Leadership.

Dynamic Aviation’s leadership remains committed to the corporate values that have been responsible for our success – Unity, Enthusiasm, Proactive Urgency, Constant Innovation, and Safety. These values are vital to forming productive, long-term customer relationships and attracting and retaining talented employees.

Michael Stoltzfus

President and CEO

Michael Stoltzfus is President & CEO and Owner of Dynamic Aviation. Since 1985, he has founded, co-founded, operated, and co-created multiple businesses and lines of business primarily in the Aerospace and Defense industry.

He joined Dynamic Aviation in 1990. He held various roles in Flight Operations and Business Development prior to becoming President and COO in 2002. He became President and CEO in 2006.

He holds an Airline Transport Pilot rating, has DC-3, DC-3S, BE-1900D and Flight Engineer Reciprocating type ratings and has flown over 6000 hours in over 10 countries.

He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization and Tiger 21. He has served on multiple advisory councils and non-profit boards. He currently serves as Chairman of the First Air Force One Foundation and on the James Madison University Board of Visitors.  

Michael attended Eastern Mennonite University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School (HBS). He has completed multiple Executive Education programs at HBS including the Owner/President Manager program.

Shannon Wagner

Chief Operating Officer

Shannon Wagner is the Chief Operating Officer for Dynamic Aviation.

In this role Mr. Wagner provides oversight and leadership to the daily operations of the company.

Prior to joining Dynamic Aviation in 2013, Mr. Wagner most recently served as vice president of component solutions at Aveos Fleet Performance in Montreal, Canada.

A former Marine with over 34 years in the aviation industry, Mr. Wagner’s experience includes numerous management and leadership positions at both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Mr. Wagner earned his master’s degree in business administration from Strayer University and his bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is an alumnus of the General Management Program at Harvard Business school. He is a certified six sigma black belt and a licensed FAA mechanic.

J. Merle Zook

Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer, Merle Zook is directly responsible for developing and overseeing annual financial plans, implementing cost improvement measures, and managing the performance and growth of Dynamic Aviation’s financial resources and assets.

He has been a member of the Dynamic Aviation team since 1999, serving as Controller, Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer. Over the years, Mr. Zook has been instrumental in the organization’s growth and expansion into new markets.

Prior to joining Dynamic Aviation, he was Manager of Auditing and Accounting for Phibbs, Burkholder, Geisert & Huffman, LLP. There, Mr. Zook planned and supervised the audits of various entities including automobile dealerships and manufacturing and processing companies.

Earlier in his career, he was also employed at Kobelco Compressors (America), Inc. as Controller, where he was responsible for accounting department oversight including preparation of monthly financial statements, operating budgets, cash flow projections, external auditor coordination, and evaluation of employee benefit plans.

Mr. Zook is a Certified Public Accountant in the states of Virginia and Indiana. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Mr. Zook received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Aaron Lorson

Executive Vice President

Aaron Lorson is Executive Vice President at Dynamic Aviation. As part of the senior team, his leadership includes fleet management and various other high-level projects. He has also provided past leadership to worldwide flight operations, human resources, safety, and security.

Mr. Lorson began his career with Dynamic Aviation in 1999 as a pilot supporting contracts in the Los Angeles Basin, Panama, and Mexico.

An accomplished pilot, Mr. Lorson holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate including type ratings in the CE-500, DHC-8, and DC-3 aircraft. He also holds a flight instructor certificate for AMEL, ASEL, instrument, ground, and NVG, as well as an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificate.

Mr. Lorson earned his bachelor’s degree in Aviation Technology and Flight from LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

David Jenny

Vice President of Business Development

David A. Jenny is the VP of Business Development at Dynamic Aviation, joining in 2022. Previously, he held leadership positions at L-3 Communications, overseeing strategic campaigns and acquisitions. With experience managing multimillion-dollar programs for clients such as the U.S. Navy and international entities, David played a key role in successful initiatives like CDL Hawklink and P-8A.

Starting at Unisys after completing his undergraduate studies, David progressed through various roles, gaining expertise in engineering, business development, program management, and general management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Valparaiso University and an MBA from the University of Utah. He also completed the L-3 Communications Executive Leadership Development Program at Wharton.

David’s extensive background in business development, strategy, and program management contributes to Dynamic Aviation’s growth and success. He is committed to forging strategic partnerships and delivering exceptional results in the aviation industry. As the VP of International and Business Development, David brings valuable knowledge and expertise to the company.

