Mike Shiflett

Director of Training, CFI Bootcamp

Mike Shiflett is the Director of Training at CFI Bootcamp and holds an ATP with a CE525 type rating and a flight instructor certificate. Mike has over 16,000 hours, most of which are in general aviation airplanes. He started flying in 1984 in the San Francisco Bay Area and became a flight instructor in 1995 and the Chief Pilot of a 141 school in San Jose, CA. He was appointed as a DPE, did all his ratings, including the initial CFI, and conducted nearly 3,000 practical tests over 11 years. Mike founded CFI Bootcamp in 2009 and has authored over 10 books about aviation training. He also is known for his podcast “Flight Training the Way I See it!” and his weekly internet show “The Power Hour,” of which he has done over 120 episodes. He has spoken at the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo and EAA AirVenture on various flight training topics. Mike currently lives in the South Beach area of Miami, Florida, and travels between the San Francisco Bay Area and Miami to teach monthly seven-day flight instructor courses.

Clinton Summers

Co-owner and Executive Director, Black Box Flight Training

Clinton Summers is a retired US Marine and the Co-Owner and Executive Director of Black Box Flight Training, LLC, a simulator-based pilot proficiency and training company headquartered in New Bern, North Carolina. Black Box focuses on providing advanced training for general aviation pilots. It is a member of the Community Aviation Flight Training Network and supports EAA members along the east coast. In addition to his work with Black Box, Clinton is an engineering professional, supporting the US Marine H-1 helicopter program's Drive Systems in-service engineering group. Clinton also is an instructor for Southern California Safety Institute, where he specializes in aviation accident investigation. He holds a Master of Science in Space Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, and he is an instrument-rated single- and multi-engine commercial pilot, flight instructor (CFI/CFII), and multi-engine instructor (MEI). He is a member of AOPA, EAA, and NAFI.

Joe Brown

Chairman, Hartzell Propeller and COO, Tailwind Technologies Inc.

Joe Brown is Chairman of Hartzell Propeller and COO of Tailwind Technologies Inc., a holding company that owns aviation manufacturing businesses including Hartzell Propeller, Hartzell Engine Technologies and Mayday Manufacturing. He specializes in defining and implementing operational strategies that promote product and manufacturing innovation, business growth, and improved operating metrics. Joe is deeply involved in the General Aviation industry and is a member of AOPA, EAA, and IMC Club, while serving on the boards of EAA, IMC Club, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Joe is an instrument-rated pilot and flies about 300 hours a year for work and recreation.

Sean D. Tucker

Aerobatic Pilot and Chairman & Co-Founder, Bob Hoover Academy

Sean D. Tucker is an aviation legend and virtuoso air show performer, best known for his airshow performances in the Oracle Challenger. Tucker is also a founder of the Bob Hoover Academy, a program focused on empowering students in his hometown of Salinas, CA, through the power of flight. He is a National Aviation Hall of Fame inductee, International Aviation Air and Space Hall of Fame inductee, one of the 25 Living Legends of Flight recognized by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Chairman of EAA's Young Eagles Program, and an honorary member of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angles, Royal Canadian Snowbirds, Brazilian Air Force Smoke Squadron, and U.S. Army Golden Knights.

Roger Sharp

Designated Pilot Examiner

Roger Sharp holds a handful of ATP ratings and is a designated pilot examiner for airplanes (land and sea) and helicopters. He was a U.S. Air Force command pilot, Master Instructor, and standards-and-evaluation pilot. Roger authored "20 Ways to Fail Your Flight Test: A Practical Guide to Earning Your Notice of Disapproval," which is full of (hilarious) wisdom on how to take and pass an FAA practical test. At past events, he has shared insights ranging from signs that you may have a bad flight instructor to reasons why students fail their checkrides. At Migration 2023, Roger will return to the main stage to talk about the state of flight training in a way that only he can.

Chris Erlanson

President & Owner, Tennessee Flight Training

Chris spent 23 years in Nashville’s bustling music scene as a producer, manager, and record company executive. He started flying lessons as a hobby with no intentions of ever entering into the aviation world. In 2010, Chris helped start Nashville Flight Training with some friends, thinking it would be a side venture. By 2014, the school had quickly become one of the fastest-growing flight schools in America and Chris had retired from the music business. The school continues utilizing the business practices Chris developed in the music industry with a heavy emphasis on partnerships, marketing, and outstanding customer service. The approach has helped the school expand from its headquarters in Nashville to additional locations across the state and awarded it a spot on AOPA's Flight Training Experience Awards Honor Roll for its high standard of accomplishment in flight training. Tennessee Flight Training also has a partnership agreement with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to provide students with a high-profile university education at a local level.

