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

With over 10,000 hours of flight experience as a captain in Learjet and Gulfstream aircraft to more than 75 countries around the globe, and holder of four world aeronautical speed records, Brian Kirkdoffer is a highly respected and accomplished aviator. He joined the company in 1990 as a pilot, later holding sales and marketing positions before establishing the aircraft management services division.  As president and CEO, he now leads Clay Lacy Aviation into its second half-century.

Under Brian’s leadership, direction and vision, Clay Lacy Aviation has achieved exceptional growth and success in every area of operations —worldwide jet charter, aircraft management, FBO services, maintenance and repair, interiors and avionics.

Brian is a graduate of the University of Washington with a BS in business administration. He serves on the Boeing Business Jet, Bombardier Aerospace and Embraer Executive Jets customer advisory boards, and previously on Gulfstream’s customer advisory council. He also serves on the Leadership Council of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and is active in the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).

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.

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.

Chris leads key strategic initiatives that will further Clay Lacy Aviation’s leadership in business aircraft management services for corporate flight departments and individual owners. His projects are centered on driving crewmember recruitment, development and retention programs and best practices, optimizing internal flight department processes, and new business plan development to serve the evolving requests of our customers.

Chris has more than 35 years of aviation experience, and for the past 17 years has held leadership positions at several business aviation companies. Before joining Clay Lacy, he built the flight department for a Fortune 100 operator from the ground up to operate five aircraft with 33 employees in two locations in only four years. He has also served as an FAA Part 135 Chief Pilot and Director of Operations, Part 91 Chief Pilot and Director of Aviation, and performed extensive research on leadership performance and safety culture.

Chris is a retired USAF lieutenant colonel and fighter pilot, and an Outstanding Graduate of the USAF Fighter Weapons School. He is also a published author, writing articles for industry publications and four aviation thriller novels. Chris sits on the NBAA Business Aviation Management Committee and is an NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM). He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an M.A. in National Security Studies from California State University at San Bernardino, and a Ph.D. in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Scott directs the marketing and communications strategy for Clay Lacy Aviation’s diverse line of private jet services. Scott is a third-generation pilot with in-depth expertise across a wide spectrum of disciplines in business aviation. Scott’s passion for aviation started early. Upon receiving his BS 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 a fleet of Learjets then moved on to hold the positions of Operations Manager, Sales Director and VP of Marketing over a 13-year career with an international aircraft management and sales organization prior to joining Clay Lacy.

Justin leads our aircraft management team and guides our strategic initiatives that create greater value for our clients, drive continuous improvement in service offerings, and position Clay Lacy Aviation as the recognized industry leader in aircraft management services.  Justin is a commercially rated pilot, holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Baker College with a B.B.A. in Aviation Management.

Joe brings a consultative, problem-solving approach to his position as Vice President of Fleet Development. He works closely with aircraft owners, C-level executives, family offices, and flight department personnel to identify how Clay Lacy’s suite of services can best support their flight operations. He offers complete turn-key aircraft management with a custom set of services to enhance an existing flight department. Joe considers his efforts as an extension of each customer’s mission or company, with a detailed understanding of their needs to develop a solution that achieves their goals.

Joe began his aviation career in 2004 as an intern at an aircraft management and charter company which moved him quickly into a prominent role in flight coordination and fleet development. He has spent the last eight years defining, analyzing and implementing efficiencies for aircraft owners around the globe. He is committed to enhancing the aircraft ownership experience for every client.

Joe is an NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM). He serves on the board of the Southern California Aviation Association (SCAA), focusing his time on mentoring students in non-traditional careers in aviation. He is also the Leadership Committee Co-Chair of the NBAA’s Business Aviation Management Committee (NBAA-BAMC), hosting the Annual Leadership Conference and helping develop the tools of the NBAA Management Guide.

Joe has a BA in communication studies from California State University, Northridge, where he minored in business marketing.

