In 1978 Mr. Braly joined Beech Aircraft as Plant Manager, producing single and twin-engine piston-powered aircraft. He held positions of increasing responsibility at Beech, including VP of Production, Manufacturing, Sr. VP of Operations, and President in 1990. Mr. Braly currently serves on the Museum’s Board of Trustees and holds an MS in Physics from Colorado State University. Mr. Braly is an active, multiengine & instrumented-rated pilot with over 4,300+ hours as a pilot in command.

Captain Julie E. Clark is a celebrated aviation trailblazer who has made a significant impact on the industry as both a commercial airline pilot and an airshow performer. Starting her flying career in the late 1960s, Clark was among the first female airline pilots in the United States, a
time when the profession as overwhelmingly male­ dominated.

After beginning her flying journey in her teens, Clark’s passion for aviation propelled her through the ranks, and she eventually became a retired airline captain, after having become one of the first women to fly for a major airline and overcoming the gender barriers of her time. Her commercial flying career spanned over four decades. during which she became known for her professionalism, skill, and dedication to safety.

Parallel to her airline career, Julie Clark has an impressive tenure of over 40 years in the airshow circuit. She is renowned for her aerobatic performances, particularly flying her beloved T-34 Mentor, which she
restored and maintains. Clark’s airshow displays have thrilled audiences across the country with precision flying, often choreographed to patriotic music, showcasing her deep love for aviation
and her country. She has amassed over 34,000 hours of flight time, with over 11,000 hours and 9 engines in her T-34.
Clark’s contributions to aviation have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including 3 Aviation Halls of Fame and the Sword of Excellence Awards, reflecting her status as a role model and pioneer for women in aviation. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers, inspiring
the next generation of pilots, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of flight.

Gracie Hayes is the owner of Fly Clean Nashville, a flourishing aircraft detailing
company that has served many private owners and corporate clients in Tennessee
since 2017. Gracie is a Nashville native and earned her Master of Business
Administration from TSU. Her aviation journey began when she took a position as the Business Development Manager of a flight school located at John C. Tune airport. She later served as the Operations Manager for an aircraft sales and management company before making the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. In addition to detailing planes and running her company, she enjoys immersing herself in the world of business aviation by writing about aviation-related topics and spending time at various airports meeting new people.

Jeff Knight was born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada in 1958.  He joined the Canadian Army in the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers in September 1977.  In 1992 Jeff was commissioned from the ranks, becoming an Electrical Mechanical Engineering Officer.  He completed his last years as the Officer Commanding RCEME Squadron at 4 Wing Cold Lake, retiring in 2005 after 28 years of service.  

In July 2005, Jeff accepted a position at 4 Wing Cold Lake under contract to the military, providing training to Canada’s fighter force in the CF-18 flight simulator.  In August 2020, Jeff retired for the second time after 43 years of continuous service, both in and out of uniform, with the Department of National Defence.

Jeff began his flying career in June 1974 and has flown from coast to coast to coast in Canada and many areas of the USA, including several trips to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum.    

Jeff first joined the Beech Aero Club in 2007 to help find the maintenance information and operating techniques he needed to help him get the most out of his Beech Aero Centre aircraft. In 2021, Jeff was elected President of the Beech Aero Club, the position he still holds today.  Jeff’s goal is to provide, through the Beech Aero Club, access to the most current maintenance and operational techniques for all Beech Aero Centre aircraft pilots and their “Baby Beech’s’.  Through presentations like “The Mouse Hunt,” owners and pilots within and without the Club will be brought together to share information that will keep our aircraft serviceable and our piloting skills sharp for many years.  

Mark Lee is CEO and owner at Forge Flightworks, an avionics services company located in greater Nashville, TN, that he acquired in late 2014. In his role as CEO, Mark is responsible for the overall operation of the company. Mark’s career spans telecom, software and aviation. He worked in planning, strategy and product marketing for Nortel Networks. He worked in product management and product planning at Microsoft for several years. Since 2007, Mark has worked in a variety of leadership roles in aviation. First at Diamond Aircraft as a Director of Marketing and Sales, then Aspen Avionics as VP of Business Development, and then at HondaAircraft, where he led marketing for the HondaJet. Mark earned his MBA with Marketing emphasis from Vanderbilt University, and his BA in Broadcasting from Western Kentucky University. Born and raised in Kentucky, Mark and his wife, Debbie, now reside in the greater Nashville, TN area.

ABOUT FORGE FLIGHTWORKS
Forge Flightworks, formerly known as Carpenter Avionics, the largest avionics service center in the MidSouth, is a national award-winning, FAA Authorized Repair Station that’s a one-stop-shop service center providing sales, installation, maintenance and repair of avionics, aircraft interiors, airframe and engine systems for business jets, turboprops, piston engine airplanes and helicopters of all ages. Forge offers a complete product line-up authorized by every major brand. Forge is exceptionally capable, and has an unwavering, high-integrity commitment to customer satisfaction.