Josh Harnagel

Vice President of Marketing, Redbird Flight

Josh Harnagel is a CFI, CFI-I, MEI with 3,000 hours. He currently serves as Vice President, Marketing for Redbird Flight, where he oversees a team responsible for marketing, communications, product development, and customer success. A member of the Redbird staff for 14 years, Josh has held a number of key positions and been an instrumental contributor to the company's explosive growth.

Ethan Willinger

Marketing Director, Redbird Flight

Ethan is the Marketing Director at Redbird Flight. He leads a team responsible for the content, events, social media, and communications strategy of the company.

Bret Koebbe

Senior Vice President, Sporty's

Bret leads the video production and pilot training course development team at Sporty's Pilot Shop, overseeing the creation and distribution of over 30 aviation courses across online, mobile and TV app platforms. He has been recognized as a Master Flight Instructor and holds an ATP certificate, and enjoys both recreational flying in a Piper Aztec and professionally in a Cessna Citation. Bret is also editor of iPadPilotNews.com and a leading expert on EFB and mobile app usage in the cockpit.

Robert Meder

Chairman Emeritus, National Association of Flight Instructors

Robert Meder has been a certificated flight instructor for over 22 years, teaching airplane single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument. He is a former St. Louis and Lincoln FSDO Flight Instructor of the Year, Central Region Flight Instructor of the Year, and St. Louis FSDO FAASTeam Representative of the Year. Bob retired as a Safety Department Director after 40 years with a major western rail carrier, having established one of the first large industrial UAS programs. Bob served as the National Association of Flight Instructor's Chair for eight years.

George Charles Allen

Development Committee Chair, National Association of Flight Instructors

George Charles Allen is a second-generation professional flight instructor and founder of AeroVenture, the only 2x winner of the AOPA National Best Flight School Award. He was a member of the AOPA Flight Training Advisory Board and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Flight Instructors.

Victor Vogel

Board Member, National Association of Flight Instructors

Victor Vogel is a physician and retired medical school professor. He has been flying for more than 40 years, a CFI, CFI-I, and a member of the Board of Directors of NAFI. He founded Susquehanna STEM to the Skies that seeks to bring aviation-based STEM education to schools and career technical centers.

Jack Pelton

CEO & Chairman of the Board, Experimental Aircraft Association

Jack Pelton leads EAA's board and staff in its mission of growing participation in aviation and inspiring people to fly, build, and further engage in flight. Previously, he served as the chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Cessna Aircraft Company. He also is past chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association board, and served on the boards of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Business Aviation Association, and the Corporate Angel Network. His many honors include the National Aeronautic Association’s Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award, the FAA’s Friend of Safety Award, induction into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, and EAA’s highest honor, the Freedom of Flight Award.

Mark Baker

President & CEO, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

Mark Baker joined AOPA in 2013 as president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the world’s largest civil aviation organization. He has served on numerous corporate boards and has taken leadership roles with several nonprofit organizations. Before his appointment at AOPA, Baker served in numerous senior executive roles, including CEO of Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corporation, a leading retailer of home improvement and garden products. Baker also served in senior executive roles at Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Gander Mountain Company, and The Home Depot. In conjunction with his role as president and CEO of AOPA, Baker is chairman of AOPA’s Political Action Committee; chief executive officer for the AOPA Foundation; president of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations, representing pilots in 81 countries; and publisher of AOPA Pilot, the world’s largest and most influential aviation publication.

Pete Bunce

President & CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association

Pete travels worldwide engaging regulators, policymakers, and elected officials to promote general aviation and advance the interests of GAMA’s global membership of airframe, avionics, engine, and component manufacturers, as well as the world’s leading business aviation maintenance, repair, and overall companies. He retired from the USAF 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. He serves on the board of directors of the Recreational Aviation Foundation and Veterans Airlift Command, and is a trustee of the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation. Pete is also a member of the FAA's Management Advisory Council and serves on the FAA’s NextGen Advisory Committee. In January 2010, he was inducted as one of the 70 Living Legends of Aviation.

