Civil Air Patrol Executive and Leadership Team

Susan Easter, the Chief Financial Officer at Civil Air Patrol, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the entire non-profit organization. Overseeing the financial planning and analysis required to sustain training courses and membership services, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources align with long-term strategic goals. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams and controlling expenditures to maintain the financial stability of the organization. By implementing robust accounting practices, Susan Easter provides the transparency needed for effective resource management across all regional wings. Easter collaborates with the executive team to prioritize investments in aerospace education and emergency service equipment. Through the rigorous oversight of financial reporting and compliance, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the organization. Easter secures the necessary funding to support the expansion of professional development programs, ensuring that the financial foundation remains strong enough to support the mission for years to come.

Christopher Plamp, the Chief Operating Officer at Civil Air Patrol, directs all internal organizational workflows and mission-critical service delivery. Overseeing the daily execution of non-profit membership services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures alignment between national training standards and regional operational requirements. This leadership role involves optimizing professional development frameworks to support volunteer readiness across the country. By streamlining administrative processes, Christopher Plamp directly impacts the efficiency of emergency service deployments and educational outreach. Plamp maintains constant communication with the Board to refine long-term strategic goals while managing the complex logistics inherent in a large-scale volunteer organization. Through rigorous oversight of operational infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that all membership programs meet the high standards expected of this historic organization. Plamp secures the operational integrity necessary for sustained growth and mission success in every sector of the organization.

Thomas Wendlegast, the Chief of Staff at Civil Air Patrol, coordinates executive communications and facilitates high-level decision-making processes. Managing the flow of information between leadership tiers, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational priorities remain synchronized with the core mission of providing essential membership services. This role involves architecting internal policy frameworks that govern professional development and training course delivery. By fostering collaboration across departments, Thomas Wendlegast drives the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to enhance volunteer engagement. Wendlegast monitors the progress of key organizational objectives, providing the necessary support to ensure that all administrative functions operate at peak performance. Through the management of executive schedules and policy development, the Chief of Staff maintains the structural stability required for effective leadership. Wendlegast ultimately strengthens the organizational culture by promoting transparency and accountability throughout the entire national network of members and staff.

William Schroder, the SWR Chief of Staff at Civil Air Patrol, directs administrative operations within the Southwest Region to ensure mission readiness. Overseeing the coordination of regional training courses and membership support, the SWR Chief of Staff aligns local activities with national organizational standards. This leadership role involves managing the logistical requirements for emergency services and educational programs across the region. By facilitating communication between wing commanders and national leadership, William Schroder ensures that all operational objectives receive the necessary support. Schroder monitors the performance of regional initiatives, identifying opportunities to improve service delivery and volunteer engagement. Through the effective management of regional staff and resources, the SWR Chief of Staff maintains the operational tempo required for successful mission execution. Schroder drives the development of regional policies that enhance the overall effectiveness of the organization, ensuring that the Southwest Region remains a vital contributor to the national mission.

Andrew Gomes, the Hawaii Wing Chief of Staff at Civil Air Patrol, manages the administrative and operational functions specific to the Pacific island region. Overseeing the implementation of training courses and membership services, the Hawaii Wing Chief of Staff ensures that local volunteers receive the support required for mission success. This leadership role involves coordinating emergency service logistics and aerospace education outreach across the unique geographic landscape of the wing. By streamlining internal processes, Andrew Gomes improves the efficiency of volunteer deployment and program delivery. Gomes works closely with regional leadership to align wing activities with the broader goals of the organization. Through the management of daily operations, the Hawaii Wing Chief of Staff maintains the readiness of the wing to respond to local needs. Gomes drives the execution of strategic plans that enhance the impact of the organization, ensuring that the Hawaii Wing remains a highly effective component of the national structure.

