Migration 2026

Kirk Lippold is a highly decorated officer who commanded USS Cole (DDG-67) during the terrorist attack in Yemen in October 2000. Kirk demonstrated extraordinary leadership and courage in saving his ship and crew in the face of devastating circumstances. His decisive actions, unwavering resolve, and commitment to his sailors in the aftermath of the attack exemplified the highest traditions of naval service and inspired countless military professionals. Throughout his distinguished 26-year naval career, Kirk served in critical leadership positions across the Navy and Department of Defense, from tactical operations to strategic planning, earning the respect of peers and subordinates alike. His dedication to service has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and other personal and unit awards. Beyond his military achievements, Kirk continues to serve his country as a national security expert, author, and speaker. He is also a Private Pilot with an instrument rating and flies a Beechcraft Bonanza F33A.

Patty Wagstaff is one of the most celebrated and respected figures in aviation, known worldwide for her breathtaking aerobatic performances and groundbreaking accomplishments in the cockpit. A six-time member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team, Patty made history as the first woman to win the title of U.S. National Aerobatic Champion and remains one of the few to have won it three times. Her artistry, precision, and fearless approach to flight have inspired generations of pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Throughout her career, Patty has performed at airshows across the globe, dazzling millions with her signature style and commitment to excellence. Her contributions to aviation have earned her induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and numerous prestigious honors, including the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Trophy for Current Achievement and the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship. Beyond the airshow stage, Patty continues to give back to the aviation community as an instructor and mentor. Through Patty Wagstaff Aviation Safety LLC in St. Augustine, Florida, she trains pilots in aerobatics, upset recovery, and precision flight to help them become safer and more confident aviators.

In his role as Chairman and CEO, Jack Pelton leads EAA’s board and staff in its mission of growing participation in aviation and inspiring people to fly, build, and further engage in flight. Pelton is an EAA Lifetime Member devoted to restoring and flying vintage aircraft. He currently holds airline transport and commercial pilot certificates and has earned instrument, multi-engine, and seaplane ratings, plus type ratings for the Cessna Citation and Cessna Mustang jets. Pelton is the retired chairman, president, and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company, where he oversaw new aircraft development, testing, certification, and improvements for all Cessna models. Prior to joining Cessna, Pelton was SVP of engineering for Dornier Aircraft. Pelton previously was the chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association board, and he served on the boards of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Business Aviation Association, and the Corporate Angel Network. Pelton has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the National Aeronautic Association’s Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award, the FAA’s Friend of Safety Award, and induction into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame.

Darren Pleasance serves as President & CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He brings a wealth of aviation and business experience. Early in his career, he flew as a corporate pilot before going on to fly charters in the Alaskan bush. He left professional aviation to pursue a career in business, most recently leading Cisco Systems Inc.'s Acceleration Center, an organization formed to accelerate the success of mission-critical aspects of Cisco's business transformation. Prior to joining Cisco, he led global customer acquisitions for Google and served as a partner in consulting firm McKinsey & Company's high-tech sector and marketing and sales practice. An active pilot and CFI, Pleasance has flown over 8,000 hours in more than 50 different types of aircraft—ranging from simple trainers to business jets and vintage warbirds, including a North American P–51 Mustang. He owns and operates a Piper Meridian, Van’s Aircraft RV–6, and Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey. Pleasance served for many years on the board of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

James A. Viola serves as President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), where he leads global advocacy for the advancement, safety, and sustainability of the general aviation industry. With more than three decades of aviation leadership, James has built his career around fostering innovation, promoting pilot training and safety, and supporting policies that strengthen the future of flight. Before joining GAMA, James was President and CEO of Vertical Aviation International (VAI), where he expanded the association’s reach and engagement across the rotorcraft and vertical flight community. He previously held senior leadership positions at the Federal Aviation Administration, including Director of General Aviation Safety Assurance, where he oversaw programs aimed at reducing accidents and improving pilot proficiency. A retired U.S. Army aviator and dual-rated instructor pilot, James logged thousands of flight hours in both airplanes and helicopters over his 26-year military career. His unique blend of operational, regulatory, and industry experience gives him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping aviation today.

