DOUG ADOMATIS
Aviation Educator, Greenville Technical Charter High School
Doug Adomatis is on a mission to train the next generation of pilots, aerospace engineers, and aircraft technicians. He is a recipient of the AOPA Foundation Teacher Flight Training Scholarship, an amateur radio operator, and a SCUBA diver. He also serves as the faculty sponsor of the GTCHS after-school Aerospace Club and is responsible for planning the high school aviation competition, AviCom.
GEORGE ANDERSON
Aerospace Technology Teacher, Indian River Schools
George is responsible for a three-year Aerospace Technologies CTE program at Sebastian River High School. He has 33 years in education and is skilled in Geographic Information Systems, having taught and built a high school GIS program that functioned for 10 years. He managed and instructed within an Environmental Science Academy program and provided teacher training in the areas of high school reform and environmental science.
CRAIG ANTHONY
Director of Development, Tango Flight
Craig is a retired Navy captain who served 26 years as a Surface Warfare Officer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from The University of Texas at Austin, a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island, and a master’s in International Relations from Troy University in Alabama. He has extensive experience in program, budget, and resource planning. He also served on the Curriculum Advisory Board for the Navy’s JROTC program.
RAY BÉDARD
President, True Course Simulations
Ray Bédard, founder and President of True Course Simulations (TCS), is a pioneer in flight simulation and training solutions. Recognizing the limitations of traditional teaching methods, he embarked on a mission to revolutionize pilot training through immersive simulation experiences.
WILLIE BILLINGSLEA
Lecturer, Auburn University School of Aviation
Willie Billingslea is a Lecturer at Auburn University School of Aviation. He is a retired Navy captain with numerous command tours, including command of Training Air Wing Six in Pensacola, Florida. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he is also a Naval Flight Officer with over 2,500 hours in various aircraft, including the A-6, EA-6B, and F/A-18 B/D/F. Willie Billingslea is also a graduate of the Navy’s Test Pilot School and a Ph.D. candidate in Education at Auburn University.
BRUCE BLASHKA
Aviation Training Consultant, Gleim Aviation
Bruce has been involved in aviation for over 45 years as an Avionics Technician, Military Pilot (fixed-wing, helicopters, and RPV-drones), Military Flight Instructor, Instrument Instructor, Instructor-Instructor, and TraWing 5 Command VIP Pilot. He has been with Gleim Aviation since 2016. Passionate about helping STEM programs succeed, he is a co-founder of Hidden Treasures, an organization dedicated to cultivating and supporting new STEM-based programs that assist inner-city, minority, and disadvantaged teenagers in realizing their potential and finding opportunities for success through aviation.
JAMES BROUGH
National Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) Program Lead, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
James Brough has been with the FAA's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) Program since 2008. Before joining the FAA, Jim was an educator for 21 years. He provides national leadership in preparing students to enter the aerospace industry workforce. As a private pilot and aircraft owner, Jim brings a unique perspective to his role with the National STEM AVSED program.
NICHOLAS CHAMBERS
Aviation Teacher, Poudre School District Career Tech Center
Nicholas Chambers is an accomplished educator with 12 years of experience in mathematics and uncrewed aviation. Holding both a B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics, he is also a licensed Part 107 pilot. Nicholas, recognized as the Rocky Mountain Section AIAA K-12 Teacher of the Year, has collaborated with the Colorado State University Drone Center on grants to enhance drone education, training students and teachers across Colorado. He is passionate about integrating technology into education and empowering others through hands-on learning.
COLLEEN CONKLIN
Ed.D., Executive Director, Gaetz Aerospace Institute, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Dr. Colleen Conklin is an Assistant Professor of Aeronautical Science and Executive Director of the Gaetz Aerospace Institute at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She leads initiatives impacting over 25,000 students through dual enrollment and outreach programs in more than 200 secondary schools nationwide. Under her leadership, the institute developed a series of SMART@ER middle and high school courses in Space, Manufacturing, Aviation, Robotics, and Technology. As an FAA-certified Remote Pilot, Dr. Conklin is dedicated to advancing aerospace education and inspiring future aviation professionals.