James Viola

President & CEO, Helicopter Association International

James A. Viola joined HAI as President and CEO in January 2020. Prior to joining HAI, he most recently served as a Senior Executive for the Federal Aviation Administration, in the office of Aviation Safety, as director of General Aviation Safety Assurance. He was responsible for maintaining consistency and standardization in the application of safety oversight activities for the GA community. He was a government representative on both the International Helicopter Safety Team and the United States Helicopter Safety Team. Viola’s aviation career began with the US Army, with the majority of his flying done as a special operations MH-6 and MH-47 helicopter pilot. He was promoted through positions of increasing responsibility, achieving the rank of colonel. His final military assignment was as Division Chief for Army Aviation Current Operations in the Pentagon. A strong advocate for GA, Viola flies as often as he can. He holds airline transport pilot ratings for helicopters and airplanes and is a dual-rated certificated flight instructor.

Tom Haines

Former Editor in Chief and Senior Vice President of Media, Communications, and Outreach; AOPA

An award-winning author, Haines was named editor in chief of AOPA Pilot in 1994. Under his leadership, AOPA expanded its media properties to include Flight Training magazine and a host of electronic media. He was the co-anchor of the weekly video magazine AOPA Live This Week. Haines now serves as a board member at Redbird Flight. In January, he was was inducted as one of the Living Legends of Aviation. He owns and flies a Beechcraft A36 Bonanza. Since soloing at 16 and earning a private pilot certificate at 17, he has flown more than 100 models of general aviation airplanes.

David St. George

Executive Director, Society of Aviation and Flight Educators

David is a 50-year pilot, a DPE for the past 25 years, and a Master Flight Instructor for 13 renewals. He currently serves as the Executive Director of SAFE and a jet charter captain. He still flies an 80-year-old 7AC Champ!

Jolie Lucas

Psychotherapist & Commercial Pilot

Jolie Lucas makes her home on the Central Coast of CA with her mini-Golden, Mooney. She is a Mooney owner, licensed psychotherapist, and commercial pilot. Jolie is a nationally-known aviation presenter and aviation writer. She is the Region 4 Vice President of the California Pilots Association and the 2010 AOPA Joseph Crotti Award recipient for GA Advocacy.

Billy Winburn

President, Community Aviation

Billy Winburn is president of Community Aviation, a company dedicated to connecting aviation experts with learners online and on-site. Billy is a native of Savannah, GA, and tries very hard to avoid letting the aviation get in the way of his flying.

Everette Rochon

Manager, Training and Certification Group, Federal Aviation Administration

Everette Rochon, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, joined the FAA in 2009 with almost 20 years of aviation experience as a Naval Flight Officer, Navy Safety and Standardization Instructor, civil flight instructor, and airline pilot. In 2014, he led the team that successively finalized part 107 of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, which is the first rule in the U.S. to allow pilot certification and operations of small UAS for non-hobby and non-recreational purposes. Currently, Mr. Rochon manages the group responsible for the training and certification of pilots and flight Instructors, part 141 pilot school support, FAA approval and use of Aviation Training Devices, and Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation Operations) qualifications and currency.

Bob Hepp

Founder/Owner/Chief Flight Instructor, Aviation Adventures

Bob started Aviation Adventures in 1989 with one Cessna 172 while he was a Captain in the Army. He continued to build the school as much as the demands and moves of a military career would allow until he retired as a Field Artillery Lieutenant Colonel in 1998. He then committed to the vision of building the best flight school possible. Bob guided Aviation Adventures from its humble beginnings as a one airplane, one instructor hobby operating part time out of the trunk of his car, to the five-location, six-Redbird, 55-aircraft and 57-flight instructor school it is today. Along the way the school gained FAA Part 141 certification, affiliation with Liberty, George Mason, and Purdue Global Universities, and has earned Examining Authority for seven of its 11 Part 141 approved programs. In 2020, to support the rapidly growing maintenance needs of the flight school, Bob purchased and oversees one of the largest GA maintenance facilities in Northern Virginia. Aviation Adventures has been recognized by AOPA’s Flight Training Excellence/Experience committee every year since that program began. The school’s instructors have amassed more AOPA instructor awards than any other flight school. While running the school, Bob earned a Master’s of Business Administration and flew for an airline as a Jetstream 4100 Captain, an Airbus 319 First Officer, a lead Citation captain for two charter operations and as a contract Citation pilot for several awesome owners. He has over 27,000 hours flying most models of light GA aircraft, and holds type ratings for the BA-4100, A-319, C-500 and C-525S. Bob was the recipient of AOPA’s President’s Choice award in 2013 and the AOPA Presidential Citation in 2019, as well as the FAA National Flight Instructor of the Year in 2016.