Maj Aaron, the Pennsylvania Wing, Cadet Training Schools Chief of Staff at Civil Air Patrol, directs the administrative and logistical operations for youth development programs. Overseeing the curriculum delivery and training schedules for cadet schools, the Pennsylvania Wing, Cadet Training Schools Chief of Staff ensures that all educational standards meet national requirements. This leadership role involves managing the resources and personnel necessary to conduct effective training courses for the next generation of volunteers. By coordinating with wing leadership, Maj Aaron optimizes the learning environment to foster leadership skills and aerospace knowledge. Aaron monitors the progress of cadet development, implementing improvements to training methodologies that enhance student outcomes. Through the rigorous management of school operations, the Pennsylvania Wing, Cadet Training Schools Chief of Staff maintains the quality and safety of all youth programs. Aaron drives the success of these critical educational initiatives, ensuring that the Pennsylvania Wing provides a premier training experience for all cadets.

Maj Larson, the Illinois Wing Chief of Staff at Civil Air Patrol, manages the administrative infrastructure and operational support for the Illinois region. Overseeing the coordination of membership services and training programs, the Illinois Wing Chief of Staff ensures that all wing activities align with national directives. This leadership role involves managing the logistical requirements for emergency services and educational outreach within the state. By facilitating communication between local units and regional leadership, Maj Larson improves the efficiency of mission execution. Larson monitors the performance of wing initiatives, identifying areas for growth and operational improvement. Through the effective management of staff and volunteer resources, the Illinois Wing Chief of Staff maintains the readiness of the wing to support community needs. Larson drives the implementation of strategic policies that enhance the overall effectiveness of the organization, ensuring that the Illinois Wing remains a strong and capable contributor to the national mission.

Ken Dixon, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Lakes Region Logistics at Civil Air Patrol, directs the supply chain and logistical support operations for the Lakes Region. Overseeing the distribution of equipment and resources required for emergency services, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Lakes Region Logistics ensures that all operational units remain fully equipped. This leadership role involves managing the complex logistics of regional training courses and mission deployments. By optimizing inventory management and transportation protocols, Ken Dixon improves the speed and reliability of resource delivery. Dixon collaborates with regional leadership to forecast logistical needs and secure the necessary assets for mission success. Through the rigorous oversight of supply chain operations, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Lakes Region Logistics maintains the operational readiness of the entire region. Dixon drives the development of logistical strategies that enhance the efficiency of the organization, ensuring that the Lakes Region can respond effectively to any operational challenge.

Bart Bradish, the Oregon Wing Chief of Staff at Civil Air Patrol, manages the administrative and operational functions for the Oregon region. Overseeing the implementation of training courses and membership services, the Oregon Wing Chief of Staff ensures that local volunteers receive the support required for mission success. This leadership role involves coordinating emergency service logistics and aerospace education outreach across the diverse terrain of the wing. By streamlining internal processes, Bart Bradish improves the efficiency of volunteer deployment and program delivery. Bradish works closely with regional leadership to align wing activities with the broader goals of the organization. Through the management of daily operations, the Oregon Wing Chief of Staff maintains the readiness of the wing to respond to local needs. Bradish drives the execution of strategic plans that enhance the impact of the organization, ensuring that the Oregon Wing remains a highly effective component of the national structure.

Robert Gilbert, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Aerospace Education at Civil Air Patrol, directs the development and delivery of educational programs focused on aviation and space science. Overseeing the curriculum design and outreach initiatives, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Aerospace Education ensures that all educational materials meet national standards for quality and relevance. This leadership role involves managing the partnerships and resources necessary to promote aerospace knowledge among members and the public. By coordinating with regional education officers, Robert Gilbert improves the reach and impact of educational programs across the country. Gilbert monitors the effectiveness of training courses, implementing updates that reflect the latest advancements in aerospace technology. Through the rigorous oversight of educational operations, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Aerospace Education maintains the excellence of the organization's academic mission. Gilbert drives the growth of these critical programs, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in aerospace education and inspiration.