College of Aviation Industry Advisory Board

John Bendoraitis has served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sprit Airlines since December 2017. From October 2013 to December 2017, he served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to joining Spirit, Mr. Bendoraitis served as Chief Operating Officer of Frontier Airlines from March 2012 to October 2013. Previously, from 2008 to 2012, he served as President of Comair Airlines. From 2006 to 2008, he served as President of Compass Airlines, where he was responsible for the certification and launch of the airline.

Mr. Bendoraitis began his aviation career in 1984 at Northwest Airlines, where over a 22-year span, he worked his way up from aircraft technician to vice president of base maintenance operations.

Craig serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Executive for Amerijet International Airlines, a CFR 121 Supplemental Air Carrier, providing all cargo service around the world. Craig leads the flight, technical, safety, security, and compliance teams at Amerijet and was previously the Vice President of Flight Operations. Craig also held the CFR 119 position as Director of Operations and was responsible for the regulatory interface with the Federal Aviation Administration. Amerijet operates a fleet of 12 Boeing 767 from bases within the United States, Puerto Rico, Europe, China, and Korea.

Craig has over 25 years of airline operational experience. Most of his career was spent with Cape Air/Nantucket Airlines, where he served in various roles, including Line Captain, Check Airman, Simulator and Flight Instructor, Director of Operations, Director of Safety, Vice President of Operations and Senior Vice President of Operations. Craig also served as CEO for Mountain Air Cargo and CSA Airlines.

During his career with Cape Air, Craig worked with many collegiate programs across the country to build Pilot Pathways and create opportunities for graduates who are entering the Aviation industry. Craig provided testimony at the symposium on Professionalism hosted by the NTSB in May 2010. His presentation addressed Pilot Selection and Screening processes to include the University Gateway Program with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, JetBlue Airlines, and Cape Air. He also led various interdisciplinary teams on various projects for the organization. These projects included the implementation of passenger service systems, fuel conservation project, start-up of scheduled Seaplane operations, introduction of two additional fleet types, Supplemental Operation Ops Specs approval, IATA Operational Safety Audit and registry, numerous partner airline safety audits and the modernization of the Systems Operational Control department.

Craig’s professional aviation career began as a Flight Instructor with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1997, where he served as a flight instructor, check pilot and team manager.

Craig is a member of the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and previously served on the Regional Airline Association’s Operations Council. Craig serves as an Industry Member for the accreditation of Flight programs at various AABI schools seeking initial or renewal of their accreditation status.

Craig holds an ATP Multiengine land certificate with ATR42/72 and Boeing 757/767 type ratings, a Commercial Single Engine land and Sea certificate, and a Flight Instructor certificate with airplane single and multiengine instrument ratings.  He has accumulated over 10000 flight hours and 3000 hours of dual given. Craig holds a B.S. in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master’s of Business Administration from Daniel Webster College.

Greg brings over two decades of experience in aviation regulation and policy to Joby Aviation as Chief Policy Officer. His career spans nearly every aspect of aviation, from the advanced design and certification of business jets to championing legislation and regulatory reforms that have paved the way for a new form of daily air mobility. He is a Trustee of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and an accomplished commercial airplane and helicopter pilot.

---

Joby Aviation is a California-headquartered transportation company developing and manufacturing an all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, which we intend to operate as a commercial passenger aircraft beginning in 2024. We have spent more than a decade developing and testing our zero-emissions aircraft that will travel 1500-plus miles on a single charge, enabling a pilot and four passengers to leapfrog over the congestion below at speeds of up to 200 mph.

He now leads event exhibit sales, in addition to overseeing membership, marketing and sponsorships. He is responsible for leading the association’s strategic and innovative initiatives to broaden and enhance the NBAA brand, expand the member/customer base and generate significant revenue from current and future events, products and services. This includes developing strategic alliances, creating business opportunities for the association relevant to business aviation and providing innovative strategy perspectives to enhance existing events, programs, products and services.

