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We would love to hear from you. For general membership or sponsorship opportunities please contact us at info@orbaa.org
President
Mike Smith
MJSmith@scopeair.com
Mike is President of Scope Aircraft Finance, providing financing solutions in the owner- flown piston, turboprop, and light jet spaces. Mike has been in the aircraft finance industry since 2011, with over 15 years experience in banking and aviation. Prior to Scope, Mike held positions as a flight coordinator at NetJets, a flight instructor at Commercial Aviation Corporation in Northeast Ohio, and held various retail responsibilities at two community banks. Mike graduated from Ohio University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation and a Business minor. He holds Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Flight Instructor ratings.
Vice President
Mike Christie
mchristie@globaljetcapital.com
Mike provides business aircraft leasing and financing for clients of Global Jet Capital in Ohio and the Western US. His current role as Vice President of Origination continues a 25+ year career of serving clients in the middle market companies, large corporations and high-net-worth individuals. In addition to his role at ORBAA, Mike serves on the finance committee for Cristo Rey Columbus High School and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio. Mike enjoys watching his kids progress in musical theater, band, cross country and track. You may also find him snowboarding, road cycling or taking hikes to nowhere.
Dispatcher
Jessica Neptune
jneptune@scopeair.com
Jess is a Portfolio Manager at Scope Aircraft Finance for over 9 years, where she built her expertise in specializing the closing process for aircraft loans. With a degree in Aviation Management from The Ohio State University, she brings an understanding of the aviation industry and her dream of completing her private pilot’s license one day. Outside of her professional achievements, Jess is passionate about an active lifestyle, engaging in activities such as yoga and hiking with her husband, daughter, and pup.
At-Large Board Members
Ryan Avery
averyr1@nationwide.com
Ryan is a corporate pilot with Nationwide Insurance. He has been a part of Ohio's aviation community for over 20 years. He has flown for freight, fractional, and corporate operators. He has also spent much of his career instructing; from primary students to ATP type ratings.
Trent Cook
cook.tr@pg.com
Trent is a corporate pilot / Standards Captain at Procter & Gamble’s Global Flight Operations (GFO) in Cincinnati, OH. He has been with P&G since 2011, flying domestic & international missions in Gulfstream IV, 550, 650, and Bombardier Challenger 350 aircraft. He also leads GFO’s university recruiting team and is a member of the pilot hiring committee, contributing as he can to the future of business aviation. His previous aviation experience is in regional airlines and flight instruction. Outside of work, Trent can be found spending time with his wife & kids, and enjoying nice weather when it's around.
Marie Crow
mcrow@clevelandjetcenter.com
Deena Sullivan
deena.sullivan@flexjet.com
Deena is an 18-year aviation industry veteran, currently serving as the President of Corporate Wings. Deena began her career in the Directional Aviation network where she spent a number of years with Flight Options, then Flexjet focused on the Fractional Market as Owner Services/Training Manager. She then shifted to whole Aircraft Management under at Solairus Aviation as Director of Client Services before rejoining the Directional Aviation network with Corporate Wings. Outside of the industry, she’s a devoted wife and mom to one son & three beloved pups. An aviation enthusiast at heart, she has a strong commitment to excellence and passion for development of people in the industry.
George Whitehead
whitehead.gs@pg.com
George has been in aviation since 1983 when he joined the Navy. He was trained as a Helo pilot flying SH-3H, SH-60F and HH-60H’s but also served as a Fixed Wing Primary Flight Instructor in the T-34C aircraft twice. George had tours in San Diego, Pensacola, Atsugi Japan and Key West were he retired after 20 years of service. After the Navy George flew for Comair Airlines for 3.5 yrs. as a First Officer and taught New Hire Orientation in the Training Department. George joined Procter & Gamble Global Flight Operations in 2007 and has acted as the Safety Officer, Assistant Chief Pilot and now as the Chief Pilots flying Gulfstream G-IVSP, G550, G650ER and the Bombardier Challenger 350. He has accumulated over 13,000 flight hours since he started flying in 1983. George has been married to Kathleen for 34 years and they have 4 children, 1st Lt. George Whitehead, USMC, BM2 Will Whitehead, USCG, Andrew Whitehead and Rachele Whitehead. He also has a Service Dog Geno.
