A Message from AFW’s New Executive Director, Mary Hunter March 24, 2025 Dear Angel Flight West Community, I am honored and humbled to step into the role of Executive Director of Angel Flight West. The past eight years serving as AFW’s Development Director has been a true blessing. The experience has been a prime launching point where I’ve had the opportunity to build close relationships that support and fuel this incredible mission forward. As I take on this elevated responsibil… Jessica Hayes Read More »
AFW Announces New Board Chair and Board Members February 19, 2025 New Board Chair Emily Deaton Emily Deaton is the Chief Executive Officer of jetAVIVA, one of the world’s largest private jet sales organizations by total annual transaction volume. Since joining jetAVIVA in 2019, she has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, first as Vice President of Sales and then as Chief Operating Officer before assuming the role of CEO. Deaton began her aviation career with Emb… Gloriann Figueroa Read More »
Meet the New Leaders of AFW’s Wyoming Wing! February 19, 2025 JT Grainger Bob Meyers Meet AFW’s new Wyoming Wing Leader, J.T. Grainger and Deputy Wing Leader, Bob Meyers! J.T. Grainger J.T. Grainger, a lifelong aviation enthusiast, joined AFW in 2018. Growing up in Saratoga, WY, he developed a passion for flying at an early age, inspired by his family’s aviation background. Though an initial medical restriction prevented him from flying solo, he remain… Gloriann Figueroa Read More »
Executive Director Succession Announcement January 21, 2025 Dear Angel Flight West Family, After more than 20 incredible years with Angel Flight West, and 11 deeply rewarding years serving as your Executive Director, I’m writing to share the news that I will be transitioning out of this role in March 2025 to pursue an exciting new opportunity at the national level in public benefit flying. This decision comes with a full heart, immense gratitude, and unwavering confidence in… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Intern Reflection: Meet Jessica December 12, 2024 My name is Jessica Theis, and I have been working at Angel Flight West (AFW) as the Communications and Marketing Intern during the Fall 2024 semester. With a background in communications and video production, particularly in social media and promotional video creation, I was eager to apply my skills to the nonprofit sector and expand my expertise in digital storytelling. This opportunity represented a meaningfu… Jessica Hayes Read More »
New Board Member: Meet Mary Noli Pilkington November 5, 2024 We’re thrilled to introduce AFW’s newest board member, Mary Noli Pilkington! Mary is the Senior Director of The Department of Care Coordination and Clinical Social Work at UCLA Health: Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center; UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital; UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, UCLA West Valley Medical Director, Transplant Services, and pediatric ambulatory care. As Senior Director, Mary provides d… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Intern Reflection: Meet Manal August 7, 2024 My name is Manal, and I’ve had the privilege of interning at Angel Flight West this summer. It’s been a very rewarding experience, filled with learning opportunities that will significantly impact my professional growth. This internship has been an excellent opportunity to sharpen my marketing skills. I’ve learned the art of storytelling, and I’ve practiced crafting messages that resonate with differe… Manal Chaali Read More »
Meet New Area Leader for the Bay Area: Clay Ross August 5, 2024 Clay has been a volunteer with AFW since early 2021 with 45 flight missions to date in his Bonanza G36, in addition to 13 ground missions. He is passionate about encouraging pilots to join AFW and encouraging pilots to also drive ground legs after missions into their home airports, to provide our passengers with a more “chauffeured” experience. He looks forward to his role as the Area Leader for the Bay Area to help in… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Transforming Lives: Donate Your Alaska Airlines Miles July 29, 2024 Alexandro Ramirez, AFW’s Operations Manager, shares the importance of the Alaska Airlines CARE Miles program. Read about Alexandro’s first hand experience below and consider giving the gift of miles today. Donated air miles have helped a mother and her seven children who are desperately fleeing an abusive and dangerous situation. They’ve flown a veteran with severe PTSD who finds healing moments at a sp… Alexandro Ramirez Read More »
Meet AFW Board Member, Dr. George (Tony) Woodward July 15, 2024 We’re thrilled to spotlight AFW Board Member Dr. George (Tony) Woodward. Dr. Woodward is the Chief of Emergency Medicine and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington. He practices as an emergency department physician at Seattle Children’s, where he also serves as the Medical Director for Emergency and Transport Services at Seattle Children’s. He is the Pediatric Medical Director for Air… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Run for the Angels 5K: Eight Years of Impact June 18, 2024 Join us in-person or virtually for the Run for the Angels 5K, taking place on September 28, 2024. Visit angelflightwest.org/5K to register and learn more. Each year, HDR hosts the Run for the Angels 5K in Broomfield, Colorado on an airport runway in support of Angel Flight West. The family-friendly event has enabled AFW to arrange hundreds of missions over the years while raising awareness about our services in the C… Jessica Hayes Read More »
From Cheri’s Desk: A Recap of the Endeavor Awards May 30, 2024 Just a few weeks ago, the Mission Operations Team, along with the entire Angel Flight West staff, was honored to participate in the 10th Annual Endeavor Awards. I thought the volunteer newsletter would be a great way to highlight the volunteer aspect of this incredible event. All dressed up, linking arms with my beautiful grandsons, and anticipating a fun evening, we were excited to meet some of the pas… Cheri Cimmarrusti Read More »
Meet AFW’s Newest Board Member, Vincent Mickens May 21, 2024 We’re thrilled to introduce AFW’s newest board member, Vincent Mickens of Potomac, MD. Vince Mickens is the Founder and CEO of Private Air Media Group and a passionate aviation advocate, spearheading philanthropic support of general and business aviation. A U.S. Navy veteran, he spent nearly three decades as a broadcast journalist in radio and television and has served in various positions with the National Bus… Jessica Hayes Read More »
Intern Reflection: Meet Yohana May 9, 2024 My name is Yohana and I’ve been working at Angel Flight West (AFW) as the spring Communications and Marketing Intern since last December (2023). My journey with AFW has truly been an enriching experience, allowing me to grow personally and professionally, while gaining insights on the intricate efforts that AFW undertakes to make a difference in people’s lives. Stepping into the world of nonprofit work ha… YohanaG Read More »
Dr. Randy Sherman Access for All Fund April 25, 2024 We dedicate this fund in loving memory of Dr. Randy Sherman, our trailblazing leader and friend, to further his vision for access to health care for all. Dr. Sherman was an inspirational force in the aviation and healthcare communities. He joined Angel Flight West as a volunteer 10 years ago and served as an amazing advocate, mentor, and champion for our cause. The care he showed his patients, combined with his… YohanaG Read More »