Prior to joining NBAA, Broom served as CEO of the Citation Jet Pilots Association. He previously led worldwide marketing and communications efforts for Honda Aircraft Company from 2012 to 2016, and served as vice president of communications and outreach at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Before serving in those roles, Broom held positions with Hawker Beechcraft, Eclipse Aviation and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. He currently serves on the board of directors for both the Citation Jet Pilots and the HondaJet Owners and Pilots Association.

Broom earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science and an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also completed flight training with a certified flight instructor and an instrument instructor.

Dr. Peggy Chabrian is the Founder of Women in Aviation, International and served as President until her retirement in September 2019. The organization was incorporated in 1994 as a result of the success of the annual International Women in Aviation Conference in 1990. The conference began with 150 participants in 1990 and has grown to more than 4,000 attendees. WAI represents more than 13,000 women and men from all segments of the aviation industry, including general, corporate, commercial and military.

A long-time aviation enthusiast and professional aviation educator, Dr. Chabrian is a 2,200-hour commercial/instrument multi-engine pilot and flight instructor flying for over 30 years. She also holds helicopter and seaplane ratings.

Dr. Chabrian has held several top positions in aviation education including: Academic Dean and Associate Vice President of Parks College; Dean of Academic Support for Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott, Arizona campus; Director of the Center of Excellence for the Aviation/Space Education at ERAU’s Daytona Beach, Florida campus; and, Chair of the aviation department at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is currently also the publisher of Aviation for Women magazine.

The recipient of numerous aviation and education awards, Dr. Chabrian has received the FAA Administrator’s Award for Excellence in Aviation Education and the Civic Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. She has been inducted into the Crown Circle of the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education. In December 2016, she received the Distinguished Statesman Award from the National Aeronautics Association. The purpose of the award is to honor outstanding living Americans who, by their efforts over an extended period of years, have made contributions of significant value to aeronautics, and have reflected credit upon America and themselves.

Dr. Chabrian is active in numerous aviation organizations and serves as a member of several boards, including the Aviation Accreditation Board International. She is the past president and board member of the University Aviation Association and served on the board of the Experimental Aircraft Association for 16 years.

An international speaker, Dr. Chabrian has given numerous keynote and motivational presentations to hundreds of audiences. She has also authored numerous articles and a textbook on aviation management. In 2024, Dr. Chabrian was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

Captain Michael Dee is the Vice President of Flight Operations for Republic Airways in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has been involved in airline training and operations for more than 20 years.

After graduating from Embry-Riddle, he started his career as a ground school instructor for a 727 operator. After that, he dipped his toe in Flight Operations management positions like Crew Scheduling and Planning before returning to training in 2001.

Michael did a short stint on the other side of the table as a member of Teamsters Local 357’s Executive Council, representing the pilots of Republic Airways, where he oversaw various committees, including training and safety. He was an integral part of the team that brought concepts like Threat and Error Management and AQP training to Republic Airways. In addition, Michael has been a Check Airman and an Aircrew Program Designee on multiple fleet types. He also oversaw the transition to an in-house Flight Training Department at Republic as the Director of Flight Training.

Jim Dowd is President of Strategea Group, an Aviation and Defense consulting firm supporting the Department of Defense weapon system acquisition programs.  He supports a major aircraft manufacturer integrating modifications and upgrades to large unmanned aircraft. These high-altitude aircraft operate world-wide in international airspace and are leading the way to remotely piloted aircraft flying in the National Airspace System. 

Jim began his aviation career in the Air Force as a navigator on C-130 transport aircraft.  He was an instructor navigator before serving as an Air Operations Planner for mobility operations in Asia.  After returning from his overseas assignment, he held several management positions in commercial airlift operations, strategic planning, Test & Evaluation, and aircraft fleet modernization planning. 

Jim has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida and a MBA in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  He also received Lean process certification from the University of Tennessee, school of Business Administration’s Center for Executive Education.

Peter F. Dumont is the former President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), where he served a global membership of nearly 4,000 in all segments of the air traffic control (ATC)/ air traffic management (ATM) community. In this role, he interacted and collaborated daily with leaders of Fortune 500 companies, as well as federal and international government executives, to develop strategy and policy to drive the future of ATC/ATM. Through his leadership, Mr. Dumont turned ATCA around from a point of near insolvency to what it is today: an organization that successfully represents and creates a conduit that connects the entire aviation community – the providers of ATC/ATM, system architects, manufacturers, suppliers, system operators, and users. Through its renowned domestic and international conferences, ATCA brings together more than 15,000 stakeholders, regulators, and subject matter experts from 136 countries and territories each year to discuss all elements of the global airspace. 

