Bill Craft - President

Mr. Craft joined the Board in January 2019. In January 2020 Mr. Craft was elected to serve as the Airport Authority President. He has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Webster University of St. Louis, Missouri. He is active in the community. He is a Past President of Yuma Sunrise Rotary, the Past Chairman for Housing Authority for the City of Yuma (HACY), a former Commissioner on Airport Board of Directors and has served as Past President of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Yuma. He has served as a Councilman for the City of Yuma and former Deputy Mayor. He currently serves on the Merit Board for the City of Yuma and on the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) for the Police and Fire Retirement Board.

He is the Sales Manager at Academy Mortgage and he has been in the mortgage business for 20+ years. He started his career with a Mortgage broker and spent the rest of his career as a mortgage banker, ultimately becoming the Branch Manager.

As a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, he had the opportunity to be stationed at MCAS Yuma and eventually retired in Yuma after a 20-year career serving his country.

Following his military career, he began working for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage where he obtained the position of Branch Manager. After over a decade in that position, he transferred to the Wells Fargo Business Banking Group where he worked closely with local Yuma businesses and their finances. In 2016, he retired from Wells Fargo. A year later he realized that he did not retire well and started back into the mortgage industry with Academy Mortgage.

While residing in Yuma, Mr. Craft met and married my wife Loire, of 24 years. Between them they have three grown children, Stephen, Gregory and Sarah and one recently added granddaughter, Sawyer.

Please contact Mr. Craft via email: wcraft@yumaairport.com

Dean Hager - 1st Vice President

"Participation in community agency Boards/activities is a privilege that each citizen should make time for. My family and I always have, as a guiding principle, found a way to incorporate community service into our lives whether it was overseas in the military or civilian life back home."

Mr. Hager served on the Yuma County Airport Authority from 2011-2018 and rejoined the Board in January 2020. In January 2020 Mr. Hager was elected to serve as the Airport Authority 1st Vice President. Mr. Hager graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Human Resources Management and earned Bachelor's degrees from State University of New York (SUNY) Stony Brook, in Business and Psychology.

Mr. Hager served 25 years in the US Navy, with extensive experience in aviation logistics and facility management. Assignments were throughout the globe from southwest Asian afloat commands, to several eastern Europe and middle east conflicts. He was one of the first seven military leaders to acquire the specialty rating of Joint Staff Operations Officer, retiring at the rank of Captain (0-6). He then joined Honda of America Manufacturing as a Senior Prototype Development Manager, responsible for development of "green field" manufacturing facility start ups and several new in-house high performance models He retired again in 2009, becoming a full-time resident of Yuma AZ. Mr. Hager is currently active in several community organizations; including Board of Director positions with Helping Hands of Yuma, the US Navy League's Yuma Council (4 term Pres.), and Yuma Chamber's MIL Affairs Committee (2 terms Chair). He also is founder of our US Naval Sea Cadet Program and annual city heritage event, Yuma Military Appreciation Day.

Mr. Hager's past business experience adds significant value to the Airport Authority and the Yuma community With a combination of analytical and social skill awareness in multicultural corporations, Mr. Hager provides keen insights to the Board. Mr. Hager is excited to have the opportunity to participate in the success of the airport and working with key staff members to focus on long term growth. Mr. Hager understands the airport's impact on the community; ways not understood by many in the community or government. He hopes to highlight how the community can benefit from the aviation industry.

Please contact Mr. Hager via email: dhager@yumaairport.com

Russ Jones - 2nd Vice President

"As a pilot and aircraft owner based in Yuma, I've long been very interested in promoting both commercial and GA aircraft in Yuma."

Mr. Jones joined the Board in January 2016. In January 2022 Mr. Jones was elected to serve as the Airport Authority 2nd Vice President. He attended the University of Arizona, as well as Arizona Western College, Grossmont Community College, and San Diego State University. Mr. Jones is a licensed Arizona surplus lines Insurance Broker and a licensed US Customhouse Broker with a National license designation. Mr. Jones has been married for over 50 years to his college sweetheart Janet. They have two wonderful children: Shelley Jones Mellon and Eric Jones, and have four grandchildren.

