Leadership

Growing up in Wichita, Kansas—known as the air capital of the world—Clay Lacy began flying at age 12 and had 1,500 hours under his belt in January 1952 when he joined United Airlines as copilot on the DC-3 aircraft. During his career at United Airlines, he flew the Convair 340, DC-3, DC-4, DC-6, DC-7, DC-8, DC-10, Boeing 727 and Boeing 747-400. He retired seniority No. 1 in 1992 after more than 41 years of incident-free flying.

In 1953, Clay joined the California Air National Guard at Van Nuys Airport, where he flew the F-86 fighter jet and became the officer in charge of instrument training.

In 1962, Clay and fellow Air National Guard pilot Jack Conroy, founder of Aero Spacelines, made the first test flight of the Pregnant Guppy, a Boeing 377 Stratocruiser modified to carry the Saturn rocket booster in support of the nation’s space program to put man on the moon. Overall, he has made first flights in five new or heavily modified airplanes.

In 1964, Clay flew the first Learjet into Van Nuys Airport as a demonstrator for Pacific Learjet, distributor in 11 western states, shaping a new era in corporate air transportation and mobility.

Four years later he founded Clay Lacy Aviation as the first jet charter and executive jet management company on the West Coast, now recognized as the world’s most experienced operator of private jets.

An acclaimed aerial cinematographer, Clay helped pioneer development of the Astrovision camera system he has utilized to film over 2,000 projects, including movies such as “Flight of the Intruders,” “The Great Santini,” “Armageddon” and “Top Gun,” and nearly every airline commercial featuring air-to-air photography ever produced.

Meet legendary aviator Clay Lacy in this brief video

Clay was the 1970 National Unlimited Air Race champion flying his P-51 and holds 29 world speed records, including a 36-hour, 54-minute, 15-second around-the-world record in 1988 flying a Boeing 747SP that raised $530,000 for children’s charities. He has flown more than 300 aircraft types, logged more than 50,000 flight hours and accumulated more miles flying jet aircraft than anyone on Earth.

In 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration presented Clay with a Wright Brothers Master Pilot Certificate in recognition of his aviation expertise and safe operations for over 50 years. The same year, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame for his legendary achievements as an air pioneer.

Clay Lacy has achieved worldwide acclaim for his indelible and lifelong contributions to aviation, and is the recipient of many other prestigious honors and awards.

Explore the aircraft that played a significant role in Clay’s career.

Aircraft 


“LUCKY ME: The Life and Flights of Veteran Aviator Clay Lacy.”

“My whole life has been luck,” Clay Lacy says. With a forward by Neil Armstrong, and dozens of exclusive photos, this highly readable book by Stacy T. Geere reveals the talent, inspiration, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit behind Clay’s success.

Gain insights into one of the major figures in U.S. aviation history, his groundbreaking achievements and unique contributions to the private jet industry. You will appreciate quotes from aviation luminaries, such as astronaut Gene Cernan, and anecdotes about entertainment figures like John Travolta, Johnny Carson and Frank Sinatra.

Autobiography

Brian Kirkdoffer was fortunate to have our founder Clay Lacy as his flight instructor. Years later, in 1990, Brian joined Clay Lacy Aviation as a Learjet pilot and business development executive. He progressed to captain all Learjet models, as well the Gulfstream GII, GIII, GIV and GV large-cabin business jets. As a captain flying to more than 130 countries, his long list of elite passengers included former U.S. presidents, a British prime minister, international business leaders and major figures from sports and entertainment. In 2003 he was named company president and led the business to significant growth across its aircraft management, jet charter, jet maintenance and FBO business lines.

Brian acquired Clay Lacy Aviation in 2012 and his leadership has guided the company’s national expansion to nearly 800 team members, a fleet of managed aircraft valued in excess of $2 billion and over 35 U.S. operating locations, including multiple full-service FBOs and FAA-certified MRO facilities. Brian has served on several OEM advisory boards, held aviation industry leadership positions and is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). He has also guided the company’s strategic innovations, including its industry-leading sustainability program. Brian has a B.S. in business administration from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business.