Mr. Dumont represented ATCA’s membership on the FAA’s NAC and DAC Working Subcommittee, as well as on the Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team and the FAA ARAC on controller training. He also sat on the Policy Board of the U.S. Contract Tower Association (USCTA). In addition, Mr. Dumont is a past president of the Aero Club of Washington, former chair of the NextGen Institute, and a former co-chair of the Institute Management Council (IMC) supporting the FAA.

Mr. Dumont’s 40-year career in aviation began as an air traffic controller with the U.S. Navy. After retiring from the Navy after 20 years, Mr. Dumont began his private sector career with Serco, Inc., where he served as Vice President of Aviation, and later as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the North American sector of the $3 billion defense contracting services company. During his tenure, he oversaw multiple lines of business in airport management contracts, ATC, ATC equipment installation, meteorology, weather observation, ATC engineering, control tower fabrication and installation, ATM, labor relations, business development, and a number of non-aviation-related contracts and corporate management functions.

A recognized expert in the field of aviation, Mr. Dumont has been published numerous times on subjects relating to ATM, policy and procedures, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and other aviation-related issues. He regularly delivers keynote addresses at aviation events and moderates or participates in discussion panels about aviation, UAS, and ATC/ATM. Mr. Dumont holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, a Master of Science in Aviation/Aerospace Management, and a Master of Science in Unmanned Systems (All Domains) with a minor in sUAS, all from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also holds his Part 107 drone operator license.

Kurt Ford is Managing Director of Flight Training at Delta Air Lines. His responsibilities include the quality and leadership of Delta’s flight instruction, flight training planning, flight operations digital learning, flight publications, and flight simulator teams. Kurt also serves as a regulatory liaison, helping shape industry best practices and supporting efforts to modernize and enhance training programs. In his role, he supports Flight Operations in setting strategic direction for 16,000+ pilots and employees.

Kurt has spent 20 years with Delta, serving in leadership roles in Financial Planning, Corporate Strategy, Fleet Strategy, and Network Planning. Prior to his current role he was Managing Director of International Network Planning overseeing widebody fleet deployment across the trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific regions. During his seven years as a leader in Network Planning, he was a key contributor to the transformation of Delta’s Pacific network, launching the industry leading Delta-Korean Air Joint Venture. He has also been instrumental in aircraft fleet planning, managing over six billion dollars in aircraft acquisitions and capital modification programs. Kurt contributed to the merger of Delta and Northwest airlines supporting the integration of the two workforces. During his time in Finance, he focused on
building cost models and supporting corporate business case development. He has been recognized for his corporate and community contributions, previously serving in roles with LEAD Atlanta, Hands-on-Atlanta, and recently Chris180 - an organization advocating for youth and families across Georgia.

Kurt is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (B.S. in Aeronautical Science, ’04) and pursued his post-graduate studies at Auburn University (Master of Business Administration, ’05)

Kate Fraser is the Director for Regulatory and Federal Affairs at Zipline, the global leader in autonomous delivery services. Prior to joining Zipline, Ms. Fraser served as NetJets’ Director of Safety, where she led the daily activities, strategic planning and safety-critical programs of the department and its team of experts.

In addition to her time at NetJets, Ms. Fraser spent three years in the emerging market of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) as Joby Aviation’s Head of Safety and Uber’s Head of Aviation Policy. In both roles, Ms. Fraser had the opportunity to engage with regulators and policymakers worldwide to enable the safe introduction of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and autonomous systems. Ms. Fraser’s expertise is also supported by nearly a decade of experience working as a safety analyst for the FAA’s Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention and as Director of Safety for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

A commercial pilot and certified flight instructor, Ms. Fraser holds a BS in Aeronautical Technology – Professional Pilot from Kansas State University and an M.S. in Human Factors in Aerospace from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Ms. Fraser currently serves on Embry-Riddle’s (Daytona) College of Aviation Industry Advisory Board and as the Vice Chair of the Royal Aeronautical Society, DC Chapter. She previously had the honor of serving on the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) Board of Directors and the FAA’s Women in Aviation Advisory Board (WIAAB). After spending time on both coasts, she now resides in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two cats.

