylift and Satcom Direct. As an engineering graduate from the Florida Institute of Technology, Jason’s career was initially centred on engineering and avionics hardware, this focus has subsequently evolved to include commercial and strategic elements. Combining his technical experience with a commercial aptitude, Jason enjoys a holistic viewpoint that enables him to understand and empathise with the customer, delivering solutions that are both commercially and technically viable – while meeting the unique demands of the business aviation customer. 

At OneWeb, Jason is responsible for delivering fibre-like connectivity solutions to business jet owners, operators, and end users – passengers and crew alike. Jason brings a wealth of experience from the IFC service provision perspective, including significant satellite provider insight spanning both GEO and LEO technologies.

Wayne Starling

International Aircraft Dealers Association

Executive Director

Wayne Starling is an aviation industry consultant. His expertise is in Sales, Sales Management and Marketing. Previously he was a Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager for PNC Aviation Finance. He has been in the banking and finance industry for over 25 years, specializing in aviation for over 20 years. Prior to PNC, his career in aviation began with Aviation Finance Group, where he was part of a very successful startup company. He later stayed on to manage the aviation finance division after it was acquired by PNC Bank.
Wayne has extensive experience in sales, sales management, sales training, marketing, and strategic business development. Along with his success with Fortune 200 companies, he also has vast experience as an entrepreneur. His video sales training program -Success Cycle of Selling- has been a training program used by many companies. His program has been used by several of the nation’s largest banks and financial institutions to train their outside and inside sales organizations. Wayne has served as a board member on the National Aircraft Resale Association (NARA) and the National Aviation Finance Association (NAFA), as well as serving on the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Leadership Council. Wayne was honored in 2018 by the National Aviation Finance Association and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership, contribution, and service to the association, its members and the aviation industry.

Andrew VanderPloeg

Elevate Aviation Group

Senior Vice President – Sales

Andrew VanderPloeg is the Senior Vice President of Sales of Private Jet Services (PJS), a subsidiary of Elevate Aviation Group, which provides air transportation, travel consultancy, and aircraft management services. His team provides tailored insight and analysis to PJS clients to optimize their private aviation solutions and customer experience.

With a background in corporate finance and accounting, Andrew brings both a quantitative and qualitative approach to assisting PJS clients. His experience also helps to guide the Corporate Strategy and Business Planning functions along with CFO Mike MacKeen.

Andrew’s previous roles and experience span the hospitality, real estate, publishing, and information governance industries. He has expertise in business planning, corporate strategy, cross-functional project management, and growth strategies.

Andrew holds a master’s degree from the Olin School at Babson College and a bachelor’s degree from Bentley University.

Shawn Vick

AE Industrial Partners

Partner

Bio coming soon… 

Raymundo Villar

Inmarsat

Director, Market Development

Ray has been a member of the Inmarsat team for eight years and in his current role as Market Development Director, he plays a key role in supporting and enhancing the company’s position as the preferred inflight connectivity provider in business aviation. With 24 years of marketing and sales experience, as well as technical knowledge of the telecommunications and aerospace industries, Ray has previously worked in high profile companies such as Alcatel-Lucent, EMS Aviation, Honeywell and Gogo. He started his career as a commissioned officer in the Peruvian Navy and worked as a consultant for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), supervising the deployment of telecommunications networks for public and private institutions. Ray holds a Bachelor Degree in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and a Postgraduate Degree in Electronics and Communications from the Peruvian Navy. He also holds an MBA Degree in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. A native from Lima, Peru, he lives in Atlanta, Georgia, United States with his wife and three children.

Rollie Vincent

JETNET iQ

Creator/Director

Rollie is the Creator / Director of JETNET iQ, one of the world’s premier sources of business aviation market intelligence, research, strategy, and forecasting. JETNET iQ is a collaboration between JETNET and Rolland Vincent Associates, a Texas-based civil aviation consultancy. On-going worldwide surveys of business aircraft owner and operators provide proprietary “voice of customer” insights that are at the core of JETNET
iQ’s unique value proposition. Key customers include the world’s foremost civil aircraft and engine manufacturers, aerospace suppliers, MRO, FBO, flight training service
providers, fleet operators, aircraft transaction specialists, aircraft lenders / lessors, and the aerospace investment community.
Prior to establishing Rolland Vincent Associates, Rollie was employed at Textron, Bombardier, and ICAO in various roles in strategy, marketing, business development, aviation economics, and statistics. He is past Chair of the U.S. Transportation Research Board’s Standing Committee on Commercial and General Aviation, where he oversaw subcommittees focused on business aviation, commercial aviation, and rotorcraft. A private pilot, Rollie earned a BA and MA in economic geography and MBA in international business and marketing from McGill University.

