Member Name: John D. Atkin IV, ATP / MEII

Position: President

Certifications: FAA: Airline Transport Pilot - ASEL, ASES, AMEL, CE500; Flight Instructor - CFI, CFII, MEI; EPA Refrigerant

Location: All

Special Training: CE500/550/560 Single Pilot Waiver; SW2, SW3, Advanced Pilot Seminar, BPPP.

Bio: John earned his pilot's license in Kansas at the age of seventeen. Since then, he has been obsessed with general aviation. After working as a corporate pilot in San Antonio, John started Bison Aviation with the goal of providing aircraft operators an advocate in the aircraft maintenance industry. As an avid general aviation pilot with over 9,000 flight hours (all in GA aircraft) and as a fellow aircraft owner, John has spent significant time on both sides of the aircraft maintenance equation, providing him with the unique viewpoint of someone who understands aircraft maintenance both as a pilot / owner, as well as a repair station operator.

Member Name: Lesli D. Banner

Position: Operations Manager

Location: All

Bio: Lesli's father, a pilot and aircraft owner, introduced her to general aviation at a very young age. As an avid traveler, Lesli has spent a great deal of time in general aviation aircraft exploring the United States. After spending many years in sales and operations management for major corporations, Lesli was hired as Bison Aviation's first employee. Today she oversees the "behind-the-scenes" functions which keep Bison Aviation running smoothly and efficiently.

Member Name: Deena Smith A&P

Position: Shop Manager

Certifications: FAA: Mechanic - Airframe & Powerplant

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Bio: After earning her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English Literature, Deena taught at the collegiate level for three years, including an aviation university which kindled her interest in aircraft. She pursued and earned her FAA airframe and powerplant mechanic's license, planning to travel the world as a contract mechanic. Deena subsequently joined Bison Aviation where she began working as an aircraft mechanic, prior to taking a leave of absence in order to hike the Appalachian Trail in its entirety. After completing her 2,200 mile trek, Deena returned to Bison Aviation where she currently serves as Shop Manager Lead Expeditor, facilitating parts procurement and scheduling operations for the company.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: Cessna 206

Member Name: JD Phillips A&P / IA

Position: Director of Maintenance (5C1)

Certifications: FAA: Mechanic - Airframe & Powerplant / Inspection Authorization

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: NDT Level 2, EPA Refrigeration, Learjet 31A, 35, 36 40, 45, 45XR Maintenance, TFE731 Maintenance, Challenger 601 Maintenance & Ground Ops, Philips 66 Fuel Quality Management, JET Autopilot Maintenance, Honeywell / Garrett Fuel Control Maintenance, Cessna 208 Maintenance, Cessna 300 & 400 Series Maintenance, DEEC Setup & Adjustment, JT15D Maintenance & Troubleshooting, Flight Safety Avionics for AMTs.

Bio: Growing up in the flight path of Ellington Air Force Base during the space race instilled JD with a great interest in technology and aviation. After working as a commercial photographer for fifteen years, JD decided to become an A&P mechanic in order to earn additional money so that he could purchase his own plane and tour the world by air. After earning his A&P certificate in 1992, JD discovered that he enjoyed working on aircraft so much that he wanted to make that his primary career. He has been diligently serving the general aviation community ever since. His extensive background includes experience with virtually every make and model of GA aircraft in the Part 91 and Part 135 environment, as well as significant work history in major Part 145 MROs and aircraft manufacturers.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: Cessna 310

Member Name: Roel Rogerio, AET

Position: Avionics Manager

Certifications: FAA: Repairman

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: Garmin G500, G600, G1000 Line Maintenance, Raytheon Aircraft Maintenance Professionalism & Resource Management, Rockwell Collins Proline Maintenance

Bio: After earning his degree as an Electronics Technician at Texas A&M Extension Service in San Antonio, Roel joined the United States Army in 1988 where he served as an aircraft electronics technician maintaining avionics systems on aircraft such as the OV-1D and RC-12. Upon transitioning into the civilian world, Roel worked as Lead Avionics Technician for Raytheon (later called Hawker-Beechcraft) Services servicing Beechcraft, Hawker, Mitsubishi, Falcon, and various other aircraft for fourteen years. After Hawker-Beechcraft closed their San Antonio location, Roel worked at Sierra Industries, again serving as Avionics Crew Chief performing avionics repairs and installations on everything from Cessna 172s through Citations. When Sierra Industries was bought-out and subsequently closed, Roel found a new home at Bison Aviation where he serves as Lead Avionics Technician and Chief Installer.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: Beechcraft King Air series

Member Name: Jeffrey Rossell, AET

Position: Avionics Technician / CNC Operator

Certifications: FAA: Repairman; FCC: GROL w/ Radar

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: Garmin G500, G600, G1000, G3x, GNS, GTN, GTX.