ERIC CRUMP
Vice President / Chief Operating Officer, Aerospace Center for Excellence
Eric Crump is the VP and COO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland, Florida. Eric previously served as aerospace program director for the Polk State College aerospace program, which he helped start in 2012. His formal education and training led him into professional aviation. He previously worked as a corporate pilot, flight training program curriculum developer, technical publications content editor, and chief instructor for various training organizations. Today, Eric focuses on building and developing education and career pathways for young people in the aviation/aerospace industry.
JOHN DIMATTEI
President and Chief Executive Officer, Simbird Montauk Systems
John DiMattei is the president and chief executive officer of Simbird by Montauk Systems. He is the designer of the Simbird 1000C FAA-approved Basic Aircraft Training Device. He has over 40 years of avionics engineering experience. He is also an instrument-rated commercial pilot.
2ND LT. LIAM DINEEN
Admissions Advisor, Pilot Trainee, United States Air Force Academy
2nd Lt. Dineen is a graduate of the Air Force Academy class of 2024. He currently serves as an Admissions Advisor for the Georgia, northern Florida, & southern South Carolina. He will attend pilot training at Laughlin AFB, TX in August 2025. While attending the Academy, 2d Lt Dineen majored in aeronautical engineering and was a member of the Academy's Rugby and Model United Nations clubs. He looks forward to answering questions about aviation opportunities at the Air Force Academy!
MEGAN DUTTO
Academic Dean, California Aeronautical University
With 21 years of experience as a physics, engineering, and aviation high school teacher, Megan Dutto serves as California Aeronautical University’s Academic Dean. An avid supporter of the AOPA curriculum, she’s a passionate advocate for educators and committed to empowering teachers by providing the resources to support the classroom.
JOHN S. EBERHARDT III
Managing Director, ATA Aviation
John is the Managing Director of ATA Aviation, which builds the public digital backbone of Advanced Air Mobility. He has developed systems for federal agencies, commercial aviation, clinical decision support, and logistics analysis. John is also one of the founders of the Virginia Flight Information Exchange (VA-FIX) and ATA, an FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Service Supplier. John enjoys spending time at airports, often with sensors on the roof.
CHRIS ECKLER
District Director of STEAM and High School Aviation Instructor, Ada City Schools
Chris Eckler is a teacher in the Ada City School District at Ada High School, where he has taught mathematics and field-tested the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum. He takes pride in being a lifelong learner, taking on new tasks and experiences, such as earning his private pilot and Part 107 certifications alongside his students. Outside of school, Chris serves as the EAA Chapter 1005 Treasurer and Young Eagle Coordinator, sharing his aviation experience with students across the region.
KELLY FILGO
Director of Operations, Choose Aerospace
Kelly Filgo is the Director of Operations for Choose Aerospace, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a diverse and qualified aviation technician workforce. He has held faculty roles at Texas State Technical College and Texas A&M University's aviation programs. He holds a master's degree in Higher Education Administration and has served multiple terms on the Aviation Technician Education Council's Board of Directors. Kelly is married to a librarian, has four sons, and builds model airplanes for fun. He lives in Waco, TX.
RAYMOND GONZALEZ
ISTEAM Coordinator/Science Faculty, Fordham Preparatory School Director, Mid-Atlantic Pilot’s Association
Dr. Raymond D. González, a Bronx native, holds degrees from Fordham University, including a Doctor of Education from Manhattanville College. Since 2002, he has taught at Fordham Preparatory School, focusing on improving laboratory writing and explorations. As ISTEAM coordinator, he oversees programs in Aeronautical Science, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Sports Analytics. Raymond's aviation education work has been recognized by AOPA and the Bronx Times. He has 100 flight hours and is preparing for his PPL check ride.
AMELIA GREEN
Community Marketing and Merchandising Coordinator, ForeFlight
Since 2023, Amelia has been an integral part of the ForeFlight marketing team, ensuring pilots worldwide know about new features to make their flying more efficient, safe, and fun. Coming from a family of aviators, including airline pilots, Amelia’s love for flying started early. She earned her Private Pilot certificate at 17 after being awarded an AOPA You Can Fly High School Flight Training Scholarship. While attending the University of Georgia, she helped start an annual scholarship to help students become private pilots while serving as President of the UGA Aviation Club, where she still mentors UGA students interested in aviation. Amelia also holds a master's degree in Marketing from Vanderbilt University.