Jerry Gregoire

Founder and Co-Chairman, Redbird Flight

Jerry Gregoire is the founder and Co-Chairman of Redbird Flight. He is a pilot holding an Airline Transport Pilot rating for airplanes and helicopters and a single pilot type rating for Cessna Citation 525 jets. Jerry was formerly the Chief Information Officer of Dell Computer Company where he was responsible for all worldwide information systems, including those supporting sales, marketing, service, manufacturing, product development, and corporate systems. He is recognized in the industry for implementing the G2 architectural strategy, which helped fuel Dell’s unprecedented growth. Prior to joining Dell, he spent 10 years with PepsiCo, Inc., most recently as CIO, Vice President of Information Systems for Pepsi-Cola Company, the beverage division of the PepsiCo family.

Elizabeth Tennyson

Senior Vice President, AOPA Foundation

Elizabeth Tennyson is the Senior Vice President of the AOPA Foundation. In this role, she leads AOPA’s philanthropic arm as well as the You Can Fly program. Elizabeth works with a team of dedicated professionals who focus on building and funding programs that grow the pilot population, improve safety, introduce young people to aviation, and make flying more accessible and affordable. Tennyson first joined AOPA in 1998. Her past positions have included executive director of You Can Fly, managing editor of Flight Training magazine, executive editor of AOPA Pilot magazine, vice president of publications, vice president of eMedia, and senior director of communications. Tennyson was a television, radio, and Associated Press reporter in Los Angeles, Miami, and Raleigh, North Carolina before joining AOPA. She also served as editor‐in‐chief for a collection of legal and golf magazines. Tennyson serves on the boards of the Aerospace Center for Excellence and the Aviation Accreditation Board International and is a member of the Board of Advisors for the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals.

Bill English

CFI & Check Instructor, Aviation Adventures

Bill English is a CFI/check instructor at the Leesburg, Virginia location of Aviation Adventures. He holds commercial and flight instructor certificates for instrument airplane single-engine land and sea, multi-engine land, and is rated in the E170/190. He has been flying since 1986. Mr. English has been an aircraft accident investigator for over 25 years and has also been an air traffic controller and instrument procedures specialist. He holds degrees in Aeronautical Science from ERAU and in Geospatial Intelligence from Penn State.

Paul Preidecker

President, National Association of Flight Instructors

Paul Preidecker serves as president for NAFI. He has been an active instructor in general aviation and airline training for more than 30 years.

Karen Kalishek

Chair, National Association of Flight Instructors

Karen Kalishek chairs the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) Board of Directors. She is a DPE, ATP, NAFI Master Instructor, CFI/II/MEI/CFI-G, FAA Gold Seal Instructor and 2019 National FAASTeam Representative of the Year. Serving on multiple FAA and industry working groups and committees, Karen is passionate about improving aviation safety through flight instruction excellence.

Harvey Madison

Director of Instructional Design & Content, Redbird Flight

Harvey Madison is the Director of Instructional Design and Content for Redbird Flight. His background in adult learning theory and love of aviation have combined to produce instructional products for Redbird, such as Guided Independent Flight Training (GIFT) and STEM-based curricula with practical simulator training. Harvey is 6'2", a Taurus, and loves the smell of 100LL.

Chris Hufford

Senior Software Engineer, CloudAhoy

Chris Hufford has been a Senior Software Engineer at CloudAhoy for the past 4+ years. He is a commercial, multi-engine, instrument rated pilot. Working at CloudAhoy combines his passions of aviation and software development.