Bio: Jeffrey began his avionics career in the United States Army as an AH-64 Armament / Electrical Systems Repairman and FARP Pad Chief.  After serving three tours of duty in Iraq and one in Korea, Jeffrey returned to civilian life and began his extensive career installing, repairing and troubleshooting avionics systems in general aviation and corporate aircraft.  Jeffrey also has significant experience maintaining and installing airborne EO/IR, FLIR, electronic countermeasure, sighting and tracking systems on military aircraft.  During his career, Jeffrey has gained a tremendous amount of experience working with avionics systems from almost every major manufacturer and continues to enjoy the challenges of integrating complex avionics equipment.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: King Air 350 & AH-64D Apache.

Member Name: Michael Kneese A&P / IA

Position: Aircraft & Avionics Inspector

Certifications: FAA: Mechanic - Airframe & Powerplant / Inspection Authorization; Private Pilot - ASEL

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: Mooney M20 Series; Hawker 800, 900, 4000; Beech Premier; Beech Jet; King Air 90, 200 & 300; Honeywell TFE 731, P&W PT6 & JT15D, Williams FJ44; Garmin Integrated Systems.

Bio: Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve as an Inventory Supply Manager shortly after graduating from high school.  Michael credits his time in the Reserve as the spark which started his life-long passion for aviation.  After returning to civilian life, Michael  earned his A&P certificate in 1992 and has been actively working in general aviation ever since.  A Kerrville, TX native, Michael has an extensive history with the Mooney factory where he served as Chief Inspector prior to joining the Bison Aviation team.  In addition to his maintenance and avionics experience, Michael is an avid pilot currently working on his Instrument Rating and enjoys flying whenever he has the opportunity to do so!

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: Mooney M20 Series and Hawker 800/900 Series

Member Name: Chad Brooks, AET, AET

Position: Avionics Technician

Certifications: FAA: Repairman;

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: Mooney M20 Series, Aircraft Wiring, Garmin G1000, GFC Series.

Bio: Chad began his avionics career with Mooney Aircraft in Kerrville, TX where he earned his certification as an aircraft assembler. He has more than twenty years of experience designing and fabricating wiring harnesses and structural components for avionics installations. In 2006 Chad went to work for Boeing performing electrical and avionics installations on the 737 and 787 series aircraft. He returned to Mooney four years later where he continued to work as the Lead Electrical and Avionics installer until the factory closed in late 2019.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Member Name: Cody J. Strack, A&P / IA

Position: Aircraft Mechanic

Certifications: FAA: Mechanic - Airframe & Powerplant, Inspection Authorization

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: Cirrus SR20 & SR22 Factory Certified, American Bonanza Society Bonanza & Baron Series, Cessna 300 & 400 Series Maintenance, Advanced Pilot Seminar

Bio: Cody left a career in the oil and gas industry to pursue his goal of becoming an aircraft mechanic. Cody's hard work and dedication lead him to successful completion of his A&P training at the Aviation School of Maintenance in Houston, and later his FAA Inspection Authorization. In addition to his A&P license, Cody has undertaken extensive type-specific training, including the full Cirrus Factory Maintenance certification course at the Cirrus Factory in Duluth, MN. Cody is an avid UAV pilot and enjoys building and flying his own creative designs.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: Cessna Twins

Member Name: Robin Rodriguez A&P

Position: Aircraft Mechanic

Certifications: FAA: Mechanic - Airframe & Powerplant

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: Cirrus SR20 & SR22 Factory Certified; American Bonanza Society Bonanza & Baron series.

Bio: After spending most of his life in the culinary industry, Robin decided that it was time to take his career to a new level. Robin enrolled in college and subsequently graduated with honors (Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society) earning two associate's degrees along with his FAA Airframe & Powerplant mechanic's license. Robin found his landing spot at Bison Aviation and continues to pursue his career in aviation near his home and family.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: Cirrus SR20 & SR22

Member Name: Shelby Polasek

Position: Aircraft Parts Technician #1

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Bio: Shelby holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing with a Minor in Entrepreneurship and is currently pursuing an additional degree in Software Development.  She is instrumental in maintaining the organization and flow of parts between the warehouse and the maintenance shop. Her hard work ensures that parts are categorized and stored correctly so that they can be accessed by the mechanics and other personnel in the most efficient manner possible. Shelby enjoys long walks on the beach under a starry sky; but maintains a healthy fear of the full moon.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: The one that needs parts NOW!

