Three Leaders in Aviation Join Wright Museum Board
The Lucile M. Wright Air Museum in Jamestown is welcoming three new members to its board of trustees, each with a unique perspective on the joys of flight and the value of aviation education.
Dr. Kevin Whitaker is the Superintendent of the Jamestown Public Schools and an instrument-rated pilot. In his 36-year career in education, Dr. Whitaker has also served as an Assistant Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal and Consultant. He is an adjunct faculty member in the Educational Leadership Department at St. Bonaventure University. One of Dr. Whitaker’s initiatives since coming to Jamestown in 2020 has been the addition of an aviation education program at Jamestown High School. He is enthusiastic about the career potential for today’s students as pilots, drone operators, aircraft mechanics and air traffic controllers through this program, and wishes to support the mission of the Wright Air Museum so that students can be inspired to be part of the next generation in aviation.
Brian T. Chase is the President and Founder of Chase Aviation Company, a full service aircraft acquisition and management consulting business headquartered at the Chautauqua County Airport near Jamestown. Brian took his first flight lesson at age 16 with Joe Minarovich (one of the founders of the Lucile M. Wright Air Museum) and never once considered another career path after that. Brian says, “I am honored to have been asked to serve as a trustee for the Lucile M Wright Air Museum and hope to help it pursue its mission of motivating young people in aviation.”
When Marcy O’Brien left Boston University the love of all things flying captured her and she joined American Airlines as a stewardess. In 12 years with the airline, she flew, worked in field supervision and corporate management. Later on in her career she taught four years at SUNY- Alfred, owned a designer mail-order business and became a kitchen, bath and interior designer. In retirement, she ran the historic Struthers Library Theatre in Warren for 11 years, during which it was named ‘National Historic Theater of the Year.’ Marcy now writes an award- winning weekly column for three regional newspapers (including the Post-Journal and Times Observer) and has published a collection of her columns. Marcy says, “I join this board, hoping to inspire more young people into the fascinating world of aviation. My airline career gave me the world and changed my life.”
The Lucile M. Wright Air Museum is located on the first floor of the Hotel Jamestown Building in Jamestown, NY. Its three-part mission is to encourage young people to explore aviation, preserve local aviation history and honor the legacy of Lucile M. Wright, a 20th century aviation pioneer in Western New York. The museum is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays. More information is available at lucilemwrightairmuseum.org.