HOLLY GUTIERREZ
STEM Support Specialist, NASA Aeronautics
Holly Gutierrez lives in Texas and supports NASA Aeronautics in Washington, D.C. She is the first in her family to attend college, earning a bachelor's degree in education from Huston-Tillotson University and a master's degree in Science Curriculum and Instruction from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She spent 10 years as a classroom teacher, primarily working with early childhood and elementary school students. In her current role, Holly helps facilitate NASA Aeronautics student challenges, STEM content and resources, public engagement, and community outreach.
CADE HALLE
Sr. Manager, Flying Clubs Initiative, AOPA Foundation
Cade Halle leads the AOPA Foundation Flying Clubs Initiative. He holds a private pilot certificate and is a formation-qualified AOPA staff pilot. Before joining AOPA, Cade was a critical care flight paramedic for a Level 1 trauma center. He later served as a police officer in Charleston, SC, where he was a tactical paramedic on the SWAT team. Cade began with AOPA as a Medical Certification Specialist before transitioning to his current role.
MICHAEL HANGARTNER
Director, Professional Pilot Training, Rexair Professional Pilot Academy
Michael is a flight instructor and commercial airplane, helicopter, and drone pilot who has worked in the aviation industry for over a decade. In that time, one of his proudest accomplishments was helping to develop and write the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation Curriculum. As Director, Professional Pilot Training at Rexair Professional Pilot Academy in Sebring, FL, Michael supervises Rexair's fast-track, accelerated airline pilot program—a program which includes both the technical and soft skills necessary to set students up for career success.
JOHN HIGGS
Senior Dean, James M. Johnson School of Aviation Sciences, Community College of Beaver County
Dr. John Higgs is senior dean of the James M. Johnson School of Aviation Sciences, Community College of Beaver County. In this capacity, he works with a team of highly experienced and dedicated aviation professionals to encourage and support students’ aviation aspirations. Higgs is retired Air Force with flight and instructor time in the KC-135, FB-111, and T-43 aircraft. Including 10 years of teaching and leadership experience at the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, Higgs has 30 years of experience in post-secondary education.
BRIAN HUGHES
Head of Program, Central Florida Aerospace Academy, and Aspiring Aviators Aero Club
Brian Hughes is the Head of Program at the Central Florida Aerospace Academy in Winter Haven, FL, where its unique airport campus offers students countless aviation and aerospace education opportunities. He also serves as president of the Aspiring Aviators Aero Club, fostering a passion for flight in young aviators by providing hands-on experiences and leadership opportunities. With a focus on education and real-world experience, Brian is committed to empowering the next generation of pilots, engineers, and aviation leaders.
ABBEY HUTTER
Executive Director, JSfirm.com
As the executive director of JSfirm.com—an aviation job website, Abbey’s involvement with business development has helped produce continued, exponential growth year over year. Additionally, over the last 10 years, she has played an integral role in creating and maintaining industry-leading partnerships with organizations and associations like AOPA. Abbey is a University of Pittsburgh graduate and previous collegiate athlete who has her student pilot certificate with aspirations of earning her PPL in the very near future.
KYLE JARACZ
Education Director, Academy of Model Aeronautics
Kyle is a problem-solving creative with a passion for collaboration. A former Army Infantry team leader and graduate of Anderson University in visual communications, he serves as the Director of Education at the Academy of Model Aeronautics. A licensed Part 107 pilot, Kyle has conducted advanced air mobility test flights for DARPA projects and has presented at numerous professional conferences. He is also an experienced writer, published in aviation magazines and actively pursues model aviation and powered paragliding.
RYAN JEFF
Chief Part 141 Instructor, Gleim Aviation
Ryan Jeff graduated summa cum laude from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Aeronautics and Applied Meteorology. He has been with Gleim since 2019 and manages the company's Part 141 program and flight simulation development. As an industry expert in both realms, Ryan travels to conferences to present on regulatory requirements, updates, and the industry outlook. Gleim supports over 1,000 simulators nationwide, providing would-be pilots with affordable and accessible aeronautical experience. Our purpose is threefold: educating people, advancing careers, and elevating professions.
MATTHEW JOHNSTON
President, California Aeronautical University
Matthew Johnston has 30+ years of experience in education instruction and administration. As President of California Aeronautical University, he has established strong relationships with local, state, and national aviation entities representing all interests, including airports, manufacturing, various operators, associations, and advocacies. He currently serves on an Airport Advisory Commission overseeing two county airports and is a board member and Young Eagles pilot for a local EAA chapter.
