A passion for aviation and the education process has earned Kate a diverse repertoire of skills and experience that she brings to her role as a leader with the AFA. After beginning her career as a teacher in California, Kate transitioned to roles in private education as well as work in the tech sector.

Her aviation background began with her first ride in a small aircraft in 2004 and has grown to include earning her CFI, CFII and MEI. She has earned her Master level Wings through the FAA Safety program and brings a background that includes tailwheel flying and a Commercial Glider rating.

After instructing for a large nationwide flight school, she brings her knowledge and professionalism to Aspen to serve the community and to encourage a passion for aviation in the next generation.

Luke Murphy - Flight Instructor

Luke Murphy is an AFA Flight Instructor. Luke move do the Roaring Fork Valley with his family when he was 4 years old. He attended Aspen Elementary School, Aspen Community School, and CRMS. He first soloed when he was 16, and earned his Private Pilot certificate at 17. He worked in retail sales at Bristlecone Mountain Sports for 12 years. Luke is a Certified Flight Instructor and began work at the Aspen School District in the 2018 school year.

Gary Kraft (CFI/CFII,ATP) began flight training with Aspen Aviation in 1994. Since then he has accumulated thousands of hours flying into and out of our beautiful and often challenging mountain valley airports. Gary has been a flight instructor since 2007.

Lorraine Ohanesian - Administrator

Lorraine Ohanesian is owner/operator of Core Executive Services and has over 20 years experience in providing all-inclusive business services. Well versed in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments, Lorraine's experience spans multiple industries such as real estate, legal, agricultural research, and investment programs. She possesses the ability to work in a variety of business environments and assess any situation to interpret what is necessary. Lorraine has a proactive work style and is accountable to her clients.

Mike Pearce -Chairman

Mike has been a pilot with American Airlines since 1986, he is currently Check Airman on the  Boeing 777.  Since his solo at sixteen Mike has logged 20,000 flight hours and is Type Rated in the MD-80, B-757, B-767 and B-777.  He is a Certified Flight Instructor - Airplane, Instrument and Multi-Engine.   Before moving to Aspen, he co-founded the Fisher Island Day School and was the school's former President in Miami, FL. He is also the Founding Partner and of TeachAde.com, the first social networking website designed specifically for educators.

 

Jeff Posey - President

Jeff Posey is the CEO/ President of Genesis Energy Ventures and is also President of the Board for 316 Aviation which leases airplanes to hospitals for non-profit medical care. Jeff has been a pilot for 23 years and has his multi-engine instrument rating . Jeff is Alumnus of University of Alabama and has lived in Aspen for over 11 years with his wife Elizabeth Slossberg.

Rob Holton

Rob Holton is a commercial rated Citation Jet Pilot having earned his pilots license at age 17. Rob, his wife Katie and two children Robert and Greta moved to Aspen full-time in 2014. Rob is a businessman involved with Venture Capital, Energy, and Real Estate. He is an owner of a multinational company. When Rob is not flying or spending time with his family, he is an active golfer, tennis, and squash player. Rob enjoys time outdoors and contributes his time to Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Trout Unlimited, and many clean water organizations committed to preserving and conserving fresh water. Rob’s passion for flying runs deep and is motivated to help fill the skies with young pilots.

Jim Bruno

Jim is the CEO of The Duck Company, a business he co-founded over 25 years ago in a CU-Boulder dorm room. The company creates & produces apparel and accessories, such as T-shirts, hats, and women’s shirts that are sold at resort specialty stores at destinations all over the world.

Jim enjoys most outdoor sports including sailing, road biking, hiking and skiing. He's also an instrument rated pilot and loves to travel.

Jon Kelly

Jon Kelly is the CEO of Kelly Klee Private Insurance, the digital insurance agency that helps financially successful Americans cover their custom homes, cars, collections and personal liability. Jon’s career in the insurance industry started in 1995 with Marsh & McLennan’s strategy consulting division. In 1998, Jon co-founded eCoverage, the first U.S. startup to underwrite insurance online. Jon also serves on the board of Aspen Rotary and the Aspen Chapter of YPO. Jon earned a BA in Economics and Political Science from Stanford University.

Andrew Doremus - Vice President

Andrew's flying spans over 40 years, starting in the Aspen Valley. He worked his way up from a private pilot here in Aspen by flying for Gliders of Aspen doing scenic flights, then as a flight instructor and charter pilot for Tailwinds Aviation here in ASE. Next, Andrew was the first Chief Pilot for Aspen Aviation. He moved on from there to Aspen Airways / United Express flying the Convar 580 and British Aerospace 146. After 8 years and a change in the airline industry, he found himself starting a charter company in Rifle, that turned into a FBO and charter company that he owned and operated for a number of years. The opportunity came to sell and make the next step. He went to work for Mountain Aviation as a charter pilot, flying a number of different corporate jets for them for 10 years. Andrew is thrilled to be able to offer assistance to this program.