Kate Barnette

Director of Education Programs, Gaetz Aerospace Institute

Kate Barnette is the Director of Education Programs for the Gaetz Aerospace Institute (GAI) and associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Director Barnette earned her Master’s in Public Administration with an Emergency Management focus through the University of Central Florida. She is certified in Social Science 6-12 for the Florida Department of Education and has several NIMS certifications. Working in secondary education for almost 30 years, Director Barnette is a proactive leader and advocate for students and instructors. She has gained a variety of education and administrative experience through mobile lab, school based, and district positions. She began her education career with Volusia County Schools as a career planning teacher with a mobile lab, Career Connection Facilitator for schools, and then as Specialist with Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department at the district. She facilitated the development and expansion of Career Academies to all high schools in the district. She was also integral to the development of CAPE certification identification, training, and implementation in 30 CTE programs. She then moved to Flagler County Schools as the CTE Director Contact for the district to the state as well as administer all CTE programs, digital tools, industry certifications, and funding budgets for Federal Perkins V, FLDOE CAPE, and CARES dollars. She is passionate about expanding the middle and high school STEM programming and dual enrollment opportunities ERAU Gaetz Aerospace Institute provides to students in Florida and across the United States.

Thomas Leach

Aviation Technology Instructor, Erie 1 BOCES – Harkness Career and Technical Center

Thomas Leach is an instructor at Erie 1 BOCES – Harkness Career and Technical Center. He enjoys teaching juniors and seniors in the topics of Aviation Technology, which have been developed over 10 years and introduce many aspects of the aviation industry to his students. Thomas utilizes Redbird technology in the classroom and partners with many other industry organizations to continue supporting the success of the program.

Chris Moser

Sr. Director, Flight Training Education, AOPA Foundation

Chris Moser is the Sr. Director, Flight Training Education at the AOPA Foundation. As part of the You Can Fly team, he manages and supports AOPA’s programs, events, and initiatives related to growing and strengthening the pilot population. He redesigned the Rusty Pilots program, leads the Flight Training Experience Survey & Awards, and is the educational designer of AOPA's adaptive flight training program (AFTA). Chris holds a master’s degree in Aviation/Aerospace Education from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and has been a professional educator for over 25 years including being a high school teacher, flight instructor, musician, and freight pilot.

Ryan Bohlander

Account Executive, Education, ForeFlight

Ryan is an Account Executive focusing on ForeFlight’s Education programs providing support to universities, colleges, and flight schools around the world. Growing up with aviators in the family, Ryan dreamt of becoming a test pilot like his childhood idol Chuck Yeager from ‘The Right Stuff’. While the Bell X-1 wasn't in the cards, Ryan achieved his dream of becoming a CFI and has a deep passion for sharing his love of aviation with his students. In his free time, Ryan loves to provide flight instruction as a CFI over the warm desert south of Chandler, AZ.

John "JC" Carroll

Indiana Ambassador, Recreational Aviation Foundation

JC has been flying since 1987. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1990, where he was a soaring instructor for three years. He has flown A-10s and F-16s for 25 years in many countries and circumstances, and he has been flying the backcountry on and off for many years in Supercubs, Huskies, 180s, and 185s. JC currently owns a 185, which he deeply enjoys, and he has owned a Super Cub, 180, A-36, and a B-58. He has 3,000 hours flying GA, 4,000 in fighters, and 10,000 in airliners.

Ed Wischmeyer

Aviation Training Consultant for Loss of Control Avoidance

Ed Wischmeyer has 3,800 hours in 200 makes and models of aircraft, and has published hundreds of pilot reports, columns and magazine articles in addition to technical articles. His professional aviation safety research started on a low level windshear study team 50 years ago. Other studies included unstable approaches and runway incursions while at Boeing, FOQA at NASA/ASRS and at Honeywell, then a combination ILS/LPV system at Gulfstream. He also did systems design at Apple Computer. Licenses include ATP/AMELS, commercial ASELS/glider, CFI/I/ME/AGI/IGI and Remote Pilot. His Ph.D. is from MIT.

Robert Rockmaker

President & CEO, Flight School Association of North America

Robert Rockmaker, A.A.E. has been involved in the aviation industry for 52 years and has a deep understanding of the aviation industry on both the macro and micro levels. He started to fly at the Trexlertown Airport, a grass airfield formerly located across from the world headquarters of Air Products and Chemicals. He soloed at age 16 and earned his private pilot certificate at age 17. FAA certificates and ratings include Commercial Pilot, Single Engine Land and Sea, Multi Engine Land, Glider, Instrument Airplane. Robert earned an A.S. in Air Transportation and a B.S. in Air Commerce from Florida Tech in Melbourne, FL and continues to study business and aviation management. He spent over 10 years in airport management and was the Deputy Director for Business at the ABE Airport, now Lehigh Valley International. He was a Manager for several years in Fixed Base Operation management. Robert was Executive Director of the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania, a state aviation trade association from 1989-2013. As the Founder of the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) which formed in August 2009, Robert saw the need for an industry trade association which would be dedicated to the “Business of Flight Training”. He currently serves as President and CEO of FSANA which is dedicated to the flight training industry. He is an accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and past president of the Northeast Chapter of AAAE. He served as national chairman of the AAAE Foundation. Robert is a board member of the Florida Tech School of Aeronautics in Melbourne, FL and is a member of the Quiet Birdmen (QB) pilot organization. Robert is a past president of the Northampton County Tourism Council (now Discover Lehigh Valley. He has served on a variety of Boards over his lifetime. He believes that the practice of wellness in mind, body and spirit allows people to perform at their peak performance levels in both their personal and career pathways.

