John McKenna, Jr.

Chair

John was born and raised in Butte, Montana. He attended Butte Central High School, Montana State University, and received a Masters Degree in Financial Services from American College in Pennsylvania.

John has worked as a New York Life Agent in Bozeman for 37 years. He also is very involved in a variety of community activities, including the Special Olympics.

John has 40+ years of experience in general aviation and has flown more than 5,000 hours. His wife also enjoys flying. John serves as the President of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (www.theraf.org).

John is married and has three children. He enjoys all-things outdoors. John believes Gallatin Field is the FRONT DOOR to the Gallatin Valley.

Kevin Kelleher

Vice Chair

Kevin was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. After graduating from the University of Idaho in 1976, he moved to Big Sky, Montana where he founded the Lone Peak Lookout newspaper, which he operated until 2000 when it was sold to the Pioneer Newspaper of Seattle.

In 1985, Kevin earned his real estate and broker licenses and began working with Triple Tree Realty of Big Sky where he still works today.

Kevin learned to fly and earned his Private Pilot certificate in 2002. He is the co-owner of a Cessna 172 and a hangar here at Gallatin Field. He holds memberships in several aviation organizations and has served on many county and charitable boards in the 31 years that he has lived in the community.

Kevin has three children, Brenna who is a local pilot, Keely, a member of the U.S. Alpine Ski Team and Conor who is a student at MSU.

Ted Mathis

Secretary

Ted was born and raised in White Sulphur Springs, Montana. He learned to fly off the old dirt strip there and soloed at the age of 16. He earned his Private Pilot license at 17, Commercial and Flight Instructor at 18. Ted also holds Multi-engine and Instrument ratings and is a licensed Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic. He received degrees in Secondary and Vocational Education from Northern Montana College and is an Accredited Airport Executive.

Ted started his aviation career as a flight instructor for K&K Aircraft Inc. of Helena and also flew for Hensley Flying Service of Havre, Yellowstone Aviation of West Yellowstone and the Montana Aeronautics Division. He still owns and flies his own aircraft which is based at Gallatin Field.

In 1972 Ted was hired as airport manager at the Yellowstone Airport where he worked until 1980 when he became the assistant manager of the Helena Airport. In 1981 Ted was named airport manager at Gallatin Field, a position he held for 28 years. He retired in 2009.

Over the years, Ted has served as President of the Montana Airport Management Association and the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. He was also Chairman of the Montana Aeronautics Board and remains active in several aviation organizations.

Ted is married to the former Connie Jensen and has one son, Gavin. Ted and Connie live near Belgrade.

Carl Lehrkind, IV

Member

Carl has lived in Gallatin County for over 44 years and is currently the General Manager of Lehrkinds Coca-Cola managing 135 employees and a statewide distribution network.

Previous memberships and associations: US Marine Corps, Gallatin Valley Humane Society, Chairman Mainstream Bottlers Association, Coca-Cola Bottlers Association, and Bozeman Chamber President.

Current Memberships and Associations: Bozeman Chamber Executive Board, Customer Leadership Council for Coca-Cola, Stockman Bank Board.

He is a Commercial rated pilot with 2500 hours and he is a current aircraft owner.

Kendall Switzer

Member

Brigadier General Switzer is a native of Bozeman, MT. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Engineering. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps and graduated from USMC Basic School with Honors.

Ken completed Naval Flight Training and was designated a Navel Aviator in Feb 1986. He began his initial F/A-18 training at NAS Cecil Field and then transferred to VMFA-251 "Thunderbolts" at MCAS Beaufort. Following a WESTPAC deployment to South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, he attended Navy Fighter Weapons School "TOPGUN" and transferred to the Navel Strike Warfare Ctr as a Tactics and Training Instructor. In Aug 1990 Ken deployed in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD aboard the USS INDEPENDENCE. His last tour with the Marines was as a solo pilot with the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron "Blue Angels".

Ken transferred to the MT Air Nat'l Guard, flying the F-16, in 1995. In the 1990's he also worked for Martel Construction, Inc as Safety and Personnel Director. During this period Ken completed the Basic Instructor Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry (OSHA 502) in 1994 and 1999. Ken was appointed to the MT Governor's State Workforce Investment Brd in 2004. He served as the Apprenticeship Committee Chair and was also appointed as a member of the Executive Committee.

Ken was federally activated again in Sept 2001 and flew Combat Air Patrol missions in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE from locations throughout the US. Additionally he deployed in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE from locations throughout the US. Additionally he deployed in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH enforcing the UN mandated no-fly zone over Iraq.

Ken went to work for the Nat'l Guard full time in 2004. He has served as a Flight Commander, Group Commander, Joint Staff Director, Vice Chief of the Joint Staff, and Chief of Staff. In 2010 Ken transferred back to part-time status and began a career as teamwork/performance coach with Check-6, Inc, a global company providing solutions for High-Risk/High Reliability industries requiring a deliberate outcome.

Ken has successfully completed MSHA Part 48 Underground and Surface Miner training for coal and metal/non-metal operations.

General Switzer is a command pilot with more than 4400 flight hours, primarily in the F/A-18 and F-16 aircraft.