Columbia Air Services Inc.

Chris Bergman graduated from H.H. Regional Vocational Technical school in 1998 with four years of electronics and an additional two years of avionics in 1990. He joined the Columbia Air Services Inc. avionics department in January 1993.

In 2008, Bergman was promoted to director of avionics where he has helped establish an avionics department that specializes in everything from simple installations to state-of-the-art retrofits and upgrades for all makes and models of general aviation aircraft.

Bergman was NCATT AET certified in 2009 with a Dependent Navigation Systems endorsement, and he is a private pilot with a multi-engine rating. In 2019, Bergman accepted a post on the Garmin Dealer Council. He has been actively attending the AEA International Convention & Trade Show for the last 17 years since taking the director position with Columbia Air Services.

Bergman has completed one three-year term on the board and is seeking a second term.

Cincinnati Avionics

Chuck Gallagher was introduced to aviation in 1993 when he was hired by Sporty’s after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in mechanical engineering. During his first year at Sporty’s, he earned a recreational pilot certificate within a week, and he currently holds a private pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings. Gallagher is the president and CEO of Eastern Cincinnati Aviation and an executive vice president at Sporty’s.

Cincinnati Avionics is a Part 145 repair station specializing in piston airplanes. Eastern Cincinnati Aviation, the airport fixed-base operator, includes a Part 141 approved flight school and manages the airport on behalf of the County.

Gallagher currently serves as co-chair of the member relationships committee and enjoys attending the annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show and Regional meetings. He feels blessed to be part of the Sporty’s team for over 30 years and enjoys flying the company-owned Piper Aztec. The growth and expansion in the avionics industry has been extraordinary during his tenure at Cincinnati Avionics and Sporty’s, and he cannot wait to embrace future advances.

Gallagher has completed one three-year term on the board and is seeking a second term.

Park Rapids Avionics Inc.

Tom Hass grew up on a farm in rural Minnesota, 3 miles from the airport watching airplanes come and go. This piqued his interest in aviation. Hass took flying lessons in high school. He currently has a private pilot license, single-engine land, single-engine sea and multi-engine land ratings. Hass has a passion for flying seaplanes.

In 1991, he enrolled in an avionics technician program at Alexandria Technical College and received an associate degree in 1993. Hass began his career at a small avionics shop, Robertson Aircraft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jetsun Aviation in Sioux City, Iowa, followed where Hass was an avionics bench technician. Hass troubleshooted aircraft avionics systems and performed repairs and installs for new avionics.

In 1999, Hass was hired by Silverhawk Aviation in Lincoln, Nebraska, to start and manage an avionics shop/department. In 2001, Hass founded Park Rapids Avionics as a one-man shop in Park Rapids, Minnesota. He acquired Approach Systems in 2006 and rebranded as Approach Fast Stack. This provided a global presence in retail sales of avionics wiring systems and new over-the-counter avionics sales. Park Rapids Avionics currently has six avionics technicians and six wiring harness builders.

Park Rapids Avionics has been an active member of the AEA since 2001. The company participates in the AEA International Convention & Trade Show and has received the AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award for the last 17 years.

Hass has completed one three-year term on the board and is seeking a second term.

Duncan Aviation

Nate Klenke has a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies from the University of Nebraska. Since joining Duncan Aviation in 1996, he has played a pivotal role in aircraft modifications, design and sales. As the modifications sales and design manager, Klenke leads various company sectors with a focus on quality and innovation.

Over the past 28 years, he has been a leader in budgetary and strategic planning for the exterior paint, interior refurbishment, and avionics install sales groups. Klenke collaborates with numerous industry suppliers and has served on several industry groups, dealer, and customer advisory boards.

“The AEA has significantly contributed to my ability to stay current and connected with industry partners, and I look forward to giving back to this organization,” he said.

Klenke has been married to his wife, Tammy, for 34 years, and they have two daughters. He has a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land class rating and is seeking his first term on the board of directors.

PF Flyers

Ian Pruden serves as the vice president of PF Flyers Inc., a Part 145 repair station in Greenville, South Carolina, and an AEA member company since 2010.

With his entrepreneurial spirit, Pruden has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth from a family-run business to a thriving network with three separate locations and plans for further expansion. He is an experienced A&P mechanic and a student pilot; his expertise includes avionics certification and comprehensive industry management.

Pruden's dedication to aviation is evident to his clients, colleagues, and the community. He is seeking his first term on the board of directors.