Josh is the CEO of Sonoma Aviation. Josh’s leadership at Sonoma Aviation is characterized by his deep industry knowledge, legal expertise, and a lifelong passion for aviation. His commitment to advancing the industry, nurturing young aviators, and contributing to its governance makes him a pivotal figure in the world of aviation.
Josh’s professional experience spans multiple facets of the aviation sector. He has contributed his expertise to the MITRE Corporation’s Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD), and has held positions at both Northwest Airlines and United Airlines. Additionally, his legal acumen as an attorney at Reed Smith, LLP, saw him representing Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) and manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft components in liability matters, further highlighting his multifaceted skill set.
Academically, Josh’s credentials are equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from George Washington University, a Master’s degree in Transportation and Logistics from Northwestern University, and a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University. This diverse educational background underpins his comprehensive understanding of the aviation industry from operational, logistical, and legal perspectives.
Beyond his professional and academic accomplishments, Josh is a passionate aviator at heart. Beginning with flight training at the age of 14 and soloing on his 16th birthday. Josh’s first job was a high school summer internship at the FAA in AFS-800, setting the stage for a diverse and impactful trajectory in the field. He is a Certified Flight Instructor and holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. His dedication to the aviation community is further demonstrated through his role as the Young Eagles Coordinator for his local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter and his position on the Board of Directors of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).
