CABAA Educational Foundation

CABAA’s vision for the future success of our industry is to develop and attract the best and brightest talent to careers in business aviation. We are dedicated to leading and innovating in this effort.

The CABAA Educational Foundation was formed as an IRS 501c3 entity, led by a volunteer Board of Directors, to raise, manage and appropriate funds to programs in support of this vision. The Foundation’s funding comes through event sponsorships as well as generous donations from member companies, individuals and other stakeholders.

FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President - Mark Jackson, Boeing Executive Flight Operations

Mark is the director for Boeing’s Executive Flight Operations, an operation that supports over 6,000 flight hours annually to over 200 airports worldwide. He received an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technologies from Southern Illinois University, a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle University, and a Masters in Business Administration through Southern Illinois University. He is a rated airplane mechanic, as well as, multi-engine fixed wing/rotor wing pilot. Mark began his career in 1988 as an Army Aviator flying multiple types of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. His civilian aviation career began by overhauling aircraft propellers, then transitioned to Great Lakes Helicopter as a pilot/mechanic supporting Part 135 flight/maintenance operations and helicopter rebuilds. He was deployed in 1996 for Operation Joint Endeavor (Bosnia) and upon his return, he joined Sears, Roebuck, and Company as a corporate pilot. Since 2011 with Boeing, Mark pilots' BBJs and Bombardier Challengers. In addition to his Board of Directors duties, he also serves as a liaison with the Education Foundation and works closely with the Scholarship Committee.

Treasurer - Carl Robst, JMT LLC

Carl has three decades of accomplishments in management, flight operations, maintenance, safety and instruction. Excel at building and leading high performance teams, analyzing business needs and implementing strategic initiatives to meet company goals. Commended leader in developing and implementing successful strategies for increased and safe productivity. Recognized for managing complex projects and meeting deadlines with a unique ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they develop. Served as Chairman of CABAA and the Board of Directors for Lifeline Pilots. Background in: Strategic Planning; Employee Development; Research ; Safety ; Project Management ; Operations Management Leadership Specialties: Auditing, IS-BAO, ARGUS, government liaison, customer interactions, employee development.

Secretary - Julie Marrella, Revv Aviation

Ms. Marrella brings to the company nearly 30 years of business aviation experience. She has worked for various well-known aviation companies including Executive Jet Management, Jet Aviation, Elliott Aviation, Sentient Flight Group and TAG Aviation, USA. She has experience in, and held various positions, ranging from the FBO front desk while completing her Finance degree at DePaul University, to Vice President of Charter Sales at EJM. Her successful aviation background adds a new dimension for clients at revv aviation – adding to the company's existing ability to safely, confidentially, and efficiently navigate business aviation solutions from aircraft purchase to maintenance/avionics up to flight school, charter and aircraft management.  She comments “We understand that what works well for one person or entity, may not be appropriate for another.  Revv aviation has the ability to analyze and address all facets of your aviation needs with the highest standard of attentiveness, excellence, and

safety.”   

 

Julie's most recent accomplishment brings a unique dimension to the company. She has completed the CCTE (Certifciation in Corporate Travel Execution) with Cornell University and sponsored by the Global Business Travel Association.   Courses were taught by Cornell University professors who teach and research in business, travel, risk, and hospitality.  Curriculum focused on critical business travel topics including accounting, finance, human resources, sales strategy, risk and legal issues, and travel procurement.

 

Ms. Marrella is also a member of the Chicago Business Travel Association, serving on the Education Committee and is a past Board Member of the Professional Women's Club of Chicago.  She is a former Committee Member of the NBAA Scheduler and Dispatcher Committee and was Chair of the Scholarship sub-committee.

Compliance - Laura Heft, Marsh

Laura Heft is a client advisor based in Marsh’s Chicago office serving aviation clients nationwide. Laura helps her clients make informed decisions by providing timely strategic planning, market, contract, and risk analysis, and coverage, claims, and regulatory/compliance guidance, nationally and internationally. She efficiently manages, coordinates, and services risk programs for aviation clients with diverse, complex needs, and she is committed to advocating to maximize her clients’ experience, to leveraging Marsh resources for her clients, and to exceeding her clients’ expectations.

Prior to joining Marsh in May, 2019, Laura zealously defended clients as a civil defense litigator in private practice, specializing in aviation and insurance cases. She has successfully and efficiently resolved disputes and guided her clients’ business decisions to prevent future conflicts. As a pilot and an aviation attorney, Laura has devoted her career to her passion for aviation. She has developed creative solutions for her aviation clients that reduce costs, enhance value, and increase client control.

Education includes LLM in Air and Space Law, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS.

JD, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Bloomington, IN.

BA in International Relations and French, Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, IA.

Affiliations include Experimental Aviation Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Aviation Insurance Association and Chicago Area Business Aviation Association

Board Member - George J. Yundt III, CAVU, LLC

40+ years in the Business and Corporate Aircraft Industry as a Pilot, Chief Pilot and as an Aircraft Salesman. Recipient of FAA Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award, evidencing 50+ consecutive years of accident, incident and violation-free flying.

Board Member - Brian Zankowski, Abbott Laboratories

Brian is a pilot on the Gulfstream 450/550 and King Air 350 for Abbott Laboratories where he has worked since 2016. He received his Bachelors in Aviation Management/ Economics in 2010 and a Masters in Finance in 2015 from Lewis University. In 2013 he was awarded the CABAA/FlightSafety King Air Flight Training Award and upgraded to captain at Blatti Aviation, a family charter company where he flew for hire from 2010 to 2016. In 2014 he became a member of the CABAA Scholarship Committee and served as chair from 2016 to 2018. He advocates for business aviation as a rewarding and fulfilling career path and really enjoys mentoring others in their careers.

Board Member - Alex Kwiatkowski

Profile Coming Soon.

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