Bradford’s financial and accounting management experience includes exceptional achievements in the distribution, service, manufacturing and Big Four public accounting industries. Before joining Clay Lacy in 2011, Bradford held vice president and controller positions at major entertainment, e-commerce and security companies. He began his career as a senior audit manager at Price Waterhouse. Bradford holds an MBA from Loyola Marymount University and a BS in business administration from the University of Southern California. He has been a CPA in California since 1981. A driven professional, Bradford exemplifies the Clay Lacy commitment to excellence and plays a vital role in our rapid growth and continuing success.

His executive career is highlighted by a host of achievements in the business aviation and aerospace industries. He joined Clay Lacy from Dassault Aircraft Services, where he was Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Business Development for their aftermarket business.  Previously he was Vice President and General Manager  for StandardAero LAX, Director of Engineering & Quality with Gulfstream Aerospace Dallas, Worldwide Director of Quality and Lean Manufacturing for Pilkington Aerospace, and served in several management roles at both McDonnell Douglas and Hughes Aircraft.

David served in the U.S. Marines as a forward air controller. Among his numerous professional certifications, he is Six Sigma Green Belt certified. David holds an A&P license and a BS in industrial technology from West Coast University in Los Angeles and is working toward his MBA.

Veriar oversees Clay Lacy’s aircraft management and jet charter customer service standards, ensuring industry-leading service to every client, every time. She also leads our Operational Control Center, with authority over mission interruption response and mitigation. Veriar has more than three decades of aviation experience, deep industry knowledge, and exceptional management and client service skills. Previously Vice President of Charter and Managed Aircraft Sales, she has played a leading role in our success since our founder, Clay Lacy, personally recruited her in 1985. She grew up in the business aviation industry, as her father owned an aircraft interior shop at Santa Monica Airport. Veriar began her career at Tiger Air in Burbank, where she served as supervisor of customer and ramp services.

Chris leads our Eastern U.S. operations, headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut, guiding the flight operations, maintenance, finance and aircraft management teams. During more than two decades in aviation he has served clients ranging from Fortune 500 flight departments to the world’s most prominent individuals. Prior to Clay Lacy, Chris was president and director of operations at a leading charter and management company with a 30-year history, and director of operations at an air freight operator. He has also owned and operated his own aviation businesses, including aircraft leasing and owner/operator airshows.

Chris has 12,000 hours in more than 90 aircraft models, and is typed rated in Gulfstream G650, Global Express, Falcon 2000, Falcon 50 and several other aircraft. He holds an ATP Multi-Engine Land and Sea Certificate, and is a certified flight instructor. Chris graduated from the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota with a BS in Aeronautical Studies.

Scott leads strategic development activities and directs marketing and sustainability initiatives across Clay Lacy’s diverse line of business jet services. Scott also oversees operations at our John Wayne Airport FBO in Orange County, California. He is a third-generation pilot whose business aviation expertise spans a wide spectrum of disciplines. His passion for aviation started early. Upon receiving his B.S. in business management from Biola University, he became a Certified Flight Instructor with instrument and multi-engine instruction privileges. In 2000 he began working as a dispatcher for an aircraft management and sales organization with four aircraft that grew to over 75 business jets in 25 cities in the U.S. and China. During his 14-year tenure he served as operations manager, sales director and then vice president of marketing and aircraft management. Scott joined Clay Lacy in 2013 as vice president of marketing, later serving as senior vice president of business operations prior to his current role. In 2021 he received his Corporate Aircraft Manager (CAM) certification from the National Business Aviation Association. He serves on the National Air Transportation Association’s (NATA) Environmental Committee, the National Business Aviation Association Environmental Sub-Committee, the Paragon Aviation Network FBO Advisory Board, Air Elite by World Fuel Advisory Committee, and is an advocate member of the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA).