Mr. Jones is an active community leader that is well known throughout Yuma County. He is proud of the multi-generation family business R.L. Jones Management Group, in which he is the President and CEO. He has taken on many roles in the public sector and is currently very involved in several private sector planning and development projects. Mr. Jones is currently serving as an Arizona Power Commissioner, appointed by Governor Brewer, and on the Arizona Mexico Commission by appointment of Governor Ducey. In addition, Mr. Jones currently serves on the board of directors for the Border Philanthropy Partnership, the Arizona Heritage Alliance, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, the Smart Border Coalition, and the Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma. Mr. Jones is also the Chair of the Border Trade Alliance. Mr. Jones has an extensive list of community organizations he supports and proudly served as the Arizona State Representative for District 24 in 2004-2006 and 2010-2012. During his time in the State Legislature, Mr. Jones was the Vice Chair of the Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee, the Transportation Committee, the Military Affairs Committee, the Appropriations Committee, and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

Mr. Jones is known for his organizational leadership skills, extensive background and solid business practices, the Board of Director was thrilled to have him as a part of the airport team. Mr. Jones is excited to participate and be an advocate for the General Aviation community, as he has over 35 years of multi-engine and instrument rated private pilots experience. Additionally, Mr. Jones would like to see aviation excel in our community as well as expand services on the airfield and at the airport.

Please contact Mr. Jones via email: rjones@yumaairport.com

Stanley Gourley - Treasurer

"My many years of aviation experiences, and the evolution of airspace management, facility improvements and the changes to the National Airspace System gives me insights and knowledge to help Yuma (NYL) become the best 21st century facility that it can be. I will represent the board and its goals to the maximum of my abilities."

Mr. Gourley has served on the Yuma County Airport Authority from 2011-2019 and rejoined the Board in January 2022. In January 2022 Mr. Gourley was elected to serve as the Airport Authority Treasurer. Mr. Gourley served in the US Army as Warrant Officer, as an Army Aviation Safety Officer, and senior pilot and retired in 2008. He attended courses at the University of Southern California on helicopter accident investigation, and through AAAE professional development training on signage, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, construction oversight and funding. He also attended the United States Army Installation Management Command conferences on airport and airspace management. He earned a US Army Corps of Engineers certificate on pavement evaluation and repairs as well as a Defense Contract Management Agency rating for Aviation construction/service contracting oversight.

Since 1968, Mr. Gourley has flown helicopters and airplanes in both the civilian and military arena and prior to his last retirement had over 40 years of aviation experience. At Yuma Proving Ground he served for ten years in airfield management, over 20 years as a Yuma County Juvenile Court Hearing Officer, and over: years as a Yuma County 4-H Shooting Sports Project leader and Certified Volunteer. He is also the Preside of the National Active Retired Federal Employee, Yuma Chapter.

Mr. Gourley earned his commercial pilots license in 1971 and loves serving the Yuma community. His proactive approach, honesty, willingness to help people, finding cost effective alternatives, and ability resolve issues makes him an effective member of the Airport's Board of Directors. Mr. Gourley is motivated and excited to meet the needs of the airport, meet the goals of the Board, focus on sustainable facilities, a: meet the demands of the community. Mr. Gourley knows the airport's diverse contribution may have hidden benefits and impacts to the average person and believes that aviation is a valuable mode of transportation 1 both leisure and business users.

Please contact Mr. Gourley via email: sgourley@yumaairport.com

Juan Guzman - Secretary

Mr. Guzman joined the Board in January 2020. In January 2024 Mr. Guzman was elected to serve as the Airport Authority Secretary. He has been part of the Agricultural Industry for almost two decades. His career began in 2002, right after graduating from CETYS University in Mexico. He started his journey in Thermal, California the hotbed of the West Coast Date Industry where he got his start working for Cal-Sungold, Inc. one of the premier suppliers of dates to the retail, industrial and consumer markets.

From the start Mr. Guzman was immediately enchanted with all things dates and fascinated by the inner workings of the industry. He developed an intense desire to learn everything he could about the product, the manufacturing, the production, and the sales, marketing and distribution. He has a special passion for Medjool dates. The Medjool is noted for its powerful health benefits as well as its delicious taste.

Mr. Guzman's initial position had him overseeing the operations of the packing house where he made significant accomplishments in the areas of quality control and environmental control. His career with Cal-Sungold spanned nine years. He eventually became a General Manager and Marketing Director before leaving for senior positions with Datepac, LLC and Bard Valley Date Growers Association (BDVG).

