How would you describe yourself? I would describe myself as passionate, driven and confident. My passion for my family, faith and the industry are very important. I am driven to make a difference. With my experience and the input from those I work with and throughout the community, I am confident that we can achieve our goals based on beginning with the end in mind. What drew you to aviation? My parents had a big influence on where I am today. Both of my parents were accomplished pilots and very involved in aviation. My father was an Army paratrooper and owned a 1947 Aeronca Chief before he had a car. He taught both my mother and me to fly and was the founder of the Flying Dentists. My mother was a well-known air racer and past president of the Ninety-Nines. She also founded the World Aerospace Congress and led the restoration project for Amelia Earhart's birthplace in Atchison, Kansas. As a family, we flew to 48 states in our Piper Comanche. It created a sound foundation for what has become an exciting life within the industry. What do you like about your job? I truly enjoy my job as we have great people and great product offerings. It makes a great company. What could be better? "The AEA is a great organization that strives to support the membership first. Having representatives and a management organization that understands the workforce and industr y environment while having an eye on the future - these are all elements that the AEA does ver y well." Continued on following page avionics news * august 2018 51