Jetrader - March/April 2012 - 36

Flight training opened the doors for me to experience other aspects of aviation. I think it’s all just as intriguing. To say the least, I’m hooked and eager to learn as much as possible. JT: Tell us about your education. ES: My aviation education began with a part 61 ﬂight school in Arkansas where I obtained my private pilot certiﬁcate in six months. Soon after, my family moved to Tulsa, Okla., where I continued my education and achieved an instrument rating in another six months. After three semesters at Oklahoma State University (OSU), in May 2011, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace administration and operations. JT: When did you ﬁrst hear about ISTAT, and what was your response when you heard you were selected for an ISTAT Scholarship? ES: A Professor at OSU, who also assisted with my education and career development, introduced me to ISTAT and offered to nominate me for the ISTAT Scholarship on behalf of OSU. When learning I had been selected to receive the scholarship, I was honored and grateful. My research and the ISTAT application process enlightened me to an organization of accomplished professionals. The scholarship allowed

me ﬁnancial relief and encouragement while ﬁnishing my bachelor’s degree. JT: What was your experience at the conference when you received the ISTAT Scholarship? Did you have an opportunity to make valuable industry connections? ES: Prior to attending my ﬁrst ISTAT conference, I had queried others who had attended. Everyone stated that ISTAT was a favorite conference. My expectations of the conference were exceeded. The conference was much like a family reunion. ISTAT sessions were insightful and thought provoking. I was also impressed with the ISTAT Board of Directors and the time they spent with the scholarship recipients offering encouragement and advice. The ISTAT conference provided an excellent opportunity to network with many aviation professionals from around the world. I am pleased to have maintained relationships with many that I was privileged to meet at the Conference. JT: You are now working with Omni Air International. How long have you been there? Can you tell us a little about what you are doing?

ES: Through OSU’s internship program, I applied for and was offered an internship with Omni Air International’s Safety and Security Department for the fall semester 2010. In December 2010 I was hired full time as an Internal Evaluator. Omni is the ﬁrst non-scheduled passenger airline registered in the United States that has successfully attained registration under IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). As an Internal Evaluator, I was responsible for conducting internal audits to ensure we maintained IOSA’s high standards. I also participated in creating and conducting other internal audits to ensure compliance with FAA, as well as, Omni’s own high standards. In October 2011 I was promoted to Government Team Manager in our Marketing Department. Omni has recently joined in the creation of new teaming partnerships to provide passenger and cargo services to the Department of Defense as part of the CRAF (Civil Reserve Air Fleet) program. As an active CRAF program participant for nearly two decades, Omni assumed the responsibility as team lead. In this position, I am responsible for ensuring our team is awarded appropriate business, monitoring award trends, generating team reports, managing the team’s Small Business Subcontracting Plan and facilitating when any additional needs arise. JT: Any ﬁnal words for your friends at ISTAT? ES: To everyone at ISTAT: Thank you so much for your support and contributions to the scholarship program. Thank you for your willingness to share your expertise, advice and time. And, thank you for making me part of your family! Special thanks to Roland Moore for taking us under your wing. With my introduction to ISTAT, I have also become familiar with ISTAT AirLink. I believe this is an amazing organization that helps coordinate much-needed humanitarian relief through various programs using air transportation. If you are not familiar with them, please go to the website and offer your support.

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Jetrader - March/April 2012

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