We’re thrilled to announce new wing leaders in four states, including Lou Rossi (Utah), Alan Underwood (Arizona), Shawn Linch (Nevada), and Ricardo Lagos (Washington). Additionally, we’re excited to share that Dave Lombard will take on the role of area leader for Central California.
We also share our gratitude and thanks to our outgoing wing leaders, including Steve Bollinger (Utah), Tim Barrios (Arizona), Barbara Ausherman (Nevada), and Jeremy Katz (Washington).
If you’re interested in supporting recruitment and outreach initiatives in your area, please contact the Angel Flight West team or your local wing leader.
Lou Rossi – Utah
We announced last fall that incoming Utah Wing Leader, Lou Rossi, would be working directly with long-time and dedicated UT Wing Leader, Steve Bollinger, on all day-to-day Wing Leadership activities. As of the beginning of 2024, Lou has officially taken over the role.
Lou says, “My enthusiasm for aviation was sparked in Southern California back in 1986. As I watched the MCAS El Toro Air Show, I knew my current career as a computer programmer wasn’t going to satisfy me. Thus, my aviation journey began.
“At that point, I decided to make a career out of it. Over the years, I’ve worked as a flight instructor, charter pilot, and ultimately an airline pilot for several different airlines. I am currently a Pilot with Delta Air Lines based in SLC.
“The aviation community has given me so much in life, and angel flights seem like the perfect avenue to return the favor while also giving a lift! So, I joined Angel Flight West in 2015 as a Command Pilot. In 2017, I helped start the Sopwith Camel Flying Club in SLC.
“It’s an honor to be a part of such an incredible organization, and I look forward to serving the Utah Wing going forward.”
A resident of Park City, Lou flies a Cessna T210 and has been an AFW volunteer pilot since 2015.
Thank you, Steve Bollinger, for being an amazing leader and volunteer, both by flying patients to care and by co-leading Utah’s Santa Flight, ensuring children in Title 1 schools receive supplies, donations, and cheers each holiday season.
Alan Underwood – Arizona
We’re also pleased to announce that Alan Underwood will being taking over as Wing Leader in Arizona.
Alan Underwood, Arizona Co-Wing Leader, is a real estate developer and investor. Throughout his career, Alan has built a reputation for launching & scaling successful businesses in a variety of industries, including restaurants, automotive, insurance, aviation, & real estate. A resident of Mesa, he joined AFW in 2022 and flies a Beechcraft Bonanza.
Alan says, “One of my most rewarding endeavors has been my involvement with Angel Flight West. As a Command Pilot and Arizona Wing Leader, I have had the opportunity to use my love of flying to provide free air transportation to patients and their families who require specialized medical treatment far from home. Whether it’s through my work with Angel Flight West, my real estate development projects, or my involvement in the community, I am always striving to make a positive impact in the world. I am also committed to sharing my knowledge and experience with others, whether it be through mentoring, public speaking, or writing.”
A resident of Mesa, AZ, Alan flies a Beechcraft V35B and has been an AFW volunteer pilot since 2022.
A sincere thank you to Tim Barrios, outgoing Arizona Wing Leader, for years of dedicated service to connect pilots and passengers to our mission.
Shawn Linch – Nevada
Moving further northwest, we’re excited to announce that Shawn Linch will being taking over as Wing Leader in Nevada.
Shawn says, “I’ve been a pilot for ten years, nine of which I’ve had the privilege of being a command pilot for Angel Flight West. Based out of Reno, NV (KRNO), I’ve been obsessed with aviation since my first introductory lesson. Whether it’s low and slow in a Cub or blasting off across the Atlantic Ocean in a single-engine turboprop, I absolutely love the adventure, freedom, and beauty of the world looking down from the sky.
I’ve met some incredible people over the years, both by flying missions and by working with individuals within the organization. AFW has always been near and dear to my heart, and I’m excited for the opportunity to help promote and grow the Nevada region.”
A resident of Reno, NV, Alan flies a Socata TBM 860 and has been an AFW volunteer pilot since 2015.
A sincere thank you to Barbara Ausherman, previous Nevada Wing Leader, for years of dedicated service, including her leadership and outreach at aviation airshows and events.
Ricardo Lagos – Washington
Next up, we’re thrilled to announce that Ricardo Lagos will being taking over as Wing Leader in Washington.
Ricardo says, “For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fascination with flight, and I was one of those kids who always wanted to see the cockpit whenever we flew somewhere as a family. That fascination eventually turned into a passion, but not until later in my life.
“I am a software engineer by trade. My career and young family brought me to Seattle in 2014. In 2021, during the COVID epidemic, my attention turned to dreams I’ve always had, but never thought I had the time to accomplish. Soon, though, I was flight training at Rainier Flight Service out of Renton, WA.
“My desire to complete a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot turned into a passion, and I was instrument rated in 2022. Since then, I’ve spent as much time as I can in the Pacific Northwest skies in my 76 Piper Cherokee.
“I prefer to fly for a purpose, and early during training, I became aware of Angel Flight West. I made it a goal to reach the hours required to do my first mission, and by the end of 2023, I had completed 7 missions. I feel a connection to Angel Flight because of my own personal experience as a father of a special needs child. The kindness of strangers when we are dealing with a crisis in our lives goes a long way.
“As the wing leader for the WA region, I am here at your service. I look forward to getting to know as many of you in our aviation community and helping us serve as many families as we can.”
A resident of Seattle, WA, Ricardo flies a Piper PA-28 and has been an AFW volunteer pilot since 2022.
A sincere thank you to Jeremy Katz, previous Washington Wing Leader, for years of dedicated service, both through gifted flights and by helping AFW make important connections throughout the Washington wing.
Dave Lombard – Central California Area Lead
Finally, we’re also delighted to share that Dave Lombard, AFW Command Pilot for more than 20 years, will be assisting NorCal Wing Leader Gil Takemori by taking on the role of Central Calif. Area Leader. “Dave has been a key contributor for AFW and is the first of several area leaders we hope to recognize in the coming months,” says Gil.
A resident of Mariposa, CA, Dave flies a Cessna 172 and has been an AFW volunteer pilot since 2003.