Henry Thomas has more than a decade of business aviation experience, and wide-ranging knowledge of aircraft management and operations. Clients rely on the uncompromising professionalism Mr. Thomas brings to the management of their aircraft, from safety and maintenance to dispatch reliability and crew recruitment and governance. They also value his ability to control costs through strategic planning, and his personalized, responsive service.  Mr. Thomas joined Clay Lacy as an Operations Specialist, playing a critical role in implementing our innovative web-based Safety Management System, as well as coordinating risk management and independent safety audits. Previously he worked in line and customer service at a major Southern California FBO. An enthusiastic licensed private pilot, Mr. Thomas has a BS in Business Administration with a focus in Business Law from California State University, Northridge.

Mark has exceptional expertise in aircraft management, flight operations, and client services. He ensures every aircraft owner receive maximum value, comprehensive safety, superior maintenance and precise, transparent reporting. Prior to joining Clay Lacy, Mark held executive positions at major companies serving the Middle East and Africa, including director of aviation sales at an international aerospace complex, chief commercial officer for a supplier of air charter, ground operations, fuel services and logistics, and director of sales at a global aviation logistics company. He began his aviation career as vice president of client services for a leading East Coast aircraft management, charter, sales and FBO provider. Mark attended the Jet Aviation Executive Leadership Program through Wharton Business School, and has a BS in social sciences from the University of Utah.

Ann has more than thirty years of experience in the business aviation industry. She brings to her role a profound understanding of the needs of aircraft owners, and the client service and executive expertise to ensure those needs are met. Before joining Clay Lacy, Ann was senior vice president for an international aircraft brokerage firm. Previously, she was manager of cabin management systems at Gulfstream Aerospace, supervised flight standards at a global aircraft management firm and established an independent flight department for a private equity firm. Ann began her career as a corporate flight attendant and rose to become chief cabin attendant for a worldwide aviation services company. She earned a degree in hotel management from Brooklands College in England. In her free time, Ann is an avid reader, business aviation mentor, and Red Bull Air Race fan.

Ken works with aircraft owners, C-level executives, family offices, and flight department personnel to increase efficiency and improve the safety of their flight operation. In addition, he assists first-time owners with identifying the right aircraft to purchase, crew recruitment and hiring, maintenance and flight coordination, and the final product, detailed and transparent reporting. His aviation expertise as an international pilot helps aircraft owners retain greater value in their aircraft with attention to professional, economic operations. Ken is a captain on the Falcon 900EX Easy with Clay Lacy. Previously he held captain and first officer positions with jet charter providers, corporate flight departments and commercial airlines, including as an international senior first officer and flight instructor on the Boeing 777 with Emirates, the world’s fourth-largest airline. Ken has a BS in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle University, where he minored in aviation management.

Daniel leads our team of finance and accounting professionals, delivering the most precise and comprehensive accounting, reporting and analysis in the industry. He spearheads our initiatives to deploy new business systems and drive continuous improvement in reporting processes, ensuring that clients always have the information they need, whenever they need it. 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.

Based at our Authorized Kodiak Dealership at Waterbury-Oxford Airport, Keith is an experienced aircraft owner & air charter operator with 20 years aviation experience. His passion for seaplanes has taken him from the Alaskan bush, the Maine wilderness and the beautiful waters of the Caribbean.  Allow Keith to find or build the ideal Quest Kodiak aircraft for your mission.

Veriar has more than three decades of wide-ranging experience, deep industry knowledge, and exceptional management and client service skills. Among her vital responsibilities, she ensures the smooth operation and uncompromising performance of our charter sales and flight coordination teams. Veriar has played an indispensable role in our growth and success since our founder Clay Lacy personally recruited her from Atlantic Aviation in 1985. Veriar literally grew up in the business aviation industry, as her father owned an aircraft interior shop at Santa Monica Airport. She began her career at Tiger Air in Burbank, where she rose to become supervisor of customer and ramp services.

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.

Joining Clay Lacy as Director of Operations in 1990, Tony boasts more than 25 years of experience in corporate flight department and charter operations. He holds an ATP certificate with Learjet type-ratings, and has more than 5,000 total flying hours. Mr. Kvassay also holds a law degree from Southern Methodist University and a BS in aeronautical engineering from Wichita State University.