PAULA KEDY
Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics
Paula Kedy serves as the Statewide Aerospace Education Manager for the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. She promotes aviation education across Oklahoma by highlighting the importance of the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum and the “Choose Aerospace” Aircraft Maintenance Curriculum. In addition to supporting the 117 Oklahoma schools currently implementing the AOPA Foundation curriculum, she assists other states in developing frameworks for aerospace education implementation.
CRYSTAL MAGUIRE
Executive Director, Aircraft Technician Education Council
Crystal Maguire oversees strategic initiatives for the Aircraft Technician Education Council, the trade association representing FAA-certificated aviation maintenance technician schools. She also serves as executive director of Choose Aerospace, an organization that promotes careers in aviation maintenance through high school aviation maintenance programs; as vice president of operations for the Aerospace Maintenance Council, which hosts the annual Aerospace Maintenance Competition; and as Of Counsel for a Denver-based firm. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Tulsa and a law degree from American University, Washington College of Law.
SUSAN MALLETT
Aerospace/STEM Education Outreach Coordinator, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) National Headquarters
Susan Mallett is a retired educator with 31 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and university instructor. As a principal, she led a nationally recognized aerospace-themed school. Since 2006, she has served as the Aerospace/STEM Educational Outreach Coordinator at the National Headquarters of the Civil Air Patrol in Montgomery, AL. She created CAP’s free K-12 STEM Kit program, which has impacted over 2 million youth with kits focused on cyber, space, and aviation, including flight simulators, navigation, RC aircraft, and sUAS kits—all supporting the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum.
PAUL MALOY
Director of Education, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
As the director of education at EAA, Paul Maloy oversees the growth and implementation of EAA’s youth aviation education programs including, the robust online resource hub AeroEducate.org, all youth-focused in-museum and regional outreach programming, and the six sessions of Air Academy summer camps. Paul’s team of dedicated and professional educators are continually building new and improved youth aviation education activities and educator resources. Paul has a master’s degree in secondary education and taught middle school history and debate in Utah for 16 years before joining EAA. He is a certified private pilot and currently owns a 1960 Comanche 250.
MIKE MCHUGH
Aviation Education Coordinator, North Dakota Aeronautics Commission
Mike McHugh is the Aviation Education Coordinator for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. Previously, Mike was a high school aviation teacher. He holds a master’s degree in Education-Instructional Design and Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management from the University of North Dakota. Mike is the vice-chairman of the ND State Board for CTE and the ND State Board for Public School Education. He also holds a Commercial Pilot’s license and a Remote Pilot Certificate.
DAVID MEADOR
Drone/STEM Learning Specialist, Pitsco Education
David Meador, an innovative education professional at Pitsco Education in Pittsburg, Kansas, specializes in drone curriculum and development. With a background in education and technology integration, David brings a wealth of experience creating engaging STEM programs incorporating drone technology for hands-on learning. His work at Pitsco Education focuses on developing comprehensive curriculum solutions that enhance students' understanding of drones and related technologies, fostering practical skills and knowledge that prepare students for future careers in STEM fields.
ERIC NULTON
Head of Lifecycle Engineering, The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University Board Member, Aerium
Eric serves as the head of lifecycle engineering at the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory. He manages a team of highly skilled engineers and technicians working to develop innovative solutions to national defense-related challenges on land, in the air, and on the sea. Eric also serves on the board of directors of Aerium, a 501c3 that supports aviation education and brings BVLOS-related drone technologies to market.
JOSH OLDS
President, CEO, and Co-Founder, Unmanned Safety Institute
Josh Olds serves as the President, CEO, and Co-Founder of USI®. With a diverse background in commercial and civil remotely piloted aircraft roles, he leads USI, a key partner to industry risk mitigation and management for remotely piloted operations under FAR Part 107, 91, 135, and associated waivers or exemptions. Josh holds a master’s degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As a commercial multi-engine instrument-rated pilot and certified airframe & power plant mechanic, he was recognized with the 1st place honor for industry contributions at the 2018 XCELLENCE Awards by AUVSI. He received the National Business Aviation Association’s 2020 Top 40 under 40 award
DEAN PAUL
Senior Manager of Curriculum Development, AOPA Foundation
Before joining AOPA as the Senior Manager of Curriculum Development, Dean spent 31 years in education, teaching business, computers, accounting, and aviation. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education, as well as an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership. As a superintendent, he created a high school aviation program for a two-county region. Dean is a Certificated Flight Instructor and has been teaching clients to fly for the past 33 years. He owns a 1963 Cessna 172D for flight instruction and rental.