Greg Roark

Director of K-12 Education, Redbird Flight

Greg has developed aeronautics programming in private and public schools nationwide for over 13 years. As a classroom teacher, he introduced some of the methodologies used in modern aeronautics programs, including integrating flight simulation into the classroom. At Redbird, Greg creates training and professional development courses and consults school districts on starting and expanding aeronautics programs. He has degrees in K-12 Education and has been flying for more than 20 years. In his spare time, he is building a Velocity XL airplane.

Curt Castagna

President and CEO, National Air Transportation Association

Curt Castagna, C.M. was named the 11th President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) in August 2022. Prior to this post, he 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 in general aviation and more than 40 years of proven expertise in all aspects of airport development, aviation consulting, and management services. Castagna also serves in his concurrent role of President and CEO of the Aerolease and Aeroplex business entities, which include general aviation and business aircraft centers, located at the Long Beach, Van Nuys, and Dallas Love Airports. His firm also oversees the majority of the management of the City of Santa Monica’s aviation real estate, leasing and self-serve fueling operations. In addition to overseeing the complete development, construction, management, leasing, sales, and service and promotion of complex and diverse aviation projects, Castagna has a long history of taking leadership roles in airport tenant and aviation trade associations. In his roles as NATA President and CEO, immediate past Chairman of the Los Angeles County Aviation Commission, and certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives, he is recognized by his peers and colleagues for establishing collaborative partnerships when negotiating through 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, teaching various classes in the Aviation Administration Bachelor of Science program at California State University, Los Angeles and the Associate Degree program at Cypress Community College. A certified private and instrument-rated pilot, Castagna’s background and experience bring great value to every NATA member and client.

Dan Justman

Vice President, You Can Fly Programming, AOPA Foundation

Dan Justman is the Vice President, You Can Fly Programming at the AOPA Foundation. He is an instrument-rated, Private Pilot and his primary responsibilities include leading the You Can Fly Rusty Pilots and Flight Training Initiative teams. Dan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. Prior to joining AOPA and the AOPA Foundation, he previously served in various marketing, business administration, and business development roles with Bosch Packaging Technology, USA Water Ski, Warren Miller Entertainment, and the Bonnier Corporation.

David Moorefield

Director of Flight Operations, Gaetz Aerospace Institute

Director David Moorefield, a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, started his aviation career in 1984 as a C-141B and C-5A mechanic in the U.S. Air Force. In 1989, he embarked on his flying career with the U.S. Navy by attending Aviation Officer Candidate School. Upon graduating Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola Fla, he entered Naval flight training earning his wings of Gold on November 15th, 1991. Director Moorefield held various assignments as a Naval Aviator to include instructing in the SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopters and T-34C primary training aircraft. As a primary flight instructor in the T-34C Director Moorefield instructed all phases of flight to include VFR/IFR flight instruction, Aerobatics as well as Instrument Ground School, Meteorology, and Crew resource Management. He served with NATO in Belgium as a staff officer deploying to Afghanistan in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Following his staff tour with NATO he served as the Assistant Naval Attaché to Hong Kong, China SAR. Director Moorefield’s military career spanned 28 years until his retirement from the Navy in 2012. After retirement, Director Moorefield continued with his passion for aviation, working for various EMS helicopter companies and commercial airlines flying the Bell 206, Euro copter EC-135 and CRJ-700/900 as well as a position with Northrop Grumman as a project manager on the E-2D in St Augustine. Director Moorefield is a CFI, CFII for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft and holds an Air Transport Pilot License for airplanes and helicopters and amassed over 4800 flight hours. He has a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval War College in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Ed Bolen

