BOARD Members

Jay has been a Partner with Retirement Strategies since 1993. Jay's responsibilities at Retirement Strategies include client account service, management, education and development. He also coordinates employee education programs for major local employers in addition to implementation of employer sponsored health and retirement plans. Jay 

Jay has been a Partner with Retirement Strategies since 1993. Jay's responsibilities at Retirement Strategies include client account service, management, education and development. He also coordinates employee education programs for major local employers in addition to implementation of employer sponsored health and retirement plans. Jay graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. degree in Finance. He has attained the Certified Financial Planner,  Chartered Life Underwriter,  and Chartered Financial Consultant,  Certifications. Jay is an active volunteer in central Ohio. He currently serves as President of the Central Ohio Professional Education Council (COPEC) a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. He also has served on the board of Future Possibilities, a 501(c)(3) Kid Coach initiative, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Dublin, an advisory committee member for the Nationwide Children's Hospital Reach Out and Read Literacy program, a committee member and volunteer for the Chris Spielman Gridiron Classic for breast cancer research, a member of the Leadership Dublin class of 2010 and a member of the advisory committee for the Central Ohio Miracle League, which provides a safe and accessible baseball league format for special needs children. Jay resides in Dublin with his wife, Sally and two daughters, Rachel and Elisabeth.

John Collins is a Business professional with over 20 years in the Automotive Manufacturing Field (Corporate Sales).  In the business world relationships can be fickle, and unfulfilling...in his pursuit of what fulfills him, he finds that interactions with people are much more enriching and genuine.  He is a volunteer with Franklin County 

John Collins is a Business professional with over 20 years in the Automotive Manufacturing Field (Corporate Sales).  In the business world relationships can be fickle, and unfulfilling...in his pursuit of what fulfills him, he finds that interactions with people are much more enriching and genuine.  He is a volunteer with Franklin County Children Services as a CASA Guardian Ad Litem, a local coach (Hilliard Ray Patch YMCA), a mentor, and in general here to help others see and meet their full potential.  CCYA is another avenue to help youth reach beyond the horizon and enjoy having their heads in the clouds. 

Shreekanth is the Director of Information Technology at Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. He has a proven track record of success in managing small-scale to large-scale IT projects throughout the entire project life-cycle. Shreekanth has extensive experience in the government, auto, manufacturing, supply chain, healthcare, and hospital sector

Shreekanth is the Director of Information Technology at Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. He has a proven track record of success in managing small-scale to large-scale IT projects throughout the entire project life-cycle. Shreekanth has extensive experience in the government, auto, manufacturing, supply chain, healthcare, and hospital sectors, as well as in software products. In addition to his technical expertise, He is a skilled communicator and is able to easily collaborate across teams to manage competing priorities. He has a strong track record of delivering projects on time and under budget for mission critical objectives. Throughout his career, Shreekanth has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead and inspire teams to achieve success in challenging environments.

 Ethan Peterson has five years of experience working in the insurance industry.  He has served in multiple roles at a few highly-reputable top-ranked brokers in his young career and now works in Business Development for HUB International.  Ethan specializes in Employee Benefits and enjoys working with businesses to create a benefits strat

 Ethan Peterson has five years of experience working in the insurance industry.  He has served in multiple roles at a few highly-reputable top-ranked brokers in his young career and now works in Business Development for HUB International.  Ethan specializes in Employee Benefits and enjoys working with businesses to create a benefits strategy custom to their unique needs.   Ethan was born and raised in Cincinnati, making him a dedicated and loyal Cincinnati sports fan.  After attending the University of Dayton, he moved to Columbus, fell in love with Central Ohio, and wants to find ways to make an impact in the community.  Ethan has now lived in Columbus with his wife and daughter for a number of years.  He found CCYA and saw it as a perfect opportunity to make a lasting impression on the youth of his community, and open their eyes to new worlds of opportunity through a unique experience in aviation 

Tom is the Director, Customer Experience at Capital City Aviation. He has over 30 years of transportation management experience, having spent 17 years with a major airline in several hub cities such as LAX, CLT, IAD, and PHL. Tom left the airline in 2005 to work on the railroad. He became a Locomotive Engineer, operating high-speed trains

Tom is the Director, Customer Experience at Capital City Aviation. He has over 30 years of transportation management experience, having spent 17 years with a major airline in several hub cities such as LAX, CLT, IAD, and PHL. Tom left the airline in 2005 to work on the railroad. He became a Locomotive Engineer, operating high-speed trains between Washington, DC and New York, NY. He was also an Engineer Instructor where he taught initial and recurrent training to Locomotive Engineers from all over the country. He left the railroad in 2017 to be closer to his family in Westerville and he is currently working on his Commercial License as well as his CFI. He began flying at age 15 at Bolton Field and is glad to be back in Aviation! In his free time he likes to spend time with his family, ride his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and play guitar.

 Dave Keller is President of TriAd Marketing & Media, and became a private pilot in 2003. He believes very strongly in the mission of CCYA, and through marketing, hopes to get the word out to many Columbus area kids who may benefit. Dave has also sat on the boards of Options for Supported Housing and Kiwanis Club of Columbus. He currently

 Dave Keller is President of TriAd Marketing & Media, and became a private pilot in 2003. He believes very strongly in the mission of CCYA, and through marketing, hopes to get the word out to many Columbus area kids who may benefit. Dave has also sat on the boards of Options for Supported Housing and Kiwanis Club of Columbus. He currently is on the Board of Trustees for Westerville Chamber of Commerce. Dave and his wife, Teresa, are active campers and boaters, and recently moved to Buckeye Lake.

 Jennifer Cade brings more than 26 years of financial leadership experience to the board of Capital City Young Aviators. As a seasoned Controller, she has led multi-entity financial operations and strengthened reporting, internal controls, and strategic planning across healthcare, aerospace MRO, manufacturing, technology, and nonprofit or

 Jennifer Cade brings more than 26 years of financial leadership experience to the board of Capital City Young Aviators. As a seasoned Controller, she has led multi-entity financial operations and strengthened reporting, internal controls, and strategic planning across healthcare, aerospace MRO, manufacturing, technology, and nonprofit organizations.

Jennifer is passionate about financial stewardship and helping mission-driven organizations grow with integrity and sustainability. She believes strong governance and sound financial practices create the foundation for meaningful impact.

Inspired by the power of aviation to open doors and expand horizons, Jennifer is proud to support Capital City Young Aviators in empowering young people to explore opportunities in aviation and STEM. She is honored to contribute her experience in support of the organization’s vision and the future of its students.

 Emma Hoffman is a captain with Endeavor Air and is passionate about educating young people about a variety of STEM careers. She flight instructed for two years before joining Endeavor and continues to be involved with CCYA to encourage access to education. Emma is involved in sharing the impact that CCYA has on the students with their co

 Emma Hoffman is a captain with Endeavor Air and is passionate about educating young people about a variety of STEM careers. She flight instructed for two years before joining Endeavor and continues to be involved with CCYA to encourage access to education. Emma is involved in sharing the impact that CCYA has on the students with their communities, sponsors, and donors. Outside of aviation, she enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter and spending time in the mountains.