Carter Blair is the President and Co-Executive Director for Purdue Aviation Day 2026, previously serving PAD 2025 as the Associate Director of Business. He is a junior from Palo Alto, California, majoring in Aviation Management with a minor in Economics. He has earned his PPL and is currently a Summer Camp and Flight Simulator Instructor at a local aviation museum, as well as a Line Service Technician for Purdue Flight Operations. After graduation, Carter plans to move to a large city and work for a major airline in network planning. Some of his hobbies include running and spending time with friends and family. Carter looks forward to PAD because he wants to create an event he is proud of and hopes to inspire young people to consider a future in aviation.

Jovan Nelson Jimenez is the Executive Director and Head of Operations for Purdue Aviation Day 2026, previously serving PAD 2025 as the Associate Director of Operations. He is a junior from Brownsburg, Indiana, majoring in Professional Flight with a minor in Organizational Leadership. He is currently completing his multi-engine rating and has interned as a Flight Operations intern with Parker Hannifin’s corporate flight department. After graduation, Jovan plans to become a Certified Flight Instructor and share his passion for aviation with the next generation of pilots. Outside of PAD, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and doing/watching anything sports related. Jovan looks forward to PAD because he is excited to celebrate the dedication and enjoy all the hard work of the 21 undergraduate students who make this event possible.

Mitchell Ferrario is the Vice President of Airport Operations for Purdue Aviation Day 2026, previously serving PAD 2025 as the Director of Vendors and Facilities. From Columbia, South Carolina, Mitchell graduated with his Bachelor’s in Professional Flight and graduates this spring with his Master’s in Aviation and Aerospace Management. He instructs at Purdue as a CFI-I and plans to fly fighter jets in the United States Air National Guard after graduation. Outside of PAD, he enjoys playing hockey, watching Purdue sports, and going to the gym. Mitchell is looking forward to honoring those who have served our country and community in a variety of ways by making PAD 2026 the most complete and detailed event that Purdue has had. He can't wait to see the excitement from our guests from a years' hard work!

Brayleigh Patterson is the Vice President of Communications and Activities for Purdue Aviation Day 2026, previously serving PAD 2025 as the Director of Youth Activities. She is a senior from Batesville, Indiana, studying Professional Flight and Aviation Management. She has completed her multi-engine add-on to her Commercial Pilot License and is currently a Student Flight Dispatcher at Hangar 6. After graduation, Brayleigh is exploring new and exciting career opportunities. Outside of PAD, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and is typically with her nieces and nephews! Brayleigh looks forward to PAD because this is her final year as a Purdue student, and she is excited to experience the event from a new leadership perspective!

Emily Hede is the Vice President of Marketing & Guest Experience for Purdue Aviation Day 2026, previously serving PAD 2025 as the Marketing Director. She is a junior from Easthampton, Massachusetts, studying Professional Flight Technology and Aviation Management, with a minor in Real Estate. She is currently a Purdue Flight Instructor, a Student Research Assistant, and the President of the Aviation Technology Student Council. After graduation, Emily plans to pursue a graduate degree in Aviation Management while continuing to flight instruct before transitioning to a regional airline. Outside of PAD, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Emily looks forward to PAD because it brings the School of Aviation community and their loved ones together!

Madeline Eckberg is the Vice President of Landside Operations for Purdue Aviation Day 2026, previously serving PAD 2025 as the Parking and Transportation Director. She is a senior from Green Bay, Wisconsin, studying Aviation Management and Airport Management & Operations, with a minor in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences. She has completed her PPL and has interned with United Airlines in Airport Operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport as well as Network Operations at the Network Operations Center in Arlington Heights, Illinois. After graduating in the spring, Madeline plans to attend the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City to begin training as an Air Traffic Controller. Outside of PAD, she enjoys reading, cooking, and playing board games. Madeline looks forward to PAD because she is excited to collaborate with a new team, bring engaging aircraft and speakers to Purdue, and create a memorable experience that guests will truly enjoy.

