Pentastar Aviation's Schmidt Steps In as New NATA Chair

Pentastar Aviation president and CEO Greg Schmidt has been elected chairman of the board of directors for the National Air Transportation Association. He succeeds Priester Aviation president and CEO Andy Priester. Schmidt, who joined Pentastar in 2008 and has led the company for the past four years, has served on the NATA board since 2013 and previously held the positions of treasurer and vice chairman.

Other NATA officers include Ross Aviation president and CEO Jeff Ross as vice chairman and McClellan Jet Services senior v-p Scott Owens as secretary. Hill Aircraft and Leasing Corporation CEO Guy Hill, who was re-elected to another term, is treasurer.

Also re-elected to another term is Curt Castagna of Aerolease Group. In addition, four new members were added to the board: Randall Berg, airport director for King County International Airport; Dennis Fox, senior v-p, flight operations for Executive Jet Management; Larry Jorash, senior v-p operations for Signature Flight Support; and Larry Wade, president and partner for Golden Isles Aviation.

"It is critical that the board of directors guides the association, ensuring continued economic growth and financial viability, while reinforcing that safety is the highest priority for all of its members,” said NATA president Martin Hiller. "NATA’s board of directors comprises the finest leaders representing all areas of general aviation.”