St. Louis Park, MN, December 04, 2020 – The NGPA is pleased to announce new Board Directors and Officers following the 2020 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors held in late October.
According to NGPA President, Brian Gambino, “This year has truly driven home the need for an organization’s ability to alter course based upon the current world situation. A strong Board of Directors is essential for that steering.” Gambino took the reins of NGPA as president this past February just as the pandemic was beginning to spread. Gambino continued, “I’m excited to welcome these new Directors and eager to work with them to continue the next 30 years of our NGPA story!"
The new directors include:
Ryan Lynch flies as an ERJ 170/175 Captain for Republic Airways and resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, Lynch is also the founder of the NAYR (National Aviation Youth Resources) Foundation and Director of Indianapolis/Indiana ACE Academy. Ryan assumes the unexpired term of a vacated board seat and begins his service immediately.
The following Directors will serve two-year terms beginning January 1, 2021:
Travis Johnston is an Inspector for Transport Canada and resides in Vancouver, British Columbia. A former flight attendant, Johnston initiated the effort to make Transport Canada a more inclusive organization and currently leads its diversity and inclusion activities.
Andi Sue Phillips flies as a corporate pilot based in Colorado. A former military helicopter pilot, Phillips has volunteered on the NGPA Women’s and Military Committees on various events and looks forward to continuing diversity and inclusion efforts, particularly for military and corporate aviation.
Ari Sarmento flies and leads as the System Chief Pilot for Jet Linx based in Omaha, Nebraska. An NGPA member for over fifteen years, Sarmento has wide-ranging experience in business aviation and strategic development. He has also ensured solid inclusion and diversity training among his coworkers that has, in-turn, strengthened recruitment and retention.
“We are grateful for these and all of our NGPA members who step up to volunteer,” stated NGPA Board Co-Chair, Greg Sumner. “We know that having fresh perspectives and diverse talent are critical to our long-term success, and these new directors are eager to strengthen NGPA’s mission to build, support, and unite the LGBTQ aviation community worldwide.”
NGPA’s Board also elected new officers to begin terms starting on January 1, 2020. The new officers include: Steve Tustin, Chair, Scott Konzem, Vice Chair, Kris Krie, Secretary and Education Fund Officer, and Alan Miles, Treasurer.
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Founded in 1990, NGPA is an international organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) aviation enthusiasts and professionals from around the world. Through education, outreach programs, and events the organization encourages members of the LGBTQ community to begin aviation careers, fosters equal treatment of LGBTQ aviators through advocacy and outreach, promotes aviation safety, and provides an affirming social and professional network for LGBTQ aviators. Learn more by visiting us at www.ngpa.org.