Brian Hoefig is an accomplished executive with over 35 years of leadership in the defense and commercial aerospace industry. He is the Director of Quality for Test Flight Operations at Blue Origin. Brian is committed to ensuring the highest standards in the company’s mission to create a future where millions can live and work in space. Brian and his team have an important role in the advancement of reusable rocket technology and enhancing testing infrastructure in Blue’s efforts to revolutionize space exploration and enable sustainable human presence beyond Earth. 

Previously, Brian held progressive leadership positions during his 30-year tenure at The Boeing Company, ranging from quality to operations across the domestic and international sectors. As Boeing’s Director of Operations, he led a skilled workforce of 500 employees in the successful delivery of over 2,000 737 airplanes to aviation customers worldwide. Brian believes in empowering strong teams. His expertise lies in building and mentoring diverse, all-inclusive teams, which has enabled him to drive innovation and growth in the aerospace sector.

Brian holds successive degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, starting with an Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics and a Master of Business Administration Aviation (MBAA) in Business. In addition to his degrees and other executive, industry-related training, Brian holds an FAA Airframe and Powerplant License (A&P). Beyond his professional work, he is passionate about sharing his time supporting his alma mater, which reflects his commitment to the future of aerospace.

Brian is excited to join the College of Aviation Industry Advisory Board and looks forward to leveraging his aerospace experience to develop future leaders in the aviation industry.

Joe Houghton is the Chief Operations Officer for DEXA, Drone Express. Prior to his move to DEXA, Joe served as the President and Founder of Flawless Execution, LLC, which excels in business improvement and change management through operational excellence. Concurrently, Joe serves on the Board of Directors for Group of Telecom (GOT).

Joe has developed a deep background in Airline Certification, Conflict Resolution, Training, Standards and Safety Management Systems in a variety of management positions at several US airlines. Most recently, as Vice President of Flight Operations for Spirit Airlines, Joe oversaw the airline’s operations control, pilot group, dispatchers, schedulers, crew planning, flight training and regulatory compliance.

As one of the original founding officers of Virgin America, Joe was directly responsible for guiding the airline’s highly successful 14 CFR Part 121 certification efforts, which included operational design, tabletop exercises, evacuation demonstration and proving runs. Joe held key leadership positions, including Chief Pilot and Vice President of the Operations Control Center. Prior to his tenure at Virgin, Joe was heavily involved in operations at USAirways (now American Airlines), including roles in management as well as flying the line for over 18 years of service.

Joe is the founder of Locked On, Inc., a leading global airline certification and business improvement consultancy recognized by the FAA. Locked On has assisted in numerous successful airline certifications and has been profitable every year since its launch. Joe was also a key contributor to the creation of Afterburner Seminars, which has helped Fortune 500 companies to increase performance through flawless execution for more than 10 years.

Joe served 21 years with the Maryland Air National Guard, where he was the A-10 Squadron Commander. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle University and an Associate Degree in Aviation Management. He currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida, with his wife, Elizabeth.

Christopher A. Jessup is Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer at AAR (NYSE: AIR), a leading aviation services provider to commercial airlines and government customers worldwide.

Jessup joined AAR in 2008 when the Company acquired Avborne, Inc., where he held various senior executive roles in sales, marketing and business development dating back to 2002. From 2008 to 2015, Jessup served in various senior leadership sales and operational roles within AAR’s MRO Services group, concluding with Senior Vice President, Airframe MRO Services, where he was responsible for the group’s operational oversight and P&L. In 2015, he was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer of AAR’s Aviation Services segment, where he assumed the commercial global sales, marketing and business development responsibilities for the Parts Supply, Integrated Solutions, OEM Solutions and MRO Group collectively. Jessup was elected a corporate officer and assumed his current role as Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer at AAR in 2017.

