Board of Directors
2026 Officers
President
Josh Hernandez - Abbott Laboratories
Director term expires 2028
Josh has worked in corporate aviation for eight years as a professional pilot. He graduated from Quincy University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and has been a strong advocate for business aviation throughout his career.
During his time at Quincy University, Josh interned with the National Business Aviation Association for two consecutive summers in operations, as well as with two local flight departments in Quincy, Illinois. He later received two NBAA International Operators Scholarships and two Chicago Area Business Aviation Association scholarships, including the CABAA Professional Pilot Training Award. These scholarships helped him complete his flight training and advance his career as a professional pilot.
Since graduating, Josh has built a diverse background in business aviation, working as a line service technician, skydiving pilot, aerial mapping pilot, Part 135 charter pilot, and Part 135 cargo pilot. He currently serves as a junior captain for a Fortune 500 Part 91 flight department in the Chicago area.
Committed to servant leadership, Josh is passionate about giving back to the organizations that helped shape his career. As president of CABAA, he hopes to continue growing the organization while promoting business aviation to current and aspiring professionals across the Chicago area.
Vice President
Mary Shad - Northern Jet Management
Director term expires 2029
Mary has been in private aviation for 21 years. Having studied at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Lewis University with degrees in Professional Aeronautics and Aviation Management, Mary began her career in Fixed Base Operations in Florida where she served as a Customer Service Supervisor and Line Technician. At that time she also worked in Flight Operations for a small aircraft management and charter company specializing in Bahamian flights. Mary has held positions in Flight Operations with various Chicago based companies before accepting a position as the Flight Operations Manager for Orlando, FL based Northern Jet. Still with Northern Jet, Mary is Chicago based and now holds the position of VP of Client Accounts & Oner Services. Mary oversees the aircraft management and owner services Team by ensuring all organizational personnel and service lines are poised to deliver upon expected returns for NJ clientele. Mary is actively involved with Lewis University for Career Development, and is devoted to ensuring careers in aviation are afforded to all, not the few.
Treasurer
Chris Kozicki - B. Coleman Aviation
Director term expires 2027
Chris Kozicki is Vice President of B. Coleman Aviation located at the Gary Chicago International Airport. Kozicki has managed day-to-day operations of the FBO for the past 8 years. Under his leadership, the FBO business has grown over 40% and they have been recognized as a top FBO in the Chicago area by AIN. He is also part of the management team that overseas the Charter operations of the business. He works with local non-profit groups, like the Young Eagles, Aerostars, and Tuskegee Airmen to help sponsor events. Kozicki is an expert in operations management and crisis leadership. He has held numerous executive positions including as Deputy in the administration of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.
Secretary
Norah Lenardic - Executive Jet Management
Director term expires 2029
Additional Directors
Ryan Asmus, NetJets
Director term expires 2027
Mark Doles, DuPage Airport Authority
Director term expires 2029
Colin Dunne, Jetcraft
Director term expires 2028
Anna Galonska, Corporate Flight Attendant
Director term expires 2027
Shania Gordon, Boeing
Director term expires 2029
Ben Kisla, NetJets
Director term expires 2029