Executive Biographies
 
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Gary Dempsey

President
National Air Transportation Association

Gary Dempsey was named the National Air Transportation Association’s (NATA) 9th President in September of 2018, dedicating efforts to assuring aviation businesses have a voice in Washington DC. Dempsey is also tasked with ensuring Aviation Business best practices are shared. Gary adheres to NATA’s mission of never compromising safety as well as supporting, inspiring, and continuously improving aviation businesses.

In July 2018, Gary retired as Jet Aviation’s Vice President of Sales Americas – a position he held for two years. Prior to this appointment, Gary was appointed President of Jet Aviation Holdings USA, INC, in July 2006. Based in Teterboro, New Jersey, Gary previously led networks of high-quality fueling bases, aircraft management services, satellite line maintenance centers, air carrier charter divisions, South and Central American operations and the aviation staffing company Jet Professionals.

Before joining Jet Aviation, Gary was Vice President of Service Center Operations for Gulfstream Savannah and General Dynamics Aviation Services (GDAS). Prior to Gulfstream, Gary led some of the top-rated FBOs and service centers in the U.S. and dedicated efforts to serving the general aviation transportation industry.

Gary holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Wilmington College. Additionally, Gary is an FAA licensed pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings, and he is also an A&P technician with FAA inspection authorization. Gary was a member of NATA’s Board of Directors for the past 6 years, serving as Board Chair in 2014. He is a former member of the NBAA Associate Member Advisory Council, a Wings Club member, and a strong supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County, Florida.

Gary was inducted into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame in 2015 for his contributions in the field of business aviation.

Gary is married to Tamara and they have 3 grown sons.


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Timothy R. Obitts

Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel
National Air Transportation Association
 
Timothy R. Obitts serves as the Executive Vice President of Operations and Business, General Counsel, for the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). In this role Mr. Obitts oversees the day-to-day operation of NATA and also serves as its general counsel.
 
Prior to joining NATA in November 2014, Obitts served as the managing partner of Gammon & Grange, P.C., a national practice law firm specializing in nonprofit and communications law, and also co-chaired its litigation practice. During Obitts' 18 years at Gammon & Grange, he served as corporate counsel and general counsel for many nonprofits and trade associations, handling a wide array of issues that affect their day-to-day activities and also lobbied Capitol Hill and federal agencies.
 
Obitts earned a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from California Western School of Law and a Bachelor’s Degree, double major Philosophy and History, from Gordon College, where he also was named All-New England in Tennis, NAIA. Obitts is licensed to practice law in California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, and Virginia, as well as numerous federal and appellate courts, and the U.S Supreme Court. Obitts co-founded several nonprofit organizations and serves on several nonprofit boards. Obitts and his wife of 19 years, Krista, have five children, ranging in age from five to fifteen.











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Jason S. Miller, CPA

CFO
National Air Transportation Association

Jason Miller joined NATA in December of 2012 overseeing the association’s finance and accounting functions. Jason’s involvement with the aviation industry includes previous work as the CFO of the airline owned charge card business, Universal Air Travel Plan. Jason’s background also includes the hospitality sector, previously serving as both Senior Manager of Internal Audit and Senior Manager of Marriott’s Security Exchange Commission Reporting function for Marriott International.

Jason began his career with the Big Four Accounting firms (Ernst & Young LLP/ KPMG LLP) where he specialized in both entrepreneurship and non-profit organizations as a financial statement auditor. In addition, he also serves as Treasurer for a number of non-profit organizations.









Ryan Waguespack

Vice President of Aircraft Management, Air Charter Services and MROs
National Air Transportation Association

A long-time supporter of the aviation business community and NATA, Ryan Waguespack served as the Chair of NATA’s WorkForce Development Committee and Illegal Charter Task Force, as well as Vice Chair of the Air Charter Committee as an association member. Waguespack most recently held the position of Vice President of Business Development of Summit Aviation. Previously, he served in various business development roles for charter and management operations, as well as aircraft sales, working closely with clients to educate them throughout the purchasing process and help them attain the best aviation solution for their needs. Waguespack is also the founder of the Alabama Business Aviation Association and is a frequent guest lecturer for Auburn University in the Harbert College of Business.