Robert Waln

Vice President, Program Management

Robert is the VP of Program Management at Dynamic Aviation, with 20+ years of experience in leadership roles within Federal and Department of Defense programs. His expertise lies in navigating complex projects and delivering outstanding results.

As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Robert streamlines processes and drives efficiency. His certifications as a PMP and PMI-RMP demonstrate his commitment to maintaining high project management standards. Additionally, he is certified in ITIL v.3 SOA, enabling effective alignment of IT services with business objectives.

Education has been pivotal in Robert’s professional development. With an MBA in Technology Management, he possesses a strong foundation in business strategy and technology integration. His bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering Technology equips him to address complex technical challenges.

Throughout his career, Robert has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, adaptability, and a proven track record of successful project outcomes. His passion for overcoming obstacles and delivering innovative solutions that surpass expectations shines through in his work. Since joining Dynamic Aviation in August 2020, he has made significant contributions as the VP of Program Management, driving the organization’s success through his expertise and dedication to excellence.

Eric Terry

Senior Vice President of Human Resources

Eric Terry is the SVP of Human Resources at Dynamic Aviation, joining in 2023. Previously, he held leadership positions at Abbott Laboratories, Goodyear Tire and Rubber, and Lancaster Colony Corporation, overseeing strategic human resources functionality including Talent Acquisition and HRIS.

Starting at Ernst and Young after completing his undergraduate studies, Eric progressed through various roles, gaining expertise in recruiting, employee relations, compensation, and HR Systems. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Franklin University and a Master’s degree in Human Resources from Central Michigan University. He has also completed multiple Human Resources certifications.

Eric’s extensive background in human resources, strategy, communications and human resources system management contributes to Dynamic Aviation’s internal growth and external successes. He is committed to delivering best in class people results within this historic aviation organization.

Scott Cessna

Vice President of Technical Operations

As Vice President of Technical Operations, Mr. Cessna provides leadership to Aircraft Maintenance, Modification, Repair, and Overhaul as well as Quality, Engineering, and Logistics at Dynamic Aviation. He is also responsible for the complete operation of Dynamic Aviation’s 145 Repair Station, which he holds the FAA Accountable Manager role for.

A graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, Mr. Cessna began his aviation career with Dynamic Aviation in 2005 as an Avionics Technician and was quickly promoted to an Avionics Team Leader position, and then to Avionics Department Manager prior to moving into the Director of Maintenance role and assuming the Accountable Manager role for Dynamic Aviation’s 145 Repair Station in 2013. In 2016, Cessna was promoted to his current role.

 Mr. Cessna is also an alumnus of the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School.

Aaron Mingle

Vice President, Flight Operations

Aaron Mingle is the Vice President of Flight Operations and provides leadership to daily flight operations, compliance and aircraft reliability. Aaron oversees several teams across the organization including Defense, Airborne Data Acquisition, and Public Health & Safety.

Taylor Weisgerber

Financial Controller

As Controller, Taylor Weisgerber provides leadership to the accounting and finance teams and is responsible for financial analysis, financial reporting, pricing, accounts receivable, payroll, and accounts payable.  Mrs. Weisgerber joined Dynamic Aviation in 2018 as an accountant and was promoted to the position of Controller in 2020. 

Doug Pascarella

Vice President of IT

Doug Pascarella joined the Dynamic Aviation team in 2018 as the Director of IT. He is responsible for leading the ERP, IT Service Desk, Network Engineering, and IT Security teams, in addition to implementing the technology plan for the company.

 With more than twenty-five years of service within the IT field, Doug has honed a variety of skills including change management, driving innovation in project management, maximizing systems and performance, business intelligence and analytics.

Doug Pascarella obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems from George Washington University. Additionally, Pascarella achieved certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute.

Advisory board.

Lt. General Heithold head shot portrait.

Brad Heithold

Lieutenant General, US Air Force (Retired)

Brad Heithold has served on Dynamic Aviation’s board of advisors since August of 2019. He is the CEO and Founder of H3 Consulting Group, LLC that focuses on Defense Strategy, Organizational Leadership, as well as Strategic Vision and Planning.