Jessup earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Kolin Jones is a serial entrepreneur, accomplished pilot, and the Founder & CEO of Amalfi Jets, a leading private jet charter provider operating in 170 countries with a network of over 3,500 aircraft. Through his leadership, Kolin has propelled Amalfi Jets to the forefront of the private jet brokerage industry, pioneering innovative programs, a strong commitment to safety, and proprietary technology. Kolin has not only established Amalfi Jets as an industry leader but continues to set new standards, reshaping private aviation. With a focus on innovation, Amalfi Jets has focused on creating an internal SMS system for private jet charter brokerages as well as technology-focused software to streamline sales and operational processes.

Kolin has amassed over 1,000,000 followers across all platforms and generating over 270 million views to date. His engaging videos captivate both the aviation industry and the public at large, offering a unique inside look at private aviation. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautics and a Minor in Business Administration, Kolin attributes Amalfi's safety-first culture to his education.

When not in the office, Kolin is an avid private pilot, taking to the skies over Southern California and prioritizing philanthropy through the Amalfi Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity which serves as the philanthropic arm of Amalfi Jets and aims to elevate underserved communities in California and abroad.

William E. Lovett is the Managing Director of Phoenix Air Unmanned, LLC, a specialized uncrewed air operations company based in Cartersville, Georgia. Under his leadership, Phoenix Air Unmanned has obtained some of the broadest FAA waivers and exemptions for commercial BVLOS flights. The Phoenix Air Unmanned team is committed to the Safety Management System, which has earned them an ARGUS Platinum certification and the first IS-BAO RPAS registration. Will served on the FAA BVLOS Aviation Rule-Making Committee and currently serves on the NBAA Emerging Technologies Committee.

Will has maintained an active role in civil and military aviation as a fixed-wing and rotor-wing aviator. Will holds an ATP with type ratings in BE-200, LR-JET and CE-500. During his 28 years with the U.S. Army, Will operated domestic and international flight missions for Med Evac, Combat Support and Operational Support. He completed the U.S. Army UAS Command and Staff Course in 2015. Will retired as CW5 after his last assignment with the U.S. Army Aeronautical Services Agency.

Will’s professional background includes 20 years in leadership and management positions within the aviation insurance and risk management industry, including AIG Aviation, Allianz and Willis Global Specialties. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, received in 1991.

Joseph Marshall currently serves as the Senior Manager of Aviation Programs at Wing, where he leads strategy and readiness efforts to enable the safe and scalable integration of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the national airspace system.

Having helped shape critical programs at three of the industry’s leading UAS companies — during some of their most formative and high-pressure periods — Joseph brings a perspective that is both rare and deeply informed by real-world implementation. His experience in commercial drone aviation spans more than a decade, including five years at Zipline and five years at Amazon Prime Air, where he played foundational roles in safety, flight operations and regulatory advancement.

Joseph’s UAS leadership is grounded in traditional aviation. He spent four years at Allegiant Airlines managing Safety Management Systems (SMS) for both flight and airport operations. Prior to that, he built broad flight experience as a commercial pilot and flight instructor, operating a wide range of aircraft over several years.

Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and four young sons, with whom he frequently shares his aviation adventures.

As a kid, Michael dreamed of becoming a pilot, and by the time he graduated from high school, he had built up an impressive list of FAA ratings, including the title of Senior Captain, FAR Part 135 at Hop-A-Jet. He knew he wanted to build his own charter management company, so he began negotiating agreements with Hop-A-Jet and other charter management companies to rent their aircraft, and build what is now his extensive list of Fortune 500 executive, celebrity, government, and high-net-worth clients. Throughout his career, Michael has honed his ability to identify opportunities, and deliver value to the aviation industry. He credits his success to his experience-based judgment, strong work ethic, and unwavering integrity.

For more than twenty years, he has owned and operated a Part 135 aircraft charter, sales, acquisition, management, and repair business - earning some of the most challenging FAA benchmarks in the air charter industry. Known as an advocate for aircraft safety and pilot training, Michael plays an active leadership role on a number of customer advisory boards with Gulfstream Aerospace and CAE-Simuflite, and is a member of a number of industry associations.

