Cincinnati Avionics – Batavia, Ohio

Chuck Gallagher was introduced to aviation in 1993 when he was hired by Sporty’s. Gallagher had just graduated 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 multiengine and instrument ratings. Gallagher is the President and CEO of Eastern Cincinnati Aviation and an executive vice president at Sporty’s.

In 1996, Sporty’s tasked Gallagher with opening a first-class Part 145 repair station specializing in piston airplanes. Cincinnati Avionics was founded and has grown to become a leader in avionics installations and service, with an emphasis on general aviation aircraft. Gallagher, along with top members of his staff, attend the annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show. They use this opportunity to network with industry professionals, receive updates on the latest regulatory issues, and obtain valuable product/installation training.

Gallagher also leads Eastern Cincinnati Aviation, the fixed-based operator at the Clermont County Airport. ECA operates an approved Part 141 flight school with a fleet of more than 20 aircraft and a staff of 30 flight instructors. ECA is also responsible for managing over 110 T-Hangars and providing a full line of amenities for transient aircraft. Gallagher also serves as airport manager on behalf of the Clermont County Commissioners, assisting in airport administration, improvement, expansion, and airspace protection.

Gallagher feels blessed to be part of the Sporty’s team for 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.

Banyan Air Service – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Danny Santiago began his relationship with aviation at Broward College perusing his A&P license. He matriculated to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and received his bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance and management.

Fresh out of school, Santiago discovered he not only had a passion, but a natural gift when it came to aircraft engine overhaul, for both piston and turbine engines. During this time, he also earned his private instrument pilot license. After his tenure with Southeast Turbines, Santiago moved to Banyan Air Service to take full advantage of his aircraft maintenance license.

Starting out as an A&P technician, the leadership qualities in Santiago were quickly noticed and capitalized upon, as he was then made crew leader, specifically the Falcon lead. Within three years, Santiago made the next move in his career and secured the position of maintenance service manager at Banyan. In this role, Santiago honed his customer relations skills and developed new methods for maintaining both compliance and customer satisfaction. He also completed Pratt & Whitney PT6A and JT15D training.

When other departments were in need of professional leadership, Santiago accepted a new role in a department that he had little prior exposure to. Santiago assumed the role of director of avionics in January 2018 and has led the department back to the fields of profitability. It’s not just his “can-do” attitude that generates the positive aura around him; his lack of fear to challenge the unknown or what has been deemed “the impossible” that generates the team’s forward momentum. Recently, he has spearheaded the ADS-B and connectivity projects at Banyan and is the main liaison with GE and Gogo.

Santiago’s versatility has navigated through these uncharted waters keeping the team and the business priorities first. Outside of Banyan, Santiago is a council member of the Gogo dealer advisory board and an active member of several business aviation organizations including AEA, NBAA, FABA, ALEA, and SFBAA. He is also an active participant in the United States Parachute Association and loves to skydive.

Banyan continues to grow and seek out bigger and more complicated projects under Santiago’s inspiration and direction. The future of the company has been entrusted to one of the most selfless, dedicated individuals in this industry.

4AIR – Boston, Massachusetts

Simpson Bennett is a seasoned marketer who has worked for industry staples such as Avidyne, Genesys Aerosystems, and Satcom Direct. He now serves as the marketing director at 4AIR, a sustainability company that assists all members of the aviation community make meaningful and verified strides toward a sustainable future. As a private pilot for over 20 years, Bennett’s passion for aviation has never wavered.

Like many starting out in aviation intending to be a pilot, Bennett wishes he had known of the alternative career paths in the industry. Wanting to help educate others about the great opportunities in the aircraft avionics and electronics segment, in late 2021, Bennett volunteered to be chair of the AEA’s workforce development committee. As Chair, the committee will launch a new career-oriented website and announced a new partnership with NextOp, all aimed at driving qualified candidates to career opportunities within the avionics and electronics industry. The committee is working to achieve goals and objectives over the next several years to help alleviate the shortage of technicians and other key roles in the industry.

