Ed Clark holds a B.S. in Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, and a M.S. in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University. Upon completion of his military service in Army Aviation, including as an OH-58 and UH-1H Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Ed’s professional journey has led him to serve in various senior level sales and leadership roles within the packaging industry prior to founding Global Recruiters Network Atlanta South, where Ed has carved a niche as a results-driven professional providing strategic solutions within the executive search field for the corrugated industry. Ed is also a licensed Georgia Realtor. Ed resides in Peachtree City, Georgia, and travels frequently for scuba diving adventures as well as serving as a Certified Scuba Instructor. Ed has two adult daughters, also West Point graduates, who have followed in their parents’ footsteps with very successful Army careers.
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Eric Downing brings 35+ years of leadership and development experience gained through an exciting and wide-ranging military career and successful corporate leadership experiences. He holds a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University and is a Registered Corporate Coach, Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst, and Certified Professional Values Analyst. Eric also holds a Six Sigma Black Belt focusing on Continuous Improvement in processes and organizations. Upon completion of his Wall Street career, Eric Founded Proven Paradigm, LLC, where he works with organizations worldwide to help teams and individuals build elite performance cultures and address the real issues distracting from productivity. Eric’s hobbies include collecting, restoring, and driving vintage vehicles, and collecting and flying rare vintage fighter planes at airshows. Eric’s thrill that stems from keeping these rare pieces of history in front of other aviation enthusiasts is only surpassed by witnessing the joy of veteran pilots, mechanics, and soldiers as they see “their” aircraft operational again. Eric and his wife, Tina, enjoy listening to music, bicycling and traveling together from their home in St. Charles, Missouri.
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Fred Edwards serves as the Director of Operations for the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation (2015-2019 and 2023-Present). After earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University, Fred was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Military Police Corps through the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC). During his 22-year Army career, Fred commanded at Platoon and Company levels and served on staff at Squadron/Battalion, Brigade and 4-star level HQs. Fred retired in 1999 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon retirement, Fred owned and operated a small business before serving as a Department of Defense Contractor with First U.S. Army HQs and with HQs, U.S. Army Central Command (USARCENT). Fred and his wife, Robin, reside in Brooks, Georgia and enjoy spending time with their three grown sons and five grandchildren.
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David O'Rear serves as the Senior Vice President, Synovus Bank, having been with Synovus for 20 of his 30 years in the banking industry. David holds a M.B.A. from Georgia State University and is an aviation enthusiast, recently earning his fixed-wing pilot certification. David and his family have called Fayetteville, Georgia, their home for many years and when not banking, flying, or woodworking, David and his wife are often found supporting their daughter’s very competitive high school and travel soccer teams.
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Mike Scimone has spent 39 years in the aerospace industry holding both private sector and government positions specializing in propulsion engineering and aero-structural design. Mike has served in roles with the Naval Air Propulsion Center (NAPC), the U.S. Army Aviation and Systems Command (AVSCOM), Westar Aerospace and Defense, Aerospace Filtration Systems/Donaldson Corporation, and Georgian Aerospace, LLC where he currently serves as President. Mike’s education credentials were earned at Parks College (BS Aerospace Engineering) and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management (Advanced Executive Program). Mike has also trained with the Global Institute for Leadership Development, the Department of Defense Systems Management College, and in International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Mike holds commercial pilot, single engine land, multi engine land, single engine sea, and instrumental airplane ratings. He is a current tailwheel pilot and actively flies several warbirds. Mike has served in leadership roles in Army Aviation Association of America as a chapter President and member of the National Executive Board and now also the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. Mike and his wife live in Wildwood, Missouri, where they enjoy a variety of hobbies, but especially hosting and visiting their adult children and grandchildren.
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Mike Spencer retired from the Army after 27 years of service in key leadership roles in 8th ID, 3rd ACR, 11th ACR and 7th ATC as an Army Aviator and in 2nd Sig Bde and the Joint Staff CIO as a System Automation Officer. Mike retired from Boeing after leading Vertical Lift Business Development (BD) and directing sales and marketing activities for the AH-64, H-47, AH-6, V-22, MH-139, and Advanced Vertical Lift. Spencer holds a B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy and a M.A. from the Naval War College. His flying experience includes AH-1S, UH-1H, OH-58C, Cessna 152/172/182, and Piper Arrow. Mike and his wife have recently completed their retirement home in Florida and they enjoy hosting and traveling to visit their grown children and their families along with other long-awaited travel adventures.
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