NATA Presidents Council Member Spotlight Continued from page 19 MARK WILLEY CEO / Managing Partner (Napa Jet Center) Mark Willey has over 25 years of senior manage- ment experience directing aviation services and manufacturing initiatives. Mark began his aviation career in 1985, when he was recruited to join the original Atlantic Aviation (DuPont owned). During Mark’s last eight years with Atlantic Aviation, he was Vice President and General Manager located at the headquarter facilities in Wilmington, Delaware where he oversaw the company’s extensive FAA Part 145 repair station and FBO. In 2001, after the Wilmington location was sold to Falcon Jet, Mark was recruited, and accepted the position, as Chief Executive Officer of Bridgeford Flying Services. As the company evolved to include adding outstand- ing teammates, instituting best practices, such as a Safety Management System, Emergency Response Plan and Ritz Carlton-inspired customer service training, the company rebranded as the Napa Jet Center in 2012. Mark considers his role as that of a coach with a focus on developing managers and companies of all sizes in leadership, performance improvement, team dynamics, strategic planning and interpersonal relationships. He has led various-sized businesses to enhance their ability to develop a vision and strategic plan as well as to improve employee performance. Mark has served on various boards, affording him the opportunity to develop strategies and make decisions at the highest level. Current corporate and aviation-related associations include the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Presidents Council, as well as the Society of Aerospace Engineers. Previous affiliations include the NATA’s Board of Directors, the Service Center Round Table Executive Committee, and the National Business Aviation Association Business Management Committee. Mark spent seven years on the Board of Directors of the Napa Chamber of Commerce and Legislative Action Committee, is a past Honorary Board Member of the Napa Valley Hospice, and is a Rotarian member. He has served on other nonprofit and for-profit boards of directors and is a current member of an elite industry peer group. In 2016, Mark’s contributions were recognized with the NATA Distinguished Service Award for exceptional leadership in the aviation community. Mark and his wife, Jeanette’s, hobbies include hik- ing, golf, tennis, running 10k’s from time to time, travel, helping in their community and an occasional wine tast- ing. They have two adult children, Steven and Ariana. “As a founding member of the Presidents Council, I know how important it is for industry lead- ers to work with NATA to address detrimental policies and regulations and advance proactive initiatives for the betterment of the entire gen- eral aviation community. The connections I’ve made over the years have been invaluable to the success of these efforts. I encourage you to join this esteemed group and contribute to the continued success of our industry.” Aviation Business Journal | 1st Quarter 2018 21
