2023 Board of Directors
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2023 Advisory Board
Dave Goldfein
General David Goldfein served a 37-year career as a pilot in the United States Air Force(USAF), where he commanded at every level and finished his career as the 21st Chief of Staff of the Air Force.Dave currently serves as a Senior Advisor for Blackstone Investment Group, where he helps senior Blackstone leaders formulate and execute optimal courses of action based on an informed global risk assessment. Goldfein has been named a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institute and a Senior Fellow at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where he maintains a focus on their Air and Space portfolios.He received his commission from the US Air Force Academy in 1983, with a degree in Philosophy and later earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University. He is a graduate of the prestigious Air Force Weapons Instructor Course and the Department of State’s Senior Seminar program as a National Defense Fellow.
Ryan Tollini
As the Head of Aviation for Lincoln Financial, Ryan Tollini has over 8,000 hours of flight time accumulated in his professional life. His passion for safety and flying won him recognition from the National Business Aviation Association, which awarded him as Top 40 Under 40 in the aviation industry. Involved with several industry groups, Ryan serves on NBAA’s Safety Committee, FAA’s Safety Team and as an FAA designated pilot examiner. Ryan serves as a Pilot Mentor and Volunteer for STEM Flights, where he relishes the opportunity to guide young pilots and promote safety best practices.
Rick Knight
Rick found a love for flying early in life which resulted in soloing at 18 years of age. Soon after earning multiple ratings, Rick entered the military and flew the F100 and F4 for 15 years. Being an Air National Guard pilot allowed him to also fly with American Airlines where he retired after 35 years. Rick then became a Check Airman on several aircraft as well as an instructor and program developer for the Airlines Human Factors department. Had it not been for several mentors along the way, his career would not have been as fulfilling and so the values of mentorship is something he wishes to pass down. Rick says "Nothing makes me happier than inspiring young adults to throttle up."
Wayne David Hubbard
David’s early introduction to flying as a teenager led to an aviation career in the FAA, Marine Corps, and GA. His passion for education and community service led him to launch several youth career orientation programs to inspire interest in STEM. In 2013 he founded a nonprofit chess organization which fosters critical thinking skills and mentorship in schools. David believes that, much like airplanes, young people have an origin and unique destination. He enjoys supporting them to achieve their own goals.