As the President, Founder, Chief Pilot, and Part 135 Check Airman at Universal Jet Aviation for twenty years, Michael overcame a series of extreme challenges and financial setbacks to build the largest Learjet fleet on the East Coast and become the first U.S. operator to secure the Learjet 60, as well as the first operator to launch business operations in Shanghai, China. With the introduction of the Internet and a new highly brokered business environment, Michael conceived and executed a 24/7 dispatch team to increase his competitiveness. In 2014, Michael relaunched Universal Jet Aviation with a new brand and business model - Journey Aviation.

Michael also championed the development of a flight safety program for the FAA - establishing and negotiating a partnership with FlightSafety International to deliver the training to FAA pilots and external clients in Part 142 training centers. Additionally, he established a relationship with CIT to manage the maintenance of their aircraft, which led to a deal to acquire his first Gulfstream aircraft, launching his regional business into the global market. Michael also represents the FAA as a Part 135 Check Airman - evaluating and testing his pilots’ aircraft knowledge and capabilities. Michael holds airline transport ratings in all categories - helicopters, sea planes, jets, and fighters, as well as FAA Flight Instructor certification and Mechanic Airframe & Powerplant credentials.

Greg Nissen is Executive Jet Management’s vice president of owner services for the Midwest region, where he oversees the management of aircraft maintenance, flight ops, finance, billing, budgeting, aircraft trip scheduling, aircraft charter, Part 91/135 ops, onboarding of new clients and managed sales support.

Prior to joining Executive Jet Management, Greg spent 22 ½ years with Gulfstream Aerospace. His duties started out as an A&P technician on the hangar floor, with advancement to lead technician for the first 6 ½ years and then spending the remaining 16 years as a senior customer support sales specialist. In the latter role, Greg supported domestic, international and government contractual proposals, maintenance lease return obligations, margin analysis and financial approvals for client contracts.

He earned his B.S. in Aeronautical Science with a minor in Program Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, along with his A&P certificate from Colorado Aerotech and a Private Pilot's certificate. With 30 years of dedicated service to the business aviation community, Greg enjoys every aspect of the business.

Greg also spends time as a member of the Chicago Area Business Aviation Association and the Minnesota Business Aviation Association. Greg resides in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he enjoys spending time with his two grown children and his American bulldog named “Tug."

Andy grew up around airplanes, soloing at age 16 and building his first homebuilt aircraft, a Bensen gyrocopter, at age 19. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies in 1985 and then a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science in 1993. He also holds a multi-engine commercial pilot rating and is an FAA licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic.

Prior to joining Bombardier, Andy spent 12 years in the airline industry, working as a licensed engineer and touring the world as part of an Aerobatic display team. He was later an instructor and chief technical instructor on several aircraft types, including Boeing, Airbus and Lockheed aircraft.

In 1998, Andy joined Bombardier Aerospace as manager of technical publications for Regional Aircraft and was later appointed Director of Customer Training. In May 2008, he was promoted to Vice President of Customer Services & Support, Business Aircraft, where he was responsible for the overall service and support of the Business Aircraft customer base, including Training, Fleet Reliability, Warranty, Technical Support, Publications and Customer Service. Andy is also responsible for driving initiatives to improve the experience of our customers and continuing the transformation of Bombardier Customer Services & Support into a world-class organization.

Andy retired from Bombardier in June 2022 but continues to be active in the industry. He is the Vice Chair of the Canadian Business Aviation Association and a member of the Bombardier Safety Standdown Advisory Council. He also enjoys flying regularly in his vintage Piper Cub and Beechcraft.

Steve was named senior vice president of system operations and airports in March 2025 with oversight of airport operations across JetBlue’s 100+ destinations, as well as the company’s system operations center, which manages the airline’s round-the-clock operation.

He joined JetBlue in September 2022 as vice president, system operations. During this time, Steve helped lead the airline’s daily flight execution, driving improvements in reliability and efficiency—a key pillar of JetBlue’s JetForward strategy aimed at returning the company to sustained profitability.