Justin directs strategic initiatives and planning across our organization, with operating and financial responsibilities for the company’s aircraft management, charter, and FBO business lines. He also plays a key role in identifying and capitalizing on major growth opportunities, such as potential mergers and acquisitions. Previously, Justin was vice president of aircraft management and business strategy, guiding initiatives that created greater value for our clients and continuous improvement in our service offerings. A commercially rated pilot, Justin holds an MBA from the University of Southern California and has B.B.A. in aviation management from Baker College.

Joe directs Clay Lacy’s strategic commercial activities in aircraft management, jet charter, maintenance and FBO business units. His range of knowledge comes from a grass-roots career, having worked in many facets of the business. Joe began his aviation career in 2004 as an intern at an aircraft management and charter company, and credits the continuous learning opportunities and excellent mentors as a major component of his career.  He’s a committed business aviation professional, to improve the business model and provide principal users with a legendary aviation experience.  He’s an NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM), and was named to NBAA’s inaugural class of “Top 40 Under 40” in 2018. He serves as the Chair to the NBAA’s Business Aviation Management Committee, which produces the NBAA Management Guide, and the NBAA Leadership Conference.  Joe is also on the board of the Southern California Aviation Association, focusing his time on mentoring students pursuing careers in aviation. He holds an MBA from California Lutheran University and a B.S. in communications from California State University at Northridge.

Valerie is responsible for the development and implementation of Clay Lacy’s extraordinary customer experience, through every interaction on the ground and in the air. She leads a team dedicated to improving every aspect of client connections. Valerie joined Clay Lacy in 2000 and was instrumental in establishing our Inflight Services department, which she eventually led as Director, and was the driving force behind the industry’s first Cabin Attendant Intern Program, developing carefully chosen young professionals into full-time Cabin Attendants. As Vice President of Customer Experience, she carries insights learned from those successful programs to create innovative and legendary customer service for each client. Previously, Valerie worked in sales and customer service at the elite Sports Club LA, and studied at California State University, Northridge.

Henry brings a consultative, problem-solving approach to his work with aircraft owners, C-level executives, family offices and flight department personnel. His focus is on leveraging Clay Lacy’s suite of services to lower operating costs, increase dispatch reliability and improve the business jet ownership experience.  Henry has more than a decade of business aviation experience, and wide-ranging knowledge of aircraft management, maintenance and operations. Prior to his current position, he served our clients as an account executive and aircraft manager. He joined Clay Lacy as an Operations Specialist in 2011, playing a critical role in implementing our innovative Safety Management System, as well as coordinating risk management and independent safety audits. Previously, Henry worked in line and customer service at a major Southern California FBO. An enthusiastic licensed private pilot, he has a B.S. in business administration, with a focus in business law, from California State University, Northridge.

Ken works within our flight operations team to enhance safety and efficiency using new technologies and real-time data. He also helps first-time owners identify the right aircraft to purchase, and assists with crew recruitment and hiring, maintenance and flight coordination, and detailed and transparent reporting. Ken leverages the expertise he has gained an international pilot to help owners retain greater aircraft value. He continues to captain a Gulfstream IV-SP in the Clay Lacy managed fleet, and previously held captain and first officer positions with jet charter providers, corporate flight departments, and large domestic and international commercial airlines. Ken has a B.S. in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle University, where he minored in aviation management

Daniel leads our team of finance and accounting professionals, delivering comprehensive accounting, reporting and analysis for our clients on the performance of their aircraft. He spearheads initiatives to deploy new business systems and drive continuous improvement in reporting and planning processes, ensuring that clients always have the information they need, to make informed decisions. Daniel has extensive experience in aircraft management, finance and software implementation. He joined Clay Lacy as Senior Fleet Analyst in 2017. Previously, he was director of corporate strategy for a business aviation management and charter company, advising on corporate and financial strategies and business development initiatives. He earlier worked as an aircraft manager, providing financial and operational guidance and analysis. Daniel has a BBA in finance from the College of William & Mary.