JENNY PETERS, PH.D.
Aviation Teacher, Pryor High School
Dr. Jenny Peters teaches AP physics, aviation, and engineering at Pryor High School in Pryor, Oklahoma. She is a seasoned educator with nearly two decades of experience in education at various levels. Dr. Peters is a former aerospace engineer with expertise in building educational experiences that encourage the development of a life-long learner mindset in her students. Dr. Peters is passionate about preparing students for their futures and showing them how to apply their academic knowledge to real-world situations.
GLENN PONAS
Director, High School Outreach, AOPA Foundation
Glenn Ponas leads the AOPA Foundation's efforts to expand the adoption and implementation of the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum. He has 31 years of experience as a secondary teacher, aviation program founder, building and district-level administrator, and curriculum development specialist with the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Glenn is an FAA-certificated private pilot and remote pilot. He also worked as an educational data systems consultant at both state and federal levels.
DAVID PURSER
High School Science and Aviation Teacher, Karnes City High School
David Purser teaches a 4-year aviation curriculum at Karnes City Independent School District (KCISD). He was a field tester for the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum, established a flight school at the local airport, and led a student team constructing two Van's aircraft. KCISD's Aviation Department was honored as one of the most successful aviation programs in the State of Texas in 2017. David also served on the FAA’s Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force. David teaches STEM aviation camps annually and continues local pilot training.
GREG ROARK
Director of STEM Education, Redbird Flight Simulations
Greg Roark is the Director of STEM Education at Redbird Flight Simulations. He has a degree in K-12 Education and is an FAA advanced ground/instrument instructor, an instrument-rated pilot, and a motivational speaker.
ANDREW ROSS
Region VIII Representative and Council Secretary/Treasurer, National Intercollegiate Flying Association
Andrew resides in Elgin, IL. He competed for Southern Illinois University, Carbondale from 2005-2009 and coached at Ohio University from 2010-2011. He served as a judge since 2011 and as National SAFECON Chief Judge in 2019. Professionally, Andrew is a Boeing 787 First Officer for United Airlines. He holds an ATP and CSEL and is type-rated in the E-145, B757/767, and B787. Additional achievements and qualifications include a master’s in organizational leadership, International Coaching Federation (ICF) Leadership Coach, Board-Certified Coach (BCC), and Published Author.
CAPT. JONATHAN ROTHE
Reserve Manpower Advisor, Air Force Recruiting Services, United States Air Force
Captain Rothe is the Reserve Manpower Advisor to Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Services. He is responsible for all Reserve Military Personnel actions within headquarters. He also serves as an Advisor for Aim High Flight Academy. He has served as the Officer in Charge of Reserve Affairs for USSPACECOM and the Deputy Chief of Human Capital for the Secretary of the Air Force International Affairs. Captain Rothe enlisted in the Air Force in 2014 and was commissioned in March 2019.
DEREK ROWE
Aviation Program Instructor, Tullahoma High School
Aviation Program Instructor, Tullahoma High School
With decades of aviation experience, beginning as a British Army helicopter pilot, Derek has spent his life advocating for excellence in aviation training. Founding a non-profit to expand opportunities for high school students in aviation, Derek has a proven track record of success in program development and partnership building. He’s recognized as an Education Innovator in Tennessee and a national award-winner in the Harbor Freight Award for Teaching Excellence. He has been inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame.
KYLE SANDERS
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CrewConcept Drone Lab
Kyle Sanders is an FAA Commercial Pilot and retired Air Force major and instructor pilot with a Bachelor's in Space Systems Engineering and a master’s degree in education. He has served as coach of the Air Force Academy intercollegiate flying team, and the U.S. National Drone Soccer Team at the first FIDA Drone Soccer World Championship.