Under Olson’s leadership, JetBlue has made significant progress in on-time performance and has improved recovery from disruptions—an especially complex challenge given the airline’s East Coast-focused network. Olson has also led a major operational modernization effort, including the addition of state-of-the-art aircraft movement and flight planning systems with a new crew management system.

Prior to joining JetBlue, Steve spent nearly two decades with American Airlines – and its predecessors US Airways and America West – including as managing director of the integrated operations center for American with oversight of nearly 6,000 daily flights across the globe.

Steve started on the frontline as a customer service representative with America West and also has 14 years of experience as an aircraft maintenance technician with the Arizona Air National Guard, on top of being a licensed aircraft dispatcher and commercial pilot.

Dave joined SARAIR USA, Inc. as its new Managing Director in June 2025. Prior to the move, he served as the Head of Fleet Efficiency & Engineering at Airbus Americas Customer Services, Inc., where he was responsible for a team of 50-plus, providing Aircraft/Fleet program and engineering solutions to Airbus customers in the Americas region.

Dave started his career with Airbus in 2008 and served in multiple customer-facing roles, including the main customer support interface for several airlines, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction. He coordinated the on-site field service teams and other support functions from training, spares and flight operations. In addition, Dave supported the entry-into-service activities for the A320neo fleet in the region from 2016 to 2020. In 2020, Dave received the 54th Nuts and Bolts Award by the Airlines for Americas (A4A), formally recognizing his airline industry contributions while with Airbus.

Prior to joining Airbus, Dave worked for United Airlines for 18 years, starting in Maintenance Operations but spending the majority of his career in Engineering. From 2006 to 2008, he served as Engineering Fleet Chief for the 737 fleet before eventually transitioning to the Airbus fleet at the airline. In this role, he was the technical focal point responsible for fleet reliability, safety and compliance.

Dave graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

Kathy Rice graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1990 with a B.S. in Mathematics as well as a minor in Computer Science and Aerospace Studies. Mrs. Rice then decided to continue her education, graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus in 2004 with a master's in Aeronautical Science.

Upon graduation, she received her commission into the U.S. Air Force. In 1992, Mrs. Rice completed the Air Force Basic Meteorology Program at Florida State University, beginning her 26 years of operational weather experience as a meteorologist in the US Air Force, both as an officer and now a civil servant. During her career, she provided aviation weather support to many fixed-wing and rotary aircraft in the Air Force inventory. Mrs. Rice was a Launch Weather Officer for 18 years at the 45th Weather Squadron, providing spacelift ground operations and launch execution forecasts for Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center. She was the lead Launch Weather Officer for the Space Shuttle, Space Launch System, and Delta IV programs. In 2018, Mrs. Rice transferred to NASA and is now the Kennedy Space Center Weather Officer for Spaceport Integration Operations.

Mrs. Rice received numerous awards through her career, most notably the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, NASA Stellar Award, Artemis Launch Director Award, 2016 Air Force Civilian of the Year, 2016 National Space Club Florida Committee Space Worker Hall of Fame, 2013 45th Space Wing Civilian of the Year, 2009 Air Force Space Command Outstanding Technical Achievement Team Award, 2008 NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Silver Snoopy Award, and the 2006 Best Space Operations Crew Award.

Jim Segrave is the visionary Founder, Chairman and CEO of flyExclusive, one of North America's largest and most innovative private jet operators. Based in Kinston, North Carolina, Segrave has combined his entrepreneurial spirit, passion for aviation, and commitment to service to create an industry leader that sets the standard for private aviation. With over 11,000 hours of flight time and an Airline Transport Pilot License with type ratings in seven jets, as well as commercial and instrument helicopter ratings, Segrave is both a seasoned executive and an accomplished aviator, deeply connected to the heart of his business.

Under Segrave’s leadership, flyExclusive operates a fleet of over 90 light, mid and super-midsize jets. Founded in 2015, the company now employs nearly 800 professionals and generated estimated annual revenues exceeding $350 million last year. In December 2027, flyExclusive (NYSE: FLYX) went public, further solidifying its position as a leader in private aviation.

