Board of Directors
The Los Angeles County Air Show is more than just an annual spectacle of aerobatic skill and aviation heritage—it is a community-driven event made possible by the dedication and vision of its Board of Directors. These volunteers, drawn from a variety of professional backgrounds, lend their expertise to ensure the show remains a safe, exciting, and educational experience for all who attend. Their leadership shapes everything from long-term strategic planning to the smallest logistical detail, all with the goal of inspiring a love of flight in the next generation.
“The success of the air show is a testament to the hard work and passion of our board of directors, who give their time to create an unforgettable experience for our community.”
The Role of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the Los Angeles County Air Show, providing oversight and direction for the organization. Board members are responsible for setting the strategic vision, ensuring financial stability, and upholding the show’s mission to promote aviation education and honor our nation’s aerospace legacy. Unlike a paid staff, every member of the board volunteers their time, often juggling demanding careers and personal commitments to advance the air show’s goals.
One of the board’s primary functions is to secure the resources necessary to produce a world-class event. This includes cultivating sponsorships, managing budgets, and maintaining relationships with local government agencies, airports, and community partners. The board also plays a critical role in risk management, making certain that all operations comply with safety regulations and legal requirements. By working year-round, the board ensures that each air show builds on the successes of previous years while adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
Beyond logistics and finance, the board serves as the public face of the air show. Members represent the organization at community events, in media appearances, and in meetings with stakeholders. Their collective expertise—ranging from aviation and engineering to law, business, and education—allows the air show to draw on a deep well of knowledge and insight. This diversity of perspective is one of the board’s greatest strengths, enabling it to consider every angle before making important decisions.
Executive Directors
The executive leadership of the board is composed of four dedicated officers who guide the organization’s day-to-day governance and set the tone for the entire board. These individuals hold specific roles that are essential for maintaining order, accountability, and forward momentum. Their combined experience ensures that the air show operates with both efficiency and integrity.
- Mike Van Kirk – President
- Allen M. Hoffman – Vice President
- Frank Mazzeo – Secretary
- Matt Vattioni – Treasurer
The President, Mike Van Kirk, chairs board meetings and provides overall leadership, working closely with the other officers to coordinate strategic initiatives. The Vice President, Allen M. Hoffman, supports the President and often steps in when needed, bringing additional leadership capacity to the board’s work. Frank Mazzeo, as Secretary, is responsible for maintaining accurate records of meetings, decisions, and official correspondence, ensuring that the board’s actions are transparent and well-documented. Matt Vattioni, the Treasurer, oversees the financial health of the organization, including budgeting, financial reporting, and the stewardship of funds raised through sponsorships and ticket sales.
Each officer brings a unique set of skills to the table. For example, the Treasurer’s role demands a strong background in finance or accounting, while the Secretary’s duties require meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of governance best practices. Together, these four individuals form the Executive Committee, which meets more frequently than the full board to address urgent matters and prepare for upcoming board discussions.
Directors at Large
In addition to the executive officers, the board includes several Directors at Large who contribute their expertise to specific projects and committees. These individuals do not hold formal officer titles, but their influence is felt across every aspect of the air show’s operations. They are often the driving force behind major initiatives, from volunteer recruitment to aircraft scheduling.
- Bob Driver
- Steve Irving
- Rhonda Nelson
- David Vierra
- Donita Winn
Bob Driver, for instance, may focus on operational logistics, ensuring that the air show’s ground and air operations run smoothly and safely. Steve Irving might bring expertise in marketing and public relations, helping to promote the event and attract attendees. Rhonda Nelson could be instrumental in community outreach, strengthening relationships with schools and youth organizations. David Vierra’s background might be in aviation or aerospace, providing technical guidance on aircraft selection and safety standards. Donita Winn’s strengths could lie in fundraising and donor relations, helping to secure the financial resources needed to produce the show.
The Directors at Large serve for staggered terms, which ensures continuity while also allowing for fresh perspectives. They are often recruited for their passion for aviation and their willingness to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work that a volunteer-run event requires. Their dedication is a key reason why the Los Angeles County Air Show continues to grow in popularity and impact.
Liaison Roles
The board also benefits from the expertise of several liaisons who serve as bridges between the air show and critical external partners. These individuals bring specialized knowledge and help navigate the complex relationships that are essential to the event’s success. While they may not have voting rights on all matters, their advice and coordination are invaluable.
- Richard Smith – LA County Airports
- Robert Ross – Legal
- Stephen Johnson – Volunteers
Richard Smith, as the liaison to LA County Airports, works directly with airport authorities to secure the venue and ensure that all aviation activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations. This role involves coordinating airspace closures, ground operations, and emergency response plans—a massive undertaking that requires both diplomacy and technical know-how. Robert Ross, the legal liaison, advises the board on matters ranging from contracts and liability to intellectual property and nonprofit compliance. His guidance helps safeguard the organization and its volunteers from unnecessary risk.
Stephen Johnson serves as the volunteer liaison, a role that is central to the air show’s success. With hundreds of volunteers needed to staff the event, Stephen coordinates recruitment, training, and scheduling, often working with community groups and schools. If you are interested in joining the volunteer team, you can learn more on our Volunteers page. The work of these liaisons ensures that the board’s decisions are informed by the realities of airport operations, legal requirements, and volunteer capacity.
The Business Administrator
Behind every effective board is a skilled business administrator who handles the day-to-day tasks that keep the organization running. The Los Angeles County Air Show is fortunate to have a business administrator who manages communications, schedules meetings, maintains records, and supports the board’s various committees. This role is essential because it allows board members to focus on strategic decision-making rather than administrative minutiae.
The business administrator often serves as the first point of contact for community inquiries, sponsors, and vendors, directing them to the appropriate board member or committee. They also help prepare meeting agendas and documents, track action items, and ensure that the organization remains compliant with all reporting requirements. While the business administrator may not be a voting member of the board, their contribution is vital to the smooth operation of the air show.
How the Board Supports the Air Show
The board’s work is a year-round endeavor, far beyond the two days of the actual event. In the months leading up to the show, board members meet regularly to review progress, address challenges, and make key decisions. They oversee committees responsible for everything from air operations and ground safety to hospitality and media relations. Each committee is chaired by a board member who reports back to the full board on their progress.
Fundraising is another major focus. The air show relies on sponsorships, grants, and ticket sales to cover the substantial costs of hosting a large-scale aviation event. Board members are actively involved in cultivating relationships with corporate partners and individual donors, often leveraging their professional networks to open doors. Their efforts ensure that the show remains accessible to the community, with free admission for children under a certain age and discounts for military and first responders.
Perhaps most importantly, the board is committed to the educational mission of the air show. By promoting STEM learning and showcasing the possibilities of aviation and aerospace careers, they hope to inspire young people to pursue their dreams in these fields. Many board members themselves have backgrounds in aviation, military service, or engineering, and they bring that passion to their work. The air show is not just an entertainment event; it is a platform for education and inspiration.
Get Involved
The Los Angeles County Air Show would not be possible without the dedication of its board, but the board also relies on the broader community to succeed. If you are interested in learning more about the air show’s mission and history, please visit our About page. There you will find details about the show’s origins, its impact, and the people who make it happen.
If you would like to contribute your time, consider becoming a volunteer. The air show welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and no prior aviation experience is necessary. To get started, check out our Volunteers page for more information. And if you have questions, comments, or ideas for the board, please feel free to reach out through our Contact page. Your support, whether as a sponsor, volunteer, or enthusiastic attendee, helps keep the spirit of aviation alive in Los Angeles County.