JAY SARASON
AOPA Foundation Curriculum Teacher, Sargent High School
Jay retired from the Colorado Division of Wildlife in 2011 and pursued his passion for aviation, obtaining a private pilot and instructor certificate. Jay took the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum to the local school board and, in 2019, was coaxed out of retirement to teach the class. Jay expands the curriculum and modifies the schedule to incorporate additional hands-on activities like aircraft construction techniques, field trips to local airports and prominent guest speakers. Weekends are usually available for students in the aviation club to come out and fly a 1946 Champ and visit the airport community.
BRAD SCHWANDT
Deputy Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Aviation
Brad Schwandt has been an A&P mechanic since 1979 after obtaining his certificate through a vo-tech high school in St. Louis Missouri. Brad’s aviation career of 45 years includes working in general aviation, corporate aviation, and 35 years at UPS Airlines, of which the last 11 were serving as the FAA 119 Director of Maintenance and Aircraft Maintenance Operations manager. Since retiring in 2019, Brad has served as the Deputy Commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Aviation.
CHRIS SHARP
Manager, Aviation Workforce and Education Division, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Chris Sharp oversees the FAA’s efforts to introduce students of all backgrounds to aerospace careers and provide them with pathways to ensure a diverse and robust aerospace workforce of the future through the FAA’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Aviation and Space Education (STEM AVSED) Program. Previously, Chris held positions at the FAA in the Deputy Administrator’s Office, the Office of Communications, and the Office of International Affairs.
MICHAEL SMITH
Resource Teacher, Colonel Zadok Magruder High School
Michael Smith has been teaching for 24 years in middle and high School in Montgomery County, Maryland. In addition to teaching the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum for the last seven years, he also teaches Project Lead The Way courses.
ELIZABETH TENNYSON
Chief Operating Officer, AOPA
A pilot since 1998, Tennyson has spent more than 25 years working on behalf of the general aviation community. As chief operating officer, she oversees membership, media, corporate and public relations, pilot information and medical services, You Can Fly, and the AOPA Foundation. Tennyson holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and bachelors’ degrees in Broadcast Journalism and International Relations from the University of Southern California. She is an instrument-rated private pilot and co-owner of a Beechcraft Bonanza.
CHRIS TONN
Co-Founder & Operations Director, Rocket Drones
Chris Tonn, Director of Operations at Rocket Drones, combines leadership and vision with a background in event promotions and telecom sales. He founded Pelican Drones, the first FAA-approved drone service in Florida’s Panhandle, inspired by drone imagery. A University of Memphis Marketing Sales alum, Chris also serves as VP of the Emerald Coast AUVSI, aiming to expand tech career pathways for students. Passionate about boating, he lives by Mark Twain’s words: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
BRANDON TURK
Co-founder and Community Engagement Director, Rocket Drones
Brandon Turk is the dynamic force behind Rocket Drones as the Community Engagement Director. A self-taught professional, he’s spent his career immersed in aviation, combining his passion for flying with a deep-seated commitment to transforming education. From flying airplanes and drones to working for Woz Education and the Department of Defense, Brandon has been instrumental in revolutionizing drone programs in schools, demonstrating the tangible impact of hands-on, cutting-edge learning.
GRANT VAN BAVEL
Director, Aviation Academy, Immokalee High School
Grant began his aviation career in air/sea rescue operations as a U. S. Coast Guard Corpsman in Alaska. He retired from the FAA after 32 years in all categories of Air Traffic Control facilities, staff, and management, including FAA Headquarters. Grant has been teaching high school aviation in Immokalee, FL, for six years. His certifications include Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, Remote Pilot, and Control Tower Operator. He and his wife, Bev, return to Alaska every summer in their Cessna 182.
CARLEY WALKER
Director of Development, STEM Flights
Carley Walker is passionate about helping young people discover STEM and aviation career pathways. As the director of development for STEM Flights, a national nonprofit providing flight experiences to middle and high schoolers, Carley connects educators and students with volunteer pilot mentors in communities throughout the United States. She believes getting students into the cockpit can be life-changing, and her goal is to have a pilot mentor at every airport in the country.
DAN WEYANT
Executive Director, Tango Flight
Aviation is so integral to Dan Weyant’s life that he lives in an airpark outside Greeneville, Tennessee, with his wife Karen. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from North Carolina State University, he began his career as a software consultant specializing in user interface design. He left the private sector and led engineering programs in public schools in central Texas. Weyant flies an RV-9A that he and his wife built and a 1946 J-3 Cub that belonged to his grandfather. He is co-founder and Executive Director of Tango Flight.
