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Mark Pestal Founder/VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/chairman of the board

AeroAngel was founded in 2010 by Mark Pestal, a former assistant United States attorney and commercial pilot. Since then, Mark has volunteered as AeroAngel’s executive director. He combines a passion for aviation with a heart to serve those in need. His career has involved service on nonprofit boards, aviation safety, and community service. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and several single-pilot jet type ratings, including the Phenom 300. Although keenly focussed on expanding AeroAngel’s service to Children’s Hospitals across the country, Mark’s most cherished role has been co-piloting over 100 AeroAngel flights.

Wha Eckman Financial Director

Since AeroAngel's founding, Wha has provided financial services, bookkeeping, and administrative support on a volunteer basis. It is through the dedication of volunteers like Wha that AeroAngel can keep its overhead low and be a good steward of the funds entrusted to it.  

 
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Mary Lynn Fisk flight coordinator

Mary Lynn Fisk began her aviation career as a flight attendant, where she gained vast national and international travel knowledge. She decided to leave the commercial side of aviation after being offered a flight operations scheduler/dispatcher position with a Fortune 500 Company in Denver, CO. Mary Lynn has helped facilitate large private flight departments, manage detailed budgets, conduct crew scheduling, and execute national and international flight planning. Mary Lynn has also been involved in the client services sector as an executive assistant and culinary chef. Mary Lynn is a trusted and respected member of the private aviation industry, and has served on several executive committees in the Denver and Asheville areas in the non-profit arena.

 
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Brittany “Brit” Baillargeon special projects director

Brittany brings a heart for community service and breadth of experience from her years working abroad on various service projects in program development, marketing, and sales. Having experienced childhood health trauma of her own and going on to complete a degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Brittany brings extensive knowledge and relatability to the children flown by AeroAngel. Now back in the states, Brittany’s attention has turned to her passion for aviation as she begins training for a career as a professional pilot (and future AeroAngel crew member).

Linden Butrym
Content Contributor

Linden Butrym is a seasoned journalist and marketing copywriter with a degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. In her career, she has interviewed a host of fascinating subjects, including Martha Stewart, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and designer Jenny Packham. Recently, Linden spent four years crafting and refining copy for Hunter Douglas Window Fashions. An avid hiker, skier, and Peloton rider, she is also happiest when traveling to new destinations and spending time with her family. Linden resides in Denver with her husband Brent (a private pilot and aviation enthusiast), their two cats, and three chickens.

 

Christy Johnson
Development Associate

Christy is a dedicated professional with a background in customer relations and promotional marketing, known for her exceptional ability to build relationships and unite people. Her early battle with near-death health challenges gave her firsthand insight into the struggles surrounding pediatric illnesses. Joining the AeroAngel team, Christy is grateful to have the opportunity to support kids and families facing an array of difficult medical circumstances. Outside of her career, Christy is a sports enthusiast who also enjoys the outdoor adventures that Colorado has to offer. She dedicates her free time to volunteering and strives to leave a positive impact on everyone she meets. Christy's mission is clear: everyone who comes to you should leave happier. Kindness can be life-changing.

Board of Directors

mark pestal chairman of the board

See bio above

 

Chris Metscher Board Member

Chris Metscher is a certified Financial Planner™ professional with an established practice specializing in retirement planning, estate planning, and risk management for successful individuals and business owners. Chris began building his financial planning practice in 1999 after an eight-year aviation management career with AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines. Chris earned his undergraduate degree in finance from Texas A&M University. He and his wife have two adult children and currently live in Aurora, CO. He is an avid golfer and fisherman and holds a private pilot license.

 
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brent bythewood Board Member

Brent was introduced to AeroAngel as a recipient of a flight, graciously donated and coordinated by the staff/volunteers of AeroAngel, to fly his youngest daughter Emily to Boston for life-saving heart surgery. After his daughter’s recovery, Brent wanted to give back so that other families could have one less stress on their plate. Brent is a commercial lender in Nashville, TN with ten years of banking experience. Brent lives in Tennessee with his wife Dana and their three children.
Read more on Brent’s story in the Nashville Voyager: https://nashvillevoyager.com/interview/life-work-with-brent-bythewood-of-franklin-tn/

 

Shay Baillargeon
Board Member & Ambassador

Shay Baillargeon is a proud native, born and raised in the state of Colorado. She has dedicated herself to becoming a successful Realtor, but her passions extend far beyond the world of real estate. As a mom to her daughter Zoe, Shay understands the importance of giving back to her community, particularly when it comes to helping children. Shay's love for her family is a top priority, and she cherishes spending quality time with them whenever possible. With her genuine spirit and dedication to making a positive impact in the world, Shay Baillargeon is truly an asset to AeroAngel.

Bernie Heine Board Member -Treasurer

Bernie learned first hand about AeroAngel's mission on several flights for his daughter, Eliana, who traveled to Boston Children's Hospital.  Since those flights, he and his wife, Kaylee, have been passionate supporters of AeroAngel's flight donation program.  Bernie joins the board as Treasurer, and brings substantial accounting and financial expertise to that role.  Prior to joining Baxter International as the Assistant Controller, Bernie spent 15 years at PwC providing assurance services to many clients.  Bernieand his family reside in the Chicago area.

Advisory Board

Howie Hutchinson

Howie Hutchinson has over 15 years of nonprofit experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, Goodwill Industries of Denver, and HopeKids Colorado. He possesses a wealth of knowledge on program development, fundraising, and organizational leadership, which he applies to his role as Director of Philanthropy for the Dormie Network Foundation. His mission is to activate generosity by helping people understand the value they can bring to their communities. Howie lives in Denver with his wife, daughter, and son, who are always on the lookout for their next adventure.

Dr. Jonathan Sollender

Dr. Jonathan Sollender is a board-certified plastic surgeon and fellowship-trained hand surgeon with degrees from Dartmouth College, New York Medical College, and the University of Denver. Currently, he serves as Regional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Anthem/Elevance Health. Jonathan and his wife Kara, a registered nurse, have one daughter, a urologic surgery resident, and three sons — two in the U.S. military (one a C-17 pilot, one a naval officer) and one who teaches English in Korea. A wannabe pilot who enjoys flight simming, Jonathan also loves snowshoeing, skiing, and traveling.

Maddison Meeks

Maddison Meeks is an experienced fundraiser and strategist for nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, and government projects. She specializes in fundraising, overseeing grant proposals, and public relations strategies to bring awareness to charitable causes, especially those that protect and benefit children. Maddison is a proud University of Colorado Boulder graduate and Colorado native who enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time with her dogs, and rooting for her favorite sports teams. 

Yuri Wilcox

Yuri grew up with a passion for flying. He completed his Private Pilots License in 2018, and has since worked in a variety of fields in the aviation space, including FBO sales and business development, aircraft management, charter sales, and other consulting roles. Yuri resides in Phoenix, Arizona, and enjoys spending time hiking with his dog, cycling, flying, traveling, and giving back to the community. Yuri found AeroAngel to be a great opportunity to combine his skills and connections in aviation with his passion for helping others.

JON HUDSON

Jon grew up with a passion for aviation and helping others. Currently employed at Arthur J Gallagher, a leading insurance brokerage firm, he focuses on private jet charter and mission- critical helicopter operators. A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he is an avid golfer and inveterate Chicago Cubs fan. His commitment to philanthropy and genuine desire to help others align perfectly with AeroAngel’s mission and values.