President & CEO, National Business Aviation Association

Ed Bolen became the president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) in Washington, DC, on Sept. 7, 2004. Prior to joining NBAA, Bolen was president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) for eight years. Bolen joined GAMA in 1995 as senior vice president and general counsel. GAMA’s board of directors elected him president and CEO in November 1996. In 2001, Bolen was appointed by President Bush to serve as a member of the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. Established by Congress, the commission’s objectives were to study and make recommendations on ways to ensure American leadership in aerospace in the 21st century. Bolen was nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as a member of the Management Advisory Council (MAC) to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He chaired the council from 2000 to 2004. Bolen is a member of the board of directors of the National Aeronautic Association. He also serves on the Aviation Advisory Board of the Mitre Corporation, a federally funded research and development corporation. Prior to his association career, Bolen was majority general counsel to what is now the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. He also served as legislative director for U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum (R-KS) and was a key player in the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994. Bolen received his Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Kansas. He is a graduate of the Tulane University School of Law and holds a Master of Laws degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Bolen, a recreational pilot, is also a competitive tennis player and former captain of the University of Kansas varsity tennis team.

Lee Collins

CEO, National Flight Training Association & SVP of Industry & Government Affairs, Paragon Flight Training

Captain Lee Collins is a highly respected airline and aviation industry leader whose career has spanned more than 35 years and includes both domestic and international commercial airline service. Throughout his career, Captain Collins has held numerous leadership roles at the industry level, including President of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Association (CAPA) — the United States' only airline pilot trade association. During his tenure at CAPA, Captain Collins helped author significant legislative improvements in airline safety and training requirements for airline pilots, along with other industry changing efforts to enhance aviation system safety. He brings a substantial resume of leadership in both airline and aviation government and legislative affairs. He is widely recognized for his expertise in organizational design and development, strategic visioning, airline safety and flight operations, as well as expertise in federal regulatory and legislative policy.

Chris Schoensee

Vice President of Marketing, National Flight Training Association & President, Paragon Flight Training

Christopher Schoensee is the president and co-owner of Paragon Flight Training, located on Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida. Under Chris’ direction, Paragon Flight has become a national leader in ab initio Flight Training, with a stellar safety record and accreditation from the FAA and SEVIS. Paragon Flight trains not only commercial pilots and students in collegiate aviation programs, but also offers military pilot training services for domestic and foreign governments, with a specialization in Cessna fixed wing piston aircraft training. With a growth mindset, Chris is a keen observer of the opportunities in the flight training industry. Through his guidance, Paragon Flight in March 2021 entered into a 10-year agreement with Lee County Port Authority that will triple Paragon Flight’s aircraft fleet operations at Page Field while expanding their training and technology services. A native of Michigan, Chris began his career in the industrial automation business, starting as a repair technician before moving on to increasingly responsible positions as regional sales manager and ultimately the Vice President of Operations. Naturally mechanically inclined, he studied industrial technology and fluid power controls at Macomb County Community College and also studied marketing at the Wharton School. He received his Flight Training certification through Paragon Flight in 2009. Chris is active in the aviation community serving on several advisory boards such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Flight Training Advisory Board, Horizon Council Aerospace Advisory Board Chair and is an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

Jeremy Desruisseaux

Director of Flight Proficiency Programs, Experimental Aircraft Association

Jeremy Desruisseaux leads the development and execution of programming delivered at EAA’s Pilot Proficiency Center. He is a CFI, CFI-I, and MEI with over 5,000 hours of aircraft instruction given. Jeremy is a flight school operations and pilot training program expert and has worked at some of the premier companies in the flight training industry. He has held roles at Jeppesen as their Chief Flight Instructor / Flight Education Portfolio Manager, where he led the strategy and development of elevating Jeppesen’s pilot training product line by integrating new technologies and learning methodologies geared toward today’s modern learners. And with the Boeing Company as the Senior Manager of Airline Cadet Programs for Boeing’s Pilot Development Program, working with aviation authorities, airlines, and flight schools worldwide, to develop ab-initio flight training infrastructure and programs.

Dr. Colleen Walsh-Conklin

Assistant Professor and Executive Director of the Gaetz Aerospace Institute

Education Ed.D. - Doctor of Education in Education: Organizational Leadership and Brain-Based Leadership, Nova Southeastern University M.S. - Master of Science in Education: School Administration and Supervision, CUNY City College