Brad is a recognized leader in the Special Operations and National Intelligence communities. General Heithold has 40+ years of leadership experience that spans the globe. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduation from High School in 1974 and was commissioned in 1981 as a distinguished graduate of the Officer Training program at the University of Arkansas. He has commanded at the Squadron, Group, Wing, Agency, and MAJCOM levels, including serving as the Commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Group at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan and as the Commander, Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency. He has also served as the Vice Commander, United States Special Operations Command and as the Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command. His last assignment was as the Principal Deputy Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in Washington, D.C. As the Principal Deputy Director, he led an organization responsible for analyzing and evaluating the department’s plans, programs, and budgets in relation to U.S. defense objectives, projected threats, allied contributions, estimated costs, and resource constraints. General Heithold has a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Arkansas and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He was a National Defense Fellow at Florida International University and is an alumnus of the Senior Executives in National and International Security at Harvard Kennedy School. He is also a graduate of the Executive-Legislative Branch Relations, from the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University.

Lt. General Heithold head shot portrait.

Ray Palumbo

Lieutenant General, US Army (Retired)

Ray Palumbo has served on Dynamic Aviation’s board of advisors since June 2018. He is a leading defense strategist, problem solver, and team builder who supports a broad range of public, private, and philanthropic organizations.

Ray is the founder and senior partner of Venturi Solutions LLC, a firm that delivers winning solutions in the aerospace, defense, intelligence, and IT sectors. A former US Army 3-star general, Ray served 34 years in uniform leading conventional and special operations forces during peacetime and in combat. He completed his military career as the Director for Defense Intelligence where he simultaneously led the Pentagon’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Task Force, an organization that delivered critical aerospace and terrestrial sensor platforms, IT, and intelligence analysis to warfighters around the globe. He currently serves as director on the boards of Seerist Federal, Inc., ELTA North America Inc., W.S. Darley & Company, Inc., Systematic Inc., and Toppan Photomasks Round Rock, Inc. He is a senior advisor to McKinsey’s Aerospace and Defense practice and advises a range of leading defense companies whose products and services contribute to US national security and the well-being of men and women in uniform.

Ray’s philanthropic passion is committed to improving the well-being of our nation’s military veterans and their families. As such, he serves as ambassador for the Boulder Crest Foundation and as director on the boards of the Spookstock Foundation and the First Air Force One restoration project.

Ray has a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from West Point, a Master of Science in administration from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College. He is a graduate of the British Higher Command and Staff course at the British Defense College in Shrivenham, England.

Lt. General Heithold head shot portrait.

David Grizzle

Board Of Advisors

David Grizzle currently provides new venture formation and organizational strategy consulting, especially among firms in the aerospace industry.

Prior to opening his consultancy, Mr. Grizzle served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Organization, where he led the FAA’s 33,000 professional controllers, technicians, engineers and support personnel who are responsible for keeping air traffic moving safely and efficiently. While at the FAA, Mr. Grizzle also served as the FAA’s Chief Counsel and Acting Deputy Administrator.

Before joining the FAA, Mr. Grizzle was with Continental Airlines and its affiliates for 22 years, retiring as the Senior Vice President of Customer Experience. In this role, through a data-driven constant quality improvement process he led Continental to address persistent deficits in product delivery to improve the total travel experience for Continental’s customers.

During a leave of absence from Continental starting in 2004, Grizzle served for 14 months with the U.S. Department of State in Kabul, Afghanistan, as Attaché, Senior Advisor and Coordinator for Transportation and Infrastructure.

Grizzle is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. His wife Anne is a family therapist, author and poet. They have three adult sons and eight little grandchildren.

Lt. General Heithold head shot portrait.

Richard Hayes

Board Of Advisors

Rick Hayes is a Managing Partner of Jasper Ridge Partners and co-leads the private equity/venture capital team. During his 30+ year career he has invested and managed over $40 billion of new global private equity, growth, and venture capital investments. He has created and managed numerous innovative and large strategic investment relationships spanning all private asset investment types.

Prior to joining Jasper Ridge Partners in 2004, Rick was the Senior Investment Officer for the CalPERS Alternative Investment Management (AIM) Program and was a member of the five-person Senior Team managing the entire multi-hundred billion dollar portfolio for CalPERS, the largest pension fund in the U.S. From 2000 to 2004, he served as the Founding Board Chairman of the Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA), the global private equity association whose members collectively manage over $2 trillion of private equity assets. Rick was named one of the “100 Most Influential People of the Decade” by Private Equity International magazine. Rick is involved with several charitable organizations focused on autism. Rick earned a BA in Economics from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.