Published online Midwest Flyer Magazine – February/March 2021
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINN. – The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) has announced its new board of directors and officers following its annual meeting in late October 2020. New directors include Ryan Lynch, an ERJ 170/175 Captain for Republic Airways, who resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lynch assumed the unexpired term of a vacated board seat immediately after being named. Beginning January 1, 2021, the following members will serve two-year terms as directors: Travis Johnston, an inspector for Transport Canada, who resides in Vancouver, British Columbia; Andi Sue Phillips, a corporate pilot in Colorado; and Ari Sarmento, who flies and leads as the system chief pilot for Jet Linx based in Omaha, Nebraska. The NGPA board also elected new officers with terms also starting January 1: Steve Tustin, Chair; Scott Konzem, Vice Chair; Kris Krie, Secretary and Education Fund Officer; and Alan Miles, Treasurer. Brian Gambino was named President in February 2020.
Founded in 1990, NGPA is an international organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) aviation enthusiasts and professionals from around the world. Through education, outreach programs, and events, the organization encourages members of the LGBTQ community to begin aviation careers, fosters equal treatment of the LGBTQ aviation community through advocacy and outreach, promotes aviation safety, and provides an affirming social and professional network for the LGBTQ aviation community (www.ngpa.org).