jim markel, director

Jim Markel, Director

Jim Markel spent 7 Years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps and 3 years in the Ready Reserve. He was a “Mustang” (former enlisted) and went from being a PFC in a 105MM Howitzer Battery to a Captain/Flight Leader in an All-Weather F-8 Crusader Squadron in Five Years.

He holds an ATP with 10-Jet Type Ratings ranging from the Learjet to the Boeing 747. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering Aviation Safety Management Course and a long-term member and active contributor to the Flight Safety Foundation, Experimental Aircraft Association, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, and F-8 Crusader Association.

Jim chaired fund-raising committees for the Make-A-Wish-Foundation, Little League, & United Way. His Corporate Boards history includes GE Capital’s Corporate Aircraft Advisory Board and a two-term Chairman of the National Aircraft Resale Association (International Aircraft Dealers Association). He also was elected Commodore of The Marin Yacht Club after eight years’ service as a Director & Committee Chairman.

He is the recipient of Distinguished Flying Cross, Five Air Medals, and Presidential Unit Citation. The FAA recognized him with the Wright Brothers Master Pilots Award.