About

Christopher B. Carlile

Chairman

Retired Army Colonel Chris Carlile served as Battalion Commander of the 1-223rd Aviation Regiment, Deputy Chief of Staff for the USAACE at Ft. Rucker, AL, Director of the Unmanned Aerial System Center of Excellence, and Commander of the Corpus Christi Army Depot in Texas. Mr. Carlile also retired from the Corporate Sector as AECOM/URS’s Maintenance and Sustainment Sector VP. He is now President and CEO of the Carlile Company.

Ronnie Kearns

President/CEO

Ronnie Kearns is an Air Force veteran with a strong background in Aviation Maintenance and Avionics, and is the founder of Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance, Inc. He has founded additional companies to include The Kearns Group, in Ozark, AL, and Three Notch Staffing in Andalusia, AL. He is a strong business professional with the demonstrated ability to capitalize on opportunities, anticipate and adapt to rapidly changing business and market conditions, structure and negotiate sound business deals, and generate sustainable revenue and profit margin increases in a highly competitive industry. Mr. Kearns has a track record of developing profitable, long‐term partnerships with high‐level decision makers.

Jeff Gadboys

Secretary

Mr. Gadboys is a graduate of Cornell University, Midwestern State University, and The University of Florida Law School. He has over 40 years’ combined experience in military and commercial aviation operations, aviation training, and corporate, criminal, and civil trial law. Mr. Gadboys has vast experience in organizational development as well as development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures.

Patrick Rooney

Mr. Rooney is a graduate of The University of West Florida and the Georgia Institute of Technology-Southern Center for International Studies with over 40 years’ experience in finance and business leadership. He has led several startup businesses in multiple industries. He has also led business improvement teams as well as developed and implemented accounting and decision support systems to streamline business efficiency. Mr. Rooney serves as CFO for GKAM.

Henry Reed, Jr.

Mr. Reed is a lifelong resident of the Delta, having an illustrious career in both agriculture and education. He holds Master’s Degrees from both Delta State University and Mississippi State University. Mr. Reed also serves on the Delta Council and is President of South Delta Planning and Development District’s Executive Board. He is a member of The South Delta Housing Authority and Farm Service Agency Board for the State of Mississippi. Mr. Reed also serves as Vice President of multiple healthcare related businesses.

Al Rankins, Sr.

Mr. Rankins is a native of Washington County. He attended Mississippi Valley State University, University of Louisville, University of Virginia, and Delta State University. He is a USAF Vietnam veteran, and a dedicated public servant with over 50 years in local law enforcement. Mr. Rankins currently serves on a number of local boards to include: The Mississippi Water Management Advisory Board, the Planning and Development District Board, the Allied Enterprises Advisory Board, and the MSZEA Board of Commissioners. Mr. Rankins serves as Chairman of the Delta Council Transportation Committee as well as the Greenville Park Commission. He is also an active member of New HopeFirst Baptist Church.

Milton Gaston

Sheriff Gaston is a native of Hollandale, Mississippi. A graduate of the Jackson Police Academy, he was the first African American elected Sheriff in Washington County. He is now serving in his fifth term. Mr. Gaston is also the founder of local programs such as the Juvenile Justice/Intervention Program (“Biggest S.U.C.C.E.S.S”) and the Triad of Washington and Leland Counties which empowers Senior Citizens to address safety issues in the community. Sheriff Gaston is also an active member of the New Hope First Baptist Church.