Member Name: Jerry Fitzgerald

Position: Apprentice Mechanic

Certifications: FAA: Private Pilot - ASEL, Instrument Airplane

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Bio: An avid pilot and aircraft owner for many years; Jerry joined the Bison Aviation Apprentice Program after retiring from a successful career as a petroleum engineer. His extensive knowledge of mechanical systems and airmanship allow him to bring a new perspective on aircraft maintenance to the Bison Aviation Team.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: PA-24 Comanche

Member Name: Robert Gray, A&P

Position: Aircraft Mechanic

Certifications: FAA: Mechanic - Airframe & Powerplant; Private Pilot - ASEL

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: Bell 206

Bio: Robert holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Physical Health & Education from Arkansas State University as well as a Master's of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary. After serving throughout the world as an Infantryman in the United States Marines for ten years, Robert joined the United States Army where he served for six years as an Airborne Chaplain, he then joined the Alaska Air National Guard where he served an additional five years as an Aircraft Mechanic while earning his FAA A&P and Private Pilot's licenses. Since then he has performed a diverse number of professional roles in the aviation maintenance field, ranging from teaching in a Part 146 aircraft maintenance school to owning his own aircraft maintenance business. Robert is a particularly talented sheet metal technician, a skillset which can only be perfected after thousands of hours of patient practice.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: Helio-Courier.

Member Name: John Senecal, A&P / IA

Position: Aircraft Mechanic / Inspector

Certifications: FAA: Mechanic - Airframe & Powerplant / Inspection Authorization; Airline Transport Pilot - AMEL, EMB-145, BE40, BE300; Commercial Pilot - ASEL, ASES, Glider, Helicopter; Certified Flight Instructor - CFI, CFII, MEI, CFIG; Flight Engineer - Turbojets

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: Bell 206

Bio: John's aviation career began during his senior year of high school when he took a job working for a local charter company, assisting with maintenance on their fleet of Cessna 310s and Piper Aztecs. After high school, John enlisted in the United States Army where he served as an OH-58 helicopter mechanic and later as an Aviation Maintenance Warrant Officer. After leaving the Army, John began his career as an airline pilot. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Management from Embry-Riddle University.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: Beechcraft Bonanza.

Member Name: Matthew Gurniak, A&P

Position: Aircraft Mechanic

Certifications: FAA: Mechanic - Airframe & Powerplant; Private Pilot - ASEL

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Bio: Matthew's interest in aviation began when he was in the third-grade when his class went on a field trip to a local FBO that provided rides to the students. That trip around the pattern sparked a passion for aviation and Matthew earned his Private Pilot's License at age 17. After high school, Matthew joined the United States Air Force where he served as an aircraft mechanic, maintaining aircraft such as the F-15, F-16, A-10, F-117, C-130, C-141, C-17 and C-5. After twenty six years of service, Matthew retired in the top 1% of the enlisted corps as a Chief Master Sergeant. Matthew continues to enjoy flying and is working on his instrument rating. He joined the Bison Aviation team so that he could enjoy the camaraderie of the general aviation community.  Matt is also the first candidate to matriculate through the Bison Aviation A&P Apprentice Program and earn his FAA A&P license!

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: Cessna 100 & 200 series

Halibut

Position: Hangar Security Consultant

Certifications: Feline

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: Wing Walking, Bird Chasing, Cat Napping.

Bio: Halibut adopted Bison Aviation in early 2018; since then she has "grown" into her position, maintaining a pest free environment for the rest of her Bison teammates.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: The one she happens to be sleeping under.

Tuna

Position: Hangar Security Consultant

Certifications: Feline

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: Caterwauling, Cat Napping, Glaring From High Vantage Points.

Bio: Tuna has been a fixture at the 5C1 service center for as long as any of us can remember; she enjoys singing loudly in her native tongue and stealing Halibut's bed.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: The one that isn't making noise.

Mackerel

Position: Hangar Security Consultant

Certifications: Feline

Location: Boerne Stage Airfield - 5C1

Special Training: Caterwauling, Cat Napping, Gluttony.

Bio: Mackerel is the latest addition to the Bison Hangar Security Team. While quite adept at dispatching prey found lingering about the hangar, Mackerel strongly prefers to have his food delivered to him by one of his human subordinates and is not shy about asking.

Favorite Aircraft to Maintain: Mackerel is far too busy napping to worry about airplanes.