Curt Castagna, C.M., was named the 11th President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) in August 2022, bringing more than 35 years of proven industry expertise to the role. Prior to this appointment, he served over six years as an NATA Board Member, including two years as Board Chair. Castagna currently serves as industry chair of the EAGLE Initiative—a collaborative effort between industry stakeholders and the FAA to eliminate lead from avgas by 2030 or sooner. Concurrently, he serves as CEO of Ascension Group Partners, specializing in airport development, project management, and aviation consulting, with general aviation and business aircraft centers at Long Beach and Van Nuys Airports. He has overseen the complete development, construction, and management of complex aviation projects throughout his career. Recognized for establishing collaborative partnerships and negotiating complex general aviation challenges, Castagna is devoted to mentoring future aviation professionals with over 30 years of experience as an adjunct professor in Aviation Administration programs at California State University, Los Angeles, and Cypress Community College. He is a certified private and instrument-rated pilot and aircraft owner.

Mike Ginter was appointed Senior Vice President of the AOPA Air Safety Institute in June 2024. Before leading ASI, Ginter joined Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in 2018 as Vice President of Airports & State Advocacy, spearheading efforts to protect airports, bringing 1,000 new volunteers into the AOPA Airport Support Network, and helping to successfully resolve more than 700 airport issues on behalf of AOPA members. He led the effort to plan and execute the successful National Celebration of General Aviation Flyover of Washington, D.C., which highlighted the history and utility of general aviation aircraft. Prior to joining AOPA, Ginter spent 27 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring with the rank of captain. During that time, he accrued more than 5,300 flight hours and 555 carrier landings, completed four deployments to the Persian Gulf, commanded a jet squadron, and served as operations officer for the USS John F. Kennedy. In 2003, he led the demonstration team responsible for showcasing the capabilities of the Lockheed S-3 Viking. That same year, his squadron won the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. Throughout his Navy career, Ginter, who earned his private pilot certificate at 18, continued to fly general aviation aircraft.

As President and CEO of the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo and the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), Gene Conrad leads one of the nation’s largest aviation events and educational organizations, dedicated to inspiring and preparing the next generation of aerospace professionals. Before assuming this role in 2022, Gene served as Director of Lakeland Linder International Airport for more than a decade, where he oversaw a $200 million capital improvement program and helped position the airport as a hub of innovation and growth. His leadership was instrumental in relocating NOAA’s Aircraft Operations Center to Lakeland and securing Amazon Air’s 50-year lease for its regional cargo facility. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Aviation Management, Gene began his career in air service development and operations at Branson Airport and Dayton International Airport. Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, he grew up surrounded by aviation. His father served as airport director at Wittman Regional Airport, home of EAA AirVenture, where Gene has volunteered for more than 30 years. Gene remains an active advocate for general aviation, aviation education, and community engagement.

Josh Harnagel is a CFI, CFI-I, and MEI with over 3,000 hours of flight time. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Redbird Flight, where he leads the company’s day-to-day operations. Josh has held a number of key positions and been an instrumental contributor to the company's explosive growth. Most recently, he served as VP, Customer Experience, leading the company's sales, marketing, customer support, and customer success teams. Throughout his career, Josh has been dedicated to providing products, spearheading initiatives, and facilitating experiences for flight training organizations and pilots that help advance the flight training and general aviation industries. He owns and operates a Beechcraft Bonanza, which he makes a point of flying as much as possible. On the Migration main stage, Josh will present his initial takeaways from Redbird's annual State of Flight Training Survey and Report, a comprehensive resource on the current state of the flight training industry that is designed to provide strategic data to flight training professionals.

Eric is Vice President & COO at Aerospace Center for Excellence. He is a lifelong lover of all things aviation and aerospace. Before joining ACE, he opened the Polk State College Aerospace program in 2012 and served as its Director for a decade, growing the program from one degree with nine students to four degrees with almost 300 total students. Eric was instrumental in helping Polk State College become the first public college in Florida to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Sciences. Prior to his work at Polk State College, he served as Aviation Content Manager and Chief Instructor for Gleim Publications, as Chief Ground Instructor for Middle Tennessee State University, and as a corporate pilot. He is a long-time teacher, flight instructor, curriculum designer, and business developer. Eric is also an active member of the FAA Airmen Certification Standards Working Group, which is charged with advising the FAA on updates and upgrades to the airmen testing system. He co-chairs the Central Florida Aerospace Education Consortium, the industry advisory board responsible for providing guidance and support to Polk State Aerospace, the Central Florida Aerospace Academy, and Travis Technical College.