About Me
Who Am I?
As a St. Johns County native, it shocked me to see how, with tens of thousands of new residents and 2.79 million visitors, our airport was still struggling to reach its potential. As a dedicated member of the community, I have served as a leader and I'm committed to representing St. Johns County on the Airport Authority. I firmly believe that our airport should benefit a greater part of the community. At the heart of all my decisions, influenced by my experience in aviation management, are my conservative values.
My Background
As the great grandson of an original pilot for Northwest Airlines and the grandson of an Alaskan bush pilot and sailplane club president, I come from a lineage of aviation enthusiasts. My father, an aviator-at-heart, inspired my passion for flight. Hearing stories about how my grandma was flying sailplanes shortly before my father was born fueled my love for planes and helicopters as a young child, just like any boy. When it was time to select a high school, I chose St. Augustine High School for its Aviation & Aerospace Academy, where I could pursue my dream of becoming an airline pilot and explore opportunities in aviation management.
I spent 4 years in the classroom being educated on aeronautics, gaining hands-on experience with flight simulators, drones, and aeroplane construction. In my Junior year, I was accepted into the Gaetz Aerospace Career Academy by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which aligns with my passion for aviation management.
In the Gaetz Dual Enrollment program, I received a top-level education on aviation, including an Unmanned Safety Institute Drone Safety Certification. During my Senior year, I completed my ground school and passed the FAA exam.
I graduated from the program with a 4.0 GPA.
I also served as the President of the Aerospace Club, an extension of the Aviation & Aerospace Academy, which encouraged students seeking extra involvement. I brought in guest speakers from St. Augustine's own Northrop Grumman, including fighter jet pilot LT. Col Buck Burney and a Blackhawk helicopter pilot.
Under my leadership, I wrote an application and secured several thousand dollars from the Airport Authority to enhance the academy's flight simulators. I organized a 50-student field trip to the largest airshow and aerospace expo in the South, Sun N' Fun.
Throughout my Senior year, I sat on the St. Johns County School District's Academy of Aviation & Aerospace Advisory Board. I have experience in leadership roles and in finding innovative solutions to overcome obstacles. I was also proud to represent our program as a Career Technical Education Student Ambassador, which is why I value educational partnerships so much. My experiences, alongside mentors like LT. Col Buck Burney, have shaped my commitment to the aviation industry.
After graduating Magna Cum Laude, I began my flight training as a student pilot, primarily around St. Augustine Airport. I am a proud member of the St. Augustine Airport Pilots Association.
As I was completing my flight training for my private pilot license, I faced a significant hurdle in obtaining my medical sign-off. I learned the next day that the FAA deemed my case concerning a skull fracture at two weeks old as a moderate traumatic brain injury, despite having no adverse effects.
This situation unfolded just a week before starting my Freshman year at Jacksonville University, where I planned to further my flight training.
Rather than endure a potentially lengthy wait for a final decision, I made a transformative pivot to double major in Aviation Management and Business Administration. Additionally, I am part of the inaugural class of the Cost Honors College and have made the Dean's List every semester throughout my studies.
This career-altering experience has provided me with exposure to all facets of aviation, including piloting, air traffic control, engineering, manufacturing, and mechanics. As I continue on this journey, I am proudly running as the only aviation-experienced candidate; committed to serving the Airport Authority and advancing the field of Aviation Management.
My Aviation Experience in Bullet Points
1. Completing degrees in Aviation Management and Business Administration to prepare for a career in the aviation sector.
2. Being in the cockpit, behind the yoke, flying over St. Johns County, experiencing the thrill of aviation firsthand.
3. Connecting with aviation leaders and the Airport Authority to create valuable opportunities for our students.
4. Proud graduate of Gaetz Aerospace Career Academy and the Aviation & Aerospace Academy, ready to contribute to the field.
5. Actively involved in the Aviation Community through the Pilot Association, EAA chapters, student organizations, and discussing important legislation.
Other Involvements
Leading the Pharoahs Car Club of St. Johns, FL, has been the honor of a lifetime. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we leverage our shared passion for classic and modern sports cars to raise funds for our charity of choice, K9s For Warriors. This past year, under my leadership, we were thrilled to present a $20,000 ceremonial check to the organization.
In addition to my role with the Pharoahs, I also serve as Vice President of the St. Johns County Young Republicans and Vice President of Turning Point USA at Jacksonville University.
My interests extend beyond advocacy; I am also a saxophonist with the Saint Augustine Concert Band.