Harrison Kane is the Vice President of People for Purdue Aviation Day 2026, previously serving PAD 2025 as the Director of Volunteer Coordination. He is a senior from New Albany, Indiana studying Professional Flight and has completed his CSEL/CMEL and CFI-I. He is currently an Aviation Recruiting Assistant, SATT Safety Assistant, and a SATT Flight Instructor. Outside of Purdue, he works for the Summer School of Aviation at Culver Academies. He is returning to Culver as the Summer School of Aviation's Director for Summer 2026 and plans to continue instructing to 1,000 hours. He is currently a Cadet Instructor with Envoy Air and looks forward to flying with them after reaching R-ATP minimums. Outside of PAD, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and cooking/baking. Harrison is looking forward to PAD for the great weather and finding new ways to support, encourage, and reward our volunteers for all of their hard work! The event would not be possible without all 250+ volunteers!

Addison Sohosky is the Director of Marketing for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. She is a sophomore from Frisco, Texas, studying Aviation Management with a minor in Political Science. After graduation, Addison plans to pursue a career in the defense industry focusing on operations management, before later attending graduate school. Outside of PAD, she enjoys wake surfing, working with boats, golfing, skiing, lifting, and spending time with friends. Addison looks forward to PAD because it provides practical experience in her field of study and the opportunity to help put on an incredible event.

Parker Norah is the Activities Director for Purdue Aviation Day 2026, previously serving as the Activities Director for PAD 2025. He is a senior from Snoqualmie, Washington, studying Professional Flight. He has earned his CFI certificate and is currently a Flight Instructor at Purdue University, and previously interned with Alaska Airlines in Flight Operations. After graduation, Parker plans to continue instructing before transitioning to an airline career. Outside of PAD, he enjoys golfing and collecting records. Parker looks forward to PAD because he wants to help create a high-quality event that offers something engaging for guests of all ages.

Kevin Kane is a junior from Minneapolis, Minnesota and will serve as the Finance Director for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. He is studying Aviation Management, Aerospace Financial Analysis, Airport Operations & Airport Management with a minor in Accounting. He has completed his PPL and has done two internships at both La Porte Airport in 2025 and Grand Marais Airport in 2024, and he plans to further advance his aviation career after graduation. Outside of PAD, he enjoys film photography (through Photography Club), sailing, camping, canoeing, hiking, and all things outdoors! Kevin says, “As the finance director, I get to be a small part of almost every aspect of PAD. It's super exciting to see all of the new ways each member of this year's board is improving things, and it makes me even more excited for PAD 2026!”

Chase Gamble is the GA Ramp & Fly-In Director for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. He is from Seattle, Washington, studying Professional Flight Technology with a minor in Computer Science. He became an instrument-rated private pilot in May of this year. After graduation, Chase plans to flight instruct, with the long-term goal of flying for a major airline. Outside of PAD, he enjoys playing soccer, coding, and spending time with friends. Chase looks forward to PAD because he is excited to collaborate with other passionate peers to give back to the community and share their love of aviation.

Landen DeForest is the Guest Experience Director for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. He is a senior from Temecula, California, studying Professional Flight Technology. He has completed his CMEL rating and plans to work as a flight instructor in California after graduation. Outside of PAD, Landen enjoys working out, practicing kendo, trying new restaurants, and attending concerts. Landen looks forward to PAD because he enjoys interacting with guests and getting the opportunity to see all of the military aircraft on display.

Nate Williams is the Community Affairs Director for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. He is a sophomore from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, majoring in Aviation Management with a minor in Accounting. After graduation, Nate hopes to work for a major U.S. airline in network planning, flight scheduling, or revenue management. Outside of PAD, he enjoys listening to music across many genres, photography, spending time outdoors, and being with family and friends. Nate looks forward to PAD because he is excited to help create a great event for the local community and beyond as part of the executive board!

