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	Inside About Us About Us Our Sponsors >> Invitational Staff		Invitational Staff Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Captain USN (retired) - Invitational Ambassador Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Captain USN (retired) joined the National Aviation Heritage Invitational as the first official Ambassador on December 21, 2004. Gibson is highly distinguished in the aerospace industry. Having graduated from the California Polytechnic State University in 1969, with a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering, Gibson served in the US Navy as a Test and Fighter pilot. He is a graduate of the highly acclaimed US Navy Fighter Weapons School, "Top Gun", and served combat missions in Southeast Asia. Gibson was an Astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander between 1978 and 1995. He flew 5 successful missions with satellites, DOD payloads, and Science Laboratories, commanding four of them. Gibson has logged more than 11,000 hours flight time in more than 50 types of civilian and military aircraft, of which more than 9000 hours are jet and rocket powered. Amongst other recognitions, Gibson performed the first ever docking with Russian "Mir" Space Station, participated in the investigations following the Space Shuttle Challenger accident and is a recipient of numerous NASA awards and military decorations. Gibson currently is a commercial airline pilot for Southwest Airlines, is married to Astronaut Margaret Rhea Seddon, M.D., and a proud farther of four. For a complete look at Gibson's impressive CV, click here. Ken Perich - Executive Director Ken holds a Commercial pilot's license with Single Engine Land, Single Engine Sea, Multi-engine Land, Multi-engine Sea and Instrument ratings. In addition, he holds type ratings in Cessna Citations and Lear Jets, which qualify him to fly over 11 different models of corporate aircraft. Ken also completed Boeing's flight training program on the 757/767 series of aircraft. He is a Trustee of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, a founding member and the Executive Director of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, which was established by Rolls-Royce, The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the Reno Air Racing Foundation, to promote the preservation of aviation history. Lorraine Rodman - Director Lorraine is the owner of Excellent Events Etcetera LLC, a meeting and event planning company. Prior to starting her own business she spent 15 years at Rolls-Royce and worked alongside Ken Perich, in her capacity as conference and events manager, getting Ken's vision of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational off the ground. She has been instrumental in NAHI's growth over the last ten years. Lorraine is a member of Meeting Planners International, International Society of Event Specialists, National Aviation Hall of Fame and serves on the Board of Directors for ECHO, Inc. (Every Citizen Has Opportunities). Marsha Pike - Director of Operations Marsha Pike's involvement with the National Aviation Heritage Invitational began in 2005. Based in Reno, she has a family affiliation with the Reno Air Races dating back to 1964, the first year of the air races at Sky Ranch. Long an antique and classic airplane enthusiast Marsha has a great deal of right seat time in taildraggers and is herself restoring a 1946 Aeronca Champion. She is a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and Vintage Aircraft Association. As Director of Operations Marsha is responsible for all aspects of aircraft participation, volunteer recruitment and scheduling, ramp and event management. Being affiliated with NAHI is a perfect fit for Marsha's ardent enthusiasm for historic airplanes. Tracy Rhodes - Director Western Region Tracy assumed the position of Western Region Coordinator in 2005, having been a participant in the event the previous two years. He has been involved in aviation for over 35 years. Tracy graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1969 and completed a 20-year career on active duty, flying the C-123K, T-37 and the C-5A/B. His civilian flying experience ranges from the Aeronca Champ to the Boeing 747-400 and over 30 other aircraft types. He is both a Technical Counselor and Flight Advisor and member of the Board of Directors of EAA Chapter 1361 in Reno, NV. Tracy is currently employed by a major airline as a captain on the Airbus A-319/320. Alan Hoeweler - Development Director Alan Hoeweler has been an aviation enthusiast since his childhood, but admits he could never afford the luxury of owning an aircraft until his lifestyle caught up with his desires. Now, Alan is a proud owner of two WACO bi-planes, a 1940 UPF-7 and a 1927 Model 10T (Taperwing). Alan holds a current Private Pilot license and has logged a little over 1000 hours in mostly tail wheel aircraft including Super Decathlons, Cessna 195s and open cockpit WACOs. One of Alan's family businesses is HGI Air, a Cessna Citation charter company. Alan has been working with the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) in Dayton, OH for about 5 years, currently serving on the board as Vice-President of Enshrinement and Media. Through the NAHF, Alan has had the opportunity to meet with many famous and notorious living aviators. He also serves on the board of his home base at Moraine Airpark, which constantly alerts him of today's challenges to the aviation fraternity. Being the National Aviation Heritage Invitational's Development Director, Alan is responsible for looking for future opportunities for NAHI and to cultivate additional sponsors. Bernard "Bernie" Leo Poppert, Jr. - Chief Judge Bernie Poppert has been a judge for the National Aviation Heritage Invitational since 2000 and was recently appointed as Chief Judge in 2005. Bernie brings plenty of aircraft restoration experience and knowledge to the Invitational. He actively served for eight years in the US Navy and served for another fourteen in the reserves. He began his professional career working four years at the USAF 89th FMS and OMS, at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. His work in the USAF included phase docks, aero repair/crash recovery, and sheet metal workmanship. Specific work included T-39 Saber liners, C-9 (DC-9), C-135 and C-137 (Boeing 707). He continued his career by working 20 years at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Paul E. Garber Preservation and Restoration Facility. Additionally, Bernie has worked as a museum specialist in aeronautics for eighteen years and more recently as Deputy Chief of Restoration. Specific projects included the Application Technology Satellite #6 and the Enola Gay (Boeing/Martin B-29). Bernie has been married thirty years to Jennifer, and is a proud father of four.

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