Carl Marciniak is our Museum Steward since 2012. When he moved from Maine to Tullahoma he sighted the Staggewings flying over during Beech Party 2011. He visited the Museum and noted a T34 sitting on a pallet in the Cianchette hangar and offered to help put it together. One might ask how he had the knowledge to volunteer for such a task. Carl is a United States Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer, Retired after 24 years of service. His military career ambitions went to Navy aviation in boot camp. He served in many areas of aviation from electronics, fixed wing patrol, and an in-flight technician in P-3A, B & C’s with over 5,000 hours.

When asked what Carl likes most about being a Museum Steward who provides engaging and informative tours, he comments, “it’s the smiles on peoples faces.”

Carl is a graduate of the University of NY-Albany in the sciences field.

Mr. Narayanan currently owns (2) Beechcraft Starships and is a consultant to NASA, DARPA, and the USAF in matters related to aircraft sustainment, composite aircraft construction, and flight hardware certification for space mission platforms, as well as other Defense Department military programs. Raj holds an Airline Transport Pilot rating and a BS from the University of Southern California and a Master of Science from the University of Miami in Aviation Safety Engineering and Quality/Business.

Charles L. Parish has presided as President of the Beechcraft Heritage Museum since 2015. Charles is a commercial pilot with instrument, multi-engine, seaplane and glider certifications. He has flown over 35 type aircraft in his lifetime. He is an active member of the EAA, AOPA, RAF and the Staggerwing Club organizations.

Charles grew up in an aviation enthusiast family and has extensive experience in a variety of aircraft. He has served on the Tullahoma Airport Authority; past Chairman of the Tullahoma Planning Commission; past President of the Rotary Club and an Eagle Scout of the Boy Scouts of America where he continues to volunteer.

Charles has a business background with Worth, Inc. sporting goods company and a B.S. degree from the University of Tennessee – Martin.

Edward H. Phillips is a freelance writer, active CFI, and A&P with more than 45+ years of experience in the commercial aviation industry, including 20 years as a Business Flying Editor for Aviation Week & Space Technology Magazine. Since 1978 he has researched, written, and published nine books about the men, women, airplanes, and companies that made Wichita, Kansas, the undisputed “Air Capital of the World,” and contributed over 1,000 articles to various aviation technical and history magazines. Ed is an avid enthusiast of America’s early decades of aeronautics spanning 1903-1950. He is a Vietnam Veteran and lives In Montgomery, AL.

Sherry has been the Resident Director of the Museum since the summer of 2015. She is a retired school teacher who manages all the membership, finances, and Gift Shop. She has been instrumental in the growth and success of the museum, and her passion for our history and membership is infectious.

I am currently retired after 38 years as pilot for United Airlines. I have been a member of EAA since 1963 and a member of Warbirds of America and Vintage since 1984. My wife, Randi and I live on an airpark outside of Chicago, in Downers Grove, Illinois.

I was fortunate enough to grow up in an aviation-oriented family in the Chicago suburbs. My father was an airline pilot and a Beechcraft Dealer/FBO in Joliet, Illinois. I spent a great deal of time in those early years at the airport growing up. My first solo was at the age of fourteen in gliders, and airplanes at sixteen. I was fortunate to fly many Beechcraft’s from the Musketeer’s to Beech 18’s. Advanced ratings were added as age and experience allowed.

Summer breaks from college brought on the first flying position. I flight-instructed and managed a glider school in Plainfield, Illinois. Flying for an airfreight operator in light twins, I continued my education of flight. Eventually I became the Assistant Chief Pilot and Check Airman in Citations and Lear Jets for that company.

The late seventies brought pilot hiring back to the major airlines. I checked out as a Captain in 1989 flying the Boeing 737, Airbus A-320, Boeing 757/767, Boeing 747/400, and the Boeing 777.

Although pursuit of family and career goals have kept me busy, I have also stayed active in General Aviation. I currently enjoy owning a vintage Piper Pacer, and a 1958 J-35 Bonanza. I just recently sold my T6 after 30 years. I have been an active formation qualified pilot flying wingman, lead, instructor and FAST Check Pilot. I enjoyed being President of Warbirds of America from 2006 until fall 2012 and I still am a Director Emeritus of Warbirds of America Board.

Recently, I started to fly the Beech 18 more often and added a Douglas DC3 type rating. I hope to fly at the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in Europe June of 2025. Very fortunate to keep the Aviation passion continuing with new adventures.

Mr. Stanko started Gemco Aviation in 1977 to provide professional aircraft maintenance services to aircraft owners in northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Those good people have helped build our airport and aviation service business into a beautiful Mahoning Valley success story. He maintained the entire Beechcraft line, from the venerable Beech Staggerwing, to the entire Bonanza series (including the oldest flying Bonanza in the world) and on up to the Beech King Air cabin-class turboprop twins. Gemco Aviation is a 3-time FAA Diamond Award Maintenance Facility.

Victoria Yeager is the widow of the great aviator General Chuck Yeager. Victoria has
written the book Chuck Yeager: What A Ride! She chronicles personal stories of their life together from her private diaries revealing the truth about living with a great American hero, a hero’s hero. Victoria shares their amazing adventures together all over the world and their relationship full of humor, fun, generosity, kindness, respect, integrity, loyalty, honesty and one of great love.