His goal has always been to help communicate the great opportunities that aviation offers in the hope of leaving the industry better than he found it.

Bennett has completed one three-year term as a director on the AEA board and is seeking re-election for a second term.

EDMO Distributors Inc. – Spokane, Washington

Mike Schmidt is the president of EDMO Distributors Inc. Before beginning his 23-year career in avionics distribution and manufacturing, he served the country as a member of the United States Air Force. His avionics experience began in a sales role with EDMO, which led to opportunities in avionics manufacturing.

Over a 10-year period, he delivered top-notch results in the then-emerging electronic flight bag market as well as the manufacturing and sales of emergency locator transmitters. In 2016, he rejoined EDMO Distributors as vice president of sales and marketing and accepted the role of president in early 2020.

Schmidt is a private pilot and has always worked for AEA-member companies. With experience in both manufacturing and distribution, Schmidt has a unique perspective for both regular and associate AEA members, and he understands the significant contributions the association makes toward the continued success of the avionics industry.

Collins Aerospace – Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Tom Simon is an account director for Collins Aerospace, responsible for Duncan Aviation and Gulfstream, and is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He has worked in marketing and sales during his career of 29 years in avionics. From 1993 to 1999, Simon worked for Garmin International in Olathe, Kansas.

In 1999, Simon joined Rockwell Collins where he has held roles in dealer sales, aftermarket marketing, OEM account director, and director of business development. Simon has led sales teams in business aviation for both the dealer and aircraft OEM markets.

Over the past 29 years, Simon has attended AEA Connect Conferences, the AEA International Convention & Trade Shows, and participated in AEA committees to improve the warranty claim process. Simon is a pilot holding a commercial license with an instrument rating; he also enjoys golfing, hiking and fishing.

Simon has a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University in aerospace engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa.

It is Simon’s experience with small and large dealers, both international and domestic, and the challenges dealers face coupled with the perspective of an avionics OEM where he can help the AEA membership improve its relationship between the membership and avionics OEMs.

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics – Wichita, Kansas

Todd Winter is the president and CEO of Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics, a leader in the aviation support industry, with customers in 52 countries. He is CEO of True Blue Power, the first company in the world to develop and TSO certify a safe, reliable, lithium-ion main ship aerospace battery – now an industry standard.

Winter’s passion for aviation began at a young age, spending many hours watching airplanes and taking rides with his father at the airport. Many visits to air shows, and the highlight performance of Bob Hoover in his famous P51 Mustang, spurred an early desire to become a pilot.

“I was literally born into aviation,” he said. “My father, John, worked at Aircraft Radio Corp. in Boonton, New Jersey. He was involved in developing and refining some of the first general aviation autopilot systems. Several years after our family moved to Houston, Texas, I attended my first AEA meeting in San Antonio. The rest is history, and I’ve been attending AEA meetings throughout the world ever since. AEA members truly are part of my family. I strive to support my friends and help serve their customers well.”

Winter’s commitment to the AEA and its members is reflected in his receiving the prestigious Member of the Year Award (2019) and Mid-Continent receiving the Associate Member of the Year Award (2001, 2012).

His leadership and industry experience offers invaluable insight into the general, business, commercial, defense, special mission, UAV, all-electric, hybrid-electric and eVTOL markets. His expertise directly benefits the future growth and development of the organizations he supports.

Winter is an FAA-certified private pilot and current member of the Aircraft Electronics Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National Business Aviation Association, Helicopter Association International, Wichita Aero Club, Experimental Aircraft Association, World Presidents' Organization, Condor Squadron … and a semi-professional drummer.

Winter and his wife, Ellen, reside in Wichita, Kansas, and have raised three sons there, two of whom have returned to work in the business. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, jeep rides, biking, and traveling to Texas, California, and Colorado.

Founded in 1964, Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics is an FAA/EASA authorized repair station and AS9100D-certified manufacturing facility. The company specializes in the manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft instruments and avionics. True Blue Power specializes in the design and manufacturing of electrical power systems, including USB and wireless chargers, power conversion products, emergency power supplies, and advanced lithium-ion aircraft batteries.