Jacob is a trusted advisor to business jet owners who rely on his aviation expertise, financial acumen and proven ability to meet the exacting needs of individuals, family offices and leading corporations. He works proactively with our financial planning & analysis, operations, maintenance and InFlight Services teams to ensure clients enjoy the full benefits, value and enjoyment from aircraft ownership. Jacob joined Clay Lacy from a national private aviation firm where he was regional vice president of account management. Previously, he held account management and client relations positions at major business aviation companies. Jacob has a B.S. in accounting, business management, and finance from the University of Wisconsin, Parkside.

Anne provides expert insights and consistently superior service to our aircraft owners and their teams. She has extensive leadership, communication and negotiating skills, gained by managing complex programs for corporate and private clients. Before bringing her knowledge and abilities to business aviation, Anne was a corporate travel manager for a leading private investment firm, and earlier worked for 10 years as a corporate travel manager for Playtex Products, Inc. Anne grew up in Hamburg, Germany, fluent in German and English, and conversational in Spanish, Russian and French. She has a degree in travel and tourism from Handelsschule Berliner Tor in Hamburg, Germany.

Brandi ensures that each client enjoys a superior aircraft ownership experience, maximizing the value and enjoyment of their aircraft. Clients benefit from her wide-ranging knowledge of domestic and international aircraft operations, from onboarding and flight crew management to maintenance and charter revenue generation. Before joining Clay Lacy, Brandi was an account manager at an East Coast aviation company, working closely with corporate and high-net-worth aircraft owners, and earlier was a senior charter and client relations coordinator at a Chicago-area jet charter operator. Although she began her career in retail store management her corporate aviation experience began at a young age through family members. An award-winning dressage rider, Brandi holds a B.S. in equestrian studies, with a double major, from Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio.

Nicole brings a hands-on, client-focused approach to the management of every aircraft. She is a highly experienced resource for our aircraft owners in the areas of maintenance, operations, crew staffing, budgeting and planning. She works closely with our flight operations, maintenance and finance teams to deliver a uniquely personalized level of service. Nicole began her business aviation career in 1996. Before joining Clay Lacy, she was vice president of client services for a Part 91 aircraft management company. Previously, Nicole held vice president of operations and flight administration manager positions at jet charter and management companies in Southern California and was a manager for a full-service FBO for eight years.

Mike delivers expert guidance to aircraft owners, flight departments, and first-time business jet buyers through an understanding of their ownership and operational objectives, while creating a personalized aircraft management solution to achieve their goals. From crew recruitment and hiring to maintenance and flight coordination, he leverages Clay Lacy Aviation’s expertise, resources and buying power to deliver maximum value for each client. Mike’s asset management experience includes nearly 20 years in the community management industry, where he most recently served as CEO and Director of Business Development for a Southern California real estate firm. He holds numerous certifications in that industry and was an executive board member of the Community Associations Institute. Mike has a B.S. in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a deep passion for aviation from his father Scott, a former DER for Sikorsky Aircraft.

Danielle leverages deep expertise in flight operations and management services, ensuring each client enjoys a superior personalized aircraft ownership experience, while maximizing the enjoyment and value of their aircraft. She is a highly experienced partner for our aircraft owners in the areas of operations, crew oversight, budgeting and planning, and maintenance. Her decades of experience in Flight Operations as a Senior Flight Coordinator at a large charter operator has driven her success in managing aircraft for both large corporations and high-net-worth individuals. Danielle attended Concordia University in Wisconsin and was a former Certified Professional in Human Resources.

Ryan delivers a cohesive management experience for Clay Lacy clients by integrating thoughtful customer service and data-driven decision making. Clients rely on his broad background to help make the best possible decisions in their aircraft’s management. Previously, he led Part 91/135/121 scheduling and charter departments, optimized high-spend aircraft acquisition plans, and managed flight department accounts with domestic and international operations for both business jets and airliners. Ryan joined Clay Lacy from a global aircraft fuel provider where he managed its largest U.S. territory with revenues exceeding $380 million annually. He earned a B.S. in business administration from California Baptist University.