Segrave’s leadership and contributions have earned him significant recognition. He has been included on the North Carolina Power List of Most Influential Leaders for the past three years. In 2024, he was honored with the Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen Award and received the Key to the City from the Mayor of Kinston, celebrating his impact on the community and his efforts to drive local growth and innovation.

He also serves his community and industry in numerous leadership roles. He is a member of the Quality Equipment Board of Directors, which owns and operates 38 John Deere dealerships, and the Board of Directors of L Harvey & Son, one of North Carolina’s oldest privately held businesses (founded in 1871). Additionally, he is on the Board of Trustees at East Carolina University, the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Industrial Advisory Board, and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Leadership Council.

With a deep commitment to giving back, Segrave is passionate about supporting local communities and fostering talent. His investments in Kinston and beyond reflect his belief in creating opportunities and building a legacy of innovation, collaboration and excellence.

Segrave’s career is defined by his ability to merge entrepreneurial ingenuity with a profound respect for people, safety and service. Under his leadership, flyExclusive continues to lead the private aviation industry, redefining what it means to connect people through the power of flight.

Mitchell L. Serber is the Chief of Safety for The Boeing Company Executive Flight Operations and directs the Safety Management System for the organization as well as flying the line.

Prior to joining Boeing, Mitch enjoyed a 23-year airline career with over 17,000 hours logged before joining MITRE Corporation's Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) in 2007 as a Human Centered Engineer Project Manager. With MITRE, he was on the initial team that established the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) program.

As part of his air carrier career, he served the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) at the National level as the Chairman of the Airport and Ground Environment Group (AGE), Operations Committee (OPSCOM) Chairman, and international representative to the IFALPA AGE Committee.

Mitch holds a Masters of Aeronautical Science degree specializing in Human Factors in Aerospace Systems from ERAU in 2013 graduating with distinction, in addition to a B.S. in Aeronautical Science from ERAU and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Bob Snyder has served as the Senior Vice President - Aviation/UAS Operations with Sedgwick since 2015. He leads a team of aviation professionals in the world-wide support of the business utilizing Gulfstream GVII aircraft. In addition, he oversees the operation of over 120 UAS aircraft to also support the investigative efforts in natural disaster relief.

Prior to joining his current position, Snyder spent the previous 25 years in the Director of Operations role for a variety of operators from high-net-worth individuals to Fortune 500 companies. He has accumulated over 14,000 accident/incident free flight hours with 12 aircraft type ratings.

In 2018, Snyder was awarded the National Business Aircraft Association, Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award and is also a part of the NBAA Leadership Council. He was a member of the Gulfstream, Customer Advisory Board, G500/600 Committee and a past Board member and past President of the Greater St. Louis Business Aviation Association. He is a 1987 graduate of the Embry-Riddle, Daytona Beach campus with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science.

Jim brings 40-plus years of experience in the industry, most recently joining GA Telesis as President of the Flight Solutions Group. Sought out for his diverse operational background and established relationships across the industry and global operations, he helps clients simplify results, improve clarity, measure the necessary outputs and drive change.

Most of his career and education at Embry-Riddle have revolved around maintenance operations as VP of Maintenance & Engineering at Southwest Airlines, President at HAECO America, and VP of Mechanical and Network Operations for CN Railroad. Jim also has consulting experience as a Senior Advisor with Oliver Wyman. Having worked in different capacities to support initiatives to improve safety and performance, he has numerous best practices to share across broader groups.

While working as a frontline employee, Jim's desire to influence change became a path through progressive leadership roles. One of his longer-term goals is to continue to actively influence positive change and share his experiences across teams. In addition, he is proud to lead an organization that provides the opportunity to grow businesses and add value.

A firm believer that leadership predicates all outcomes, Jim's watershed moments have been most apparent when they have involved people. His most rewarding experiences have come from empowering employee potential to achieve a required goal and win.

Outside of work, Jim has been married since 1984 to his wife Michelle, whom he met at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Their son, Preston, served six years in the US Navy as an enlisted tech assigned to VAW-113 Black Eagles Squadron onboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). They live in Hallandale Beach, FL, and enjoy bicycling, traveling and golfing.