Kyra DeStefano is Director of Volunteer Coordination for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. She is a junior from Ashburn, Virginia, majoring in Professional Flight Technology and Aviation Management, with a minor in Accounting. She has completed her CMEL rating and is currently working as a Simulator Technician. After graduation, Kyra plans to flight instruct and some of her hobbies include listening to music, reading, and running. Kyra looks forward to PAD because she is excited to help celebrate American heroes through this year’s event.

Paul Barnum is the Parking and Transportation Director for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. He is a senior from Franklin, Vermont, studying Aeronautical Engineering Technology. He has three years of experience working with United Airlines. After graduation, Paul plans to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering while continuing to fly and work toward ratings. Outside of PAD, he enjoys working with Aviation Ambassadors, Purdue Society of American Foresters, participating in intramural sports, skiing, and watching Purdue athletics. Paul looks forward to PAD because he is excited about the military theme and the opportunity to share unique aircraft with the community.

Ryan Johnson is the Administrative and Procurement Director for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. He is a sophomore from New Braunfels, Texas, studying Professional Flight and Aviation Management, with a minor in Finance. He has completed his Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and currently works as a ranch hand in Texas. After graduation, Ryan plans to pursue opportunities with the Air National Guard and other airlines. Outside of PAD, he enjoys backpacking, playing tennis, and spending time with friends. Ryan says he looks forward to PAD because, “We get to see all of our work from the past year come together to inspire and educate the next generation of aviators while honoring those in our armed forces.”

Ethan Polly is the Director of Special Events for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. He is a sophomore from Arlington, Virginia, majoring in Professional Flight and Aviation Management, with a minor in Real Estate. He has completed his Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and is currently working toward his CFI and multi-engine ratings. After graduation, Ethan plans to pursue a career as an airline pilot and is currently serving as an Aviation Ambassador. Outside of PAD, he enjoys working out, flying, watching sports, spending time with friends, and eating. Ethan looks forward to PAD because of the diverse aircraft lineup, opportunities to meet industry professionals, and the chance to introduce aviation to the local community.

Madi Beall is the Director of Sponsorship for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. She is a junior from Peachtree City, Georgia, double majoring in Professional Flight and Aeronautical Engineering Technology (AET). She has completed her multi-engine rating and will intern with Duke Energy’s Corporate Flight Department this summer. After graduation, Madi plans to pursue a career as a pilot. Outside of PAD, she enjoys crafting, volunteering at an animal shelter, flying, and binge-watching shows. Madi looks forward to sunny weather in PAD 2026 with a strong aircraft and company turnout, and the chance to inspire others to get involved in aviation.

Miles VanDam is the Director of Vendors and Facilities for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. He is a sophomore from Byron Center, Michigan, studying Professional Flight and Aviation Management. He is currently preparing for his Commercial Pilot checkride and works as a Social Media Manager for Gelock Heavy Movers. After graduation, Miles plans to fly for a local skydiving operation in Grand Haven, Michigan, before eventually pursuing a career with an airline. Outside of PAD, he enjoys skiing, backpacking, and spending time outdoors. Miles looks forward to PAD because he is excited to see the military aircraft attending this year and to honor our veterans!

Alex Rossi is the Youth Activities Director for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. She is a junior from Ramsey, New Jersey, studying Professional Flight and Aviation Management. She has completed her CPL and hopes to gain further exposure to the aviation industry and build flight experience through instructing once graduated. Outside of PAD, she enjoys reading, skiing, and watching baseball with her family. Alexandra looks forward to PAD because she is excited to see the team’s hard work come together and to experience this year’s theme.

JJ Schmidt is the Director of Safety and Compliance for Purdue Aviation Day 2026. He is a junior from Brownsburg, Indiana, majoring in both Professional Flight and Aviation Management, and has earned his CFI certificate. After graduation, JJ plans to continue flight instructing before transitioning to an airliner. Outside of PAD, he enjoys snowboarding, motorcycles, and sports. JJ looks forward to PAD because of the military-honoring theme.