Jordan oversees Clay Lacy aircraft management for the Southeast and East Coasts from his base in Atlanta, GA. He builds relationships and works to ensure win-win solutions for all stakeholders. As a resource aggregator, he shares our extensive suite of aircraft support solutions to bring new aircraft to our managed fleet and our flight department support services. Before joining our team, Jordan served as a corporate account manager for a large international trip support company and as a sales director for a worldwide leader in turbine aircraft sales and acquisitions. An alum of Textron’s leadership development program early in his career, Jordan also holds a B.S. in aviation management from Auburn University, graduating cum laude.

Working closely with our clients and their teams, Tanner ensures each client receives the personal attention and timely information to ensure the best aircraft ownership experience.  His engineering background working with both military and civilian aircraft enable him to identify solutions and provide deep insights. He deploys his analytical skills to advocate for customers, analyzing aircraft financial and maintenance reports to ensure accurate and transparent reporting. With experience in the offshore drilling industry as a field engineer and operational support specialist where he led communications with customers during urgent, time sensitive matters, Tanner has built a proactive, customer-first mindset. He earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering with a minor in psychology from NY’s Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he also played men’s Division II club ice hockey and served as assistant captain.

Dondi is responsible for providing leadership and guidance to Clay Lacy’s flight operations, control center functions, inflight services, and safety, security and regulatory compliance. He works closely with our pilots, cabin attendants, clients and leadership team, ensuring that safety, service and value are at the core of all flight operations activities.

Dondi brings over three decades of business aviation executive and team leadership experience to Clay Lacy, as well as expertise gained from his military career. Before joining Clay Lacy, he held vice president of operations, assistant chief pilot, and large cabin fleet instructor pilot positions at both regional and national private jet companies, and was a program manager, chief instructor and check airman at FlightSafety International. He holds an Air Transport Pilot license, with more than 13,000 hours of flight time, and is type rated in multiple Gulfstream, Embraer and Citation business jet models.

A retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Dondi was director of operations, training and standards at the Ohio Air National Guard 121 Air Refueling Wing, comprising 2 squadrons with more than 1,000 personnel. Earlier, he was a pilot in the U.S. Navy, flying the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopter and T-34, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander, holding numerous positions overseeing operations, maintenance, pilot training and other key functions.

He completed the Air Command and Staff College at the Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, earned a BS in psychology from Otterbein College and holds a M.Ed in leadership systems from the University of West Florida at Pensacola.

Steve oversees and directs the recruitment, training and mentoring of our nationwide team of pilots. Steve also manages compliance with Operational Procedures and our Safety Management System (SMS), liaises with executive leadership across the company, works closely with our aircraft owners and assists in planning flights, routes, operations and the adoption of new equipment.

During his decades in business aviation, Steve has held Chief Pilot, Captain, Check Airman, Director of Operations and other key positions at leading West Coast charter operators and corporate flight departments, and is a Designated Pilot Examiner for the FAA. He began his aviation career as a flight instructor in 1978. Steve is type rated in Gulfstream, Challenger, Learjet and Hawker business jets, with international experience throughout Europe, the Pacific, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He has flown in more than 55 countries, with over 800 oceanic crossings.

Steve’s aviation credentials include Airline Transport Pilot, Designated Pilot Examiner, and CFI Instrument/Multi-Engine. He studied aviation, human development and psychology at universities in California and Oregon.

Kelley leads the team responsible for designing and delivering an extraordinary Inflight experience to aircraft owners and charter clients. The Inflight team comprises more than 150 safety trained and culinary-skilled Cabin Attendants and a Ground Support Team, delivering additional services and resources to our crew members and aircraft. Kelley joined Clay Lacy in 2013 as a member of our elite Cabin Attendant team and has most recently been Cabin Services Manager, overseeing all aspects of our Inflight coordination and services. With years of experience flying, she uses the same attention to detail now to recruit, hire and train future Cabin Attendants and Ground Service Professionals. She provides a direct line of communication with aircraft owners on behalf the Inflight team and looks for ways to continuously increase the quality of the flight experience for Clay Lacy customers. Kelley received a BA from California State University, Sacramento and holds an MA in English from National University.