Peder von Harten

Nicholas Air

President

Peder von Harten is a 15 year veteran of the private aviation industry and currently leads all revenue, marketing, and branding as the Vice President of NICHOLAS AIR. A trusted leader in the industry, along with a frequent contributor for his opinion and expertise across the industry, his experience across multiple segments of the industry has helped springboard the exponential growth and popularity of the Mississippi-based program and operator, particularly in the past 24 months as flyers continue to eschew fractional and broker relationships in favor of Owned and Operated programs. An avid outdoorsman, he travels the country extensively evangelizing for the NICHOLAS AIR brand and continuing to build the brands ever-growing footprint.

Ford von Weise

Citi Private Bank

Director, Head Global Aircraft Finance & Advisory Services

Mr. von Weise is currently a Director and Global Head of the Aircraft Finance Group & Advisory Services at Citi Private Bank. The group provides private aircraft financing solutions and aviation advice to individual ultra-high net worth clients and their companies throughout the world. Mr. von Weise’s responsibilities and roles while at Citi have included loan origination, product program management, reporting and workouts. The group focuses on transactions typically in the range of $10 to $75 million.

Mr. von Weise has over twenty-three years of related business aviation experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Business Aviation Finance for Merrill Lynch Capital and GMAC Commercial Finance. Prior to joining GMAC, he was Vice President of Capital Transactions at Lend Lease Real Estate Investments,
where he was responsible for the recapitalization and workout of large multi-family properties throughout the U.S.

Mr. von Weise is also the most recent past president of the National Aircraft Finance Association and was appointed by the Boards of Selectmen from the Massachusetts towns of Concord, Lincoln, Bedford and Lexington as a member of the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission. He is also a past board member of the Massachusetts Business Aviation Association and a local volunteer representative for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

He is also an instrument rated pilot with over 2,500 hours of experience, aircraft owner, and a pilot for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mr. von Weise has also appeared on the Discovery Channel as an aviation expert in the Celebrity Crash Files, J.F.K., Jr, documentary series. He is also currently a member of the Board of Advisors for Brown Aviation Lease.

Ford began his career in the Credit Analyst Training Program at Chemical Bank and holds a joint History and Environmental Studies degree, Cum Laude, from the University of Vermont.

Ryan Waguespack

National Air Transportation Association

Executive Vice President

Ryan Waguespack joined the staff of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) as Vice President of Aircraft Management, Air Charter Services and MROs in November 2018. A long-time supporter of the aviation business community and NATA, Ryan Waguespack served as the Chair of NATA’s WorkForce Development Committee and Illegal Charter Task Force, as well as Vice Chair of the Air Charter Committee as an association member. As Vice President, Ryan leads the Association and industry effort to combat illegal charter, working with the FAA and its Field Offices to educate the public on the risks, assisting the FAA in enforcement through data collection and reporting, and leveraging existing data sources to help the agency focus enforcement efforts.

Previously, he served in various operational roles for charter management companies, as well as aircraft sales, working closely with clients to educate them throughout the purchasing process and help them attain the best aviation solution for their needs. Prior to NATA, Waguespack held the position of Vice President of Business Development of Summit Aviation.

Waguespack is the founder of the Alabama Business Aviation Association, an organization dedicated to promoting the value of business aviation throughout the state, educating stakeholders on the value of business aircraft and community airports, and advocating on behalf of aviation businesses.

A staunch champion for promoting aviation workforce development, Ryan travels the country to speak at industry events dedicated to reaching the next generation of pilots, maintainers and business aviation leaders. He is also a frequent guest lecturer at universities nationwide, including Auburn University in the Harbert College of Business, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Dubuque. Through Waguespack’s community-building initiatives at the universities, he is working to develop channels to connect rising students with aviation businesses.

Ryan is a recreational pilot who lives in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife Amanda and two children.

Johnnie White

American Society of Appraisers (ASA)

CEO / Executive Vice President

Johnnie White, CEO, Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President, is responsible for the oversight and management of the Society’s business and executing the directives set by the ASA board of governors and its executive committee. Johnnie is an association professional with close to 30 years serving in a variety of management and leadership roles. Most recently he served on the executive leadership team of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and prior to this position served as the Executive Director of the Cardiovascular Research Foundation. In addition, White serves as an adjunct faculty member of Georgetown University and the Northern Virginia Community College. White holds his M.B.A. from University of Maryland University College and his B.S. in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland. He has served in volunteer leadership roles for the American Society of Association Executives and the Professional Convention Management Association and has received numerous awards and recognitions for his association work, including being named one of the top 40 Trending Association Innovators by DCA Live in 2017. Connect online with Johnnie at ASA, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Francisco Zozaya

JSSI

Chief Revenue Officer

As Chief Revenue Officer, Francisco provides leadership to global business development organization. Additionally, he oversees the suite of Conklin & de Decker digital and consulting solutions.
Prior to joining JSSI, Mr. Zozaya served as Pre-Owned Director at Aerolineas Ejecutivas, managing its pre-owned aircraft sales and acquisitions business unit. He facilitated several key industry alliances and memberships for Latin America’s largest business aviation company and has established an extensive network with the global broker community, financial institutions, OEMs and MROs. Mr. Zozaya graduated from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City as an industrial engineer.