Board of Directors
Our Board
Our board of directors comprises leaders in aviation, law, and human factors guiding us in providing top-tier pilot support and financial assistance. With their collective expertise and passion, they play a pivotal role in steering our organization’s direction, ensuring the highest standards of support and advocacy for our clients. Get to know the professionals shaping our mission and maintaining our commitment to excellence.
Richard Mahoney
Board Member
Rick Mahoney has dedicated his career to aviation and healthcare leadership. Previously serving as a HIMS Program and Aeromedical Committee Chairman, as well as the National Aeromedical Vice Chairman of the Air Line Pilots Association, Rick brings a wealth of expertise. His clinical background in cardiology, emergency medicine, and mental health adds depth to his advocacy. Former Chairman of Love the Golden Rule, Rick champions healthcare for vulnerable populations. A staunch advocate for LGBT pilots, he played a pivotal role in changing aeromedical policy in the UK.
Rick’s academic achievements include a Bachelor’s in Professional Aeronautics and a Certificate in Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Harvard Business School, respectively. Currently pursuing a Certificate of Specialization in Mental Health Care Leadership from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Rick Mahoney continues to make significant contributions to both aviation and healthcare.
Brendan Keegan
Board Member & General Counsel
An airline pilot and attorney, Brendan Keegan knows firsthand the need for a cohesive legal aid organization that serves the general aviation community. He has instructed in both general aviation and airline operations for a broad array of students: from CFI candidates to airline pilots with more than thirty years of experience. Though aviation is his primary occupation, Brendan also has a background in criminal and commercial litigation. Merging these dual professions, he has served in an advisory role to airlines, trade unions, and individuals on the aeromedical process and is published on mental health reform in aviation.
Brendan has experience as a criminal prosecutor and has represented clients in commercial litigation disputes in both the aerospace and maritime industries. He holds type-ratings in Embraer 145, Airbus A320, and Boeing 737 aircraft.
Nathan Maki
Chairman of the Board
Nathan E. Maki is a Captain and Line Check Pilot for a “Big Four” airline. Captain Maki is also the founder of Lodestar Avail, a leadership consulting firm that helps leaders overcome the most difficult challenges. He holds a masters degree in Organizational Leadership as well as a bachelors in Aviation Management.
For over 20 years, he has served in numerous roles advocating on behalf of pilots for the Air Line Pilots Association. As a volunteer, he has helped many pilots navigate the aeromedical process and return to work, mostly through the successful HIMS program. Captain Maki knows that leadership and guidance have a significant impact on an individual’s development and success. Driven by his belief in the transformative power of leadership and guidance, Captain Maki dedicates considerable time volunteering in high schools across America to promote aviation careers. Through practicing leadership principles and employing effective interpersonal skills, he helps quickly build high-functioning teams and serves as the Chairman of the Board for AeroMed Legal.
Andrew Reitz
Board Member
Andrew Reitz is currently a Captain on the A320 and a Peer Assist Advocate who began his counseling career with a Masters in Pastoral Counseling in 2007 and is experienced as a Peer-Assist Volunteer. He holds an M.B.A., an M.Div., and a Doctorate in Business Administration. Andy is finishing studies in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Liberty University, pursuing licensure in Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. He works as a consultant to the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute on Cognitive Screening Test Categorization and Assessment and Human Factors of Head-Worn Displays.
Gabriel Breakstone
Board Member
A Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/I), Gabe Breakstone holds degrees in Business Administration and Hospitality Management. He possesses a unique fusion of skills that transcend aviation. As a former emergency first responder, Gabe adeptly coordinated operations and delivered vital services across diverse landscapes, honing his ability to navigate challenging situations with finesse and precision, safeguarding the well-being of those in his care.
Gabe leverages years of experience in the higher education and nonprofit sectors, as well as experience as a board member of an organization advocating for aeromedical reform. Gabe brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for advancing mental health advocacy in aviation and beyond.
Join the Team
Becoming a pilot today is hard enough. Medical certification shouldn’t be an overwhelming obstacle that discourages individuals from pursuing their dreams. Join us as we transform the process of safeguarding pilots’ careers and passions.