Ed provides strategic direction for our entire suite of product support services, including Clay Lacy’s Van Nuys FBO, FAA Part 145 repair stations, mobile response teams and all maintenance, repair and overhaul activities. A strong leader with extensive experience in aviation maintenance and repair operations, planning and sales, his focus is on exceeding customer expectations. Prior to this position, Ed was our vice president of maintenance. Before joining Clay Lacy, he led cross-functional teams in operations, sales, brand management and business development as general manager of the Dassault Falcon Jet Reno service center. While managing facility operations, he led a team that achieved 100 percent on-time delivery for every major project with a customer satisfaction level of 95 percent. Earlier, Ed was director of maintenance for a regional commuter airline serving seven major cities in North America. He holds an Airframe and Power Plant Certificate and is a former member of the Nevada State Aerospace and Defense Sector Council. Ed has a B.A.in political science from California State University, Northridge, and has completed Leadership Standards and Leadership and Management Ethics programs from Harvard Business School.

David Anderson serves as Director of Maintenance for Clay Lacy’s Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate. An employee since 1987, David’s knowledge, work ethic and abilities have positioned him as a highly sought-after resource in the aviation maintenance community. Dave is also a Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR-T) with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He received his initial training with the U.S. Army on OH-58 and Huey Helicopters. Recognized for his exceptional maintenance talents, he was a recipient of Air Force and Helicopter Association International scholarships after earning his Airframe and Powerplant Certification. David has been recognized by Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society for his scholastic achievements in aviation. Also an accomplished pilot, he holds an FAA commercial license with multi-engine and instrument ratings. He is factory-trained in the Douglas DC-9, Gulfstream and Learjet series, Bell Jet Ranger, Hughes 500 and Sikorsky S-76 aircraft.

Richard leads the team of factory-trained maintenance technicians at our FAA Part 145 Repair Station at Waterbury-Oxford Airport. Working closely with corporate flight department managers, directors of maintenance and aircrews, he ensures that every maintenance event is completed on time, on budget and to the highest industry standards. Before joining us in 2018, he managed a team of maintenance technicians at Bombardier’s Hartford Service Center. Previously, he was a flight engineer with General Electric’s corporate flight department for 11 years, maintaining a range of aircraft and supporting complex international itineraries spaning 86 countries for top executives. A veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Richard served in the U.S. Army for seven years. He earned his Airframe & Powerplant certificate, FCC licence and A.A. in business aviation from Northrop Rice, part of Rice University.

Pat is responsible for maintenance, avionics, interior and parts sales. He is the main point of contact for all retail and transient maintenance customer service, and assists with business development efforts. Over a career spanning three decades he has held regional sales and maintenance sales group management positions at aviation companies in Southern California and Canada, in addition to working for six years as an operational aircraft manager, responsible for maintenance oversight.  Pat is a licensed commercial pilot, type rated in Cessna Citation aircraft, and is Six Sigma certified. He has an MS in systems management from the University of Southern California and a BS in aerospace maintenance engineering from Northrop University.

Eddy ensures that clients receive superior quality and service on every inspection, repair, installation or alteration of their avionics, cabin management and entertainment systems. He has decades of experience and scores of certifications on a wide range of corporate, commercial and military aircraft and avionics systems. Eddy worked his way up from avionics technician to management positions at leading West Coast maintenance organizations. He provides exceptional value to his clients through his long-standing relationships with major avionics manufacturers and aircraft OEMs. He began his career at the U.S. Navy Avionics Technical School, training and working on F/A-18 Hornet combat jets and other military aircraft.