Julie leads a talented team focused on continuously improving the client experience across all our service areas. Joining Clay Lacy in 1990 in business development and project management, Julie’s career is highlighted by contributions to a wide range of disciplines, from finance and procurement to creating a world-class cabin experience for our passengers. Among her achievements, she developed our InFlight Service department, customizing every journey to each client’s individual tastes, and works closely with aircraft owners and their families during the outfitting and interior design of their aircraft. Combining her twin passions for superior service and advanced technology, she continues to guide the implementation of the latest solutions to ensure Clay Lacy exceeds client expectations for safety, service and value. Julie has a BS in business administration from California State University, Northridge.

Ryan is an accomplished commercial pilot offering 10 years of international experience in the aviation safety field with a specific emphasis on training, education and Safety Management System (SMS) implementation. A licensed FAA and Transport Canada commercial pilot, Ryan has developed and taught International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) proficiency standards to foreign commercial pilots around the globe.

At Clay Lacy Aviation, Ryan directs safety initiatives and oversees the company’s Safety Management System to mitigate risk and enhance the level of safety and security throughout the organization’s distinct service areas.

Ryan began his aviation career in Toronto, Canada and spent time in the Middle East and South America in various aviation safety capacities. During his time abroad, he specialized in providing innovative solutions to improve overall business performance related to aviation safety programs and compliance with regulatory standards.

Daniel is a key member of our charter sales team, working closely with corporate flight departments and charter clients throughout Southern California. His consultative approach delivers unsurpassed value for each client, ensuring the ideal jet charter solution for every flight. Daniel has more than a decade of business aviation experience. Before joining Clay Lacy, he held senior analyst and charter sales executive positions at several leading operators in Greater Los Angeles. Daniel holds a B.S. from Pepperdine University.

Valerie leads our InFlight Services team responsible for designing and delivering an extraordinary experience onboard our aircraft for each and every passenger. The InFlight team comprises highly trained and culinary-skilled cabin attendants and a ground support team. Valerie joined Clay Lacy in 2000. She was instrumental in establishing our InFlight Services department and was a driving force behind our Cabin Attendant Intern Program. Unique in the industry, this intern program trains carefully chosen individuals from the ground up in everything from corporate etiquette and quality food sourcing, to a refined cuisine and service presentation. Valerie began her career in sales and customer service at the elite Sports Club LA, and studied at California State University, Northridge.

Steve oversees every aspect of our award-winning Van Nuys FBO facility, from day-to-day activities to strategic growth initiatives, government and community relations and the continual development of our talented group of employees. He is relentlessly focused on delivering the highest levels of performance and personal attention for every client, on every visit. Steve leads our ground support and customer service teams with a focus on continual development and training to provide a world-class experience. He began his aviation career as a line service technician in 1999 at Van Nuys airport and was quickly promoted to supervisor then director of operations. In 2007 he was named the General Manager of a Southern California FBO. Steve has a BS from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, is NATA Safety First certified, and is an instrument-rated private pilot.

Ed Mirzakhanian directs our company’s maintenance, repair and overhaul services across all locations, with a focus on exceeding customer expectations. He is also responsible for expanding these capabilities to provide more convenient service and support to current and future clients. Prior to this position, Ed 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.

A strong leader with extensive experience in aviation maintenance and repair operation, planning and sales, he also previously served as Director of Maintenance for a regional commuter airline serving seven major cities in North America. Ed earned a BS in political science from California State University, Northridge and completed Leadership Standards and Leadership and Management Ethics programs from Harvard Business School. He also holds an Airframe and Powerplant Certificate from Glendale Community College. He is a former member of the Nevada State Aerospace and Defense Sector Council.

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.

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.

Malcolm oversees maintenance operations at our Oxford Airport facility in Connecticut. His 30 plus years of aviation experience, management skills, professional SMS training and commitment to client service ensure superior quality and performance throughout all maintenance functions. Malcolm joined Clay Lacy after holding senior maintenance management and safety positions at large corporate and part 135 aviation companies. He has worked on most every make and model of business jet, as well as modern military combat aircraft and vintage World War II fighters. Malcolm is a United States Marine Corps veteran, and also served with the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s course on Safety Management Systems, holds an Airframe & Powerplant certificate, is RII Qualified, and is professionally trained on a variety of Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, Hawker and Citation models.

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.