Over the past five years Juan's positions and responsibilities have expanded to focus on International Sales, working with wholesalers and retailers from around the globe; and in Global Business Development Strategy where is also responsible for the BDVG's sales planning initiatives. He recently became the Senior Vice President of Operations for Datepac LLC while also holding the position of Director of Operations and Quality Assurance with BVDG.

Juan can happily say that he is "living the dream" on a global, worldwide level and is excited about expanding his dream. He is extremely proud of his career and his accomplishments.

Most important to Juan is his loving marriage to his high school sweetheart. He and his wife have just welcomed a daughter into their family.

Juan holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing.

He is also a graduate of Class 41 for the Ag Leadership Program of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation.

Please contact Mr. Guzman via email: jguzman@yumaairport.com

Reetika Dhawan - Director

Ms. Dhawan joined the Board in January 2020. She is currently serving the role of Dean of Career and Technology for Arizona Western College, in Yuma Arizona.

Ms. Dhawan was born and raised in India, where opportunities are not always equal for women. This struggle has taught her valuable lessons in life, including the ethic of working hard to achieve goals. She is always interested in ways to improve herself and advance her career.

Ms. Dhawan has had experience in teaching as well as leadership. After completing her education in Mathematics and Physics, with a Bachelors of Science in math, physics and chemistry, a Bachelors of Education, a Masters of Science in physics, and a Master's of Science in Applied Math, she began her teaching career. Although she has had many roles in teaching and at various levels, She has been teaching at the university level for 18 years now. She has taught for the Math and Engineering department at Arizona Western College, including higher level math courses. She has also taught courses in statistics, astronomy and physics. She's successfully been the Division Chair for Math and Engineering at Arizona Western for 3 years, prior to advancing to Dean. Ms. Dhawan has also had the wonderful opportunity of creating her own successful learning center in her home city in India for Math, Physics and Engineering.

Ms. Dhawan's background has created a unique understanding of leadership, project management, grant development, community outreach, curriculum development, career and tech advising, and budget management, just to name a few competencies. In addition, She has participated in numerous committees over the years, such as math club advisor, teaching mentor, high school liaison, math fair committee, debate club co-advisor, assessment committee, grant submission collaborator, science foundation of Arizona, science camp, mylabsplus campus representative, regional Director for Arizona Science Teacher Association, and title-1 grant.

Ms. Dhawan has received numerous accolades over the years, for teaching, including most recently the AWC Teacher of the Year award, as well as Endowed Faculty Award, NISOD teaching award, AWC Excellency Medal, AWC Star Faculty Award, Instructor of the year, to name a few.

She brings a level of enthusiasm to her students which encourages their development. In her experience as Dean for Career and Technology, She has come to know the workings of the community as a whole. This has created a greater insight in her ability to lead and direct students as well as provide a supportive role in their education.

Please contact Ms. Dhawan via email: rdhawan@yumaairport.com

William Fox - Director

Mr. Fox joined the Board in January 2018. He graduated with a degree in Economics from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Mr. Fox later received his J.D from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. He is currently an attorney at the Yuma County Office of the Legal Defender, and has been in Yuma for the past 11 years.

Mr. Fox's first experience with the airport was in the 1990's when he was a CSR for Mesa Airlines, selling tickets and moving luggage. He moved to Los Angeles and then San Diego where he worked as a middle school teacher for several years. Eventually he worked at the San Diego Air and Space Museum in the Education Department, teaching children and adults about aviation and space flight. After getting his JD, he returned to Yuma, and is pleased to be a member of the YCAA Board of Directors. As a private pilot, he is interested in general aviation and making the airport more accessible to everyone, and believes that his experience working at the airport gives him additional insight into the airport's needs.

Please contact Mr. Fox via email: wfox@yumaairport.com

Albert Gardner - Director

Mr. Gardner has served on the Yuma County Airport Authority from 2007-2015 and rejoined the Board in January 2017. He is active in the General Aviation community, is an avid aviator and flies an RV-10. Mr. Gardner is a retired electrical engineer of Ford Aerospace, RCA and IBM. He obtained his Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland. He obtained his Private Pilot Certificate in 1968, and his Commercial Certificate & Instrument Rating 1971. Mr. Gardner is a member of the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association and a member of the Aircraft Owner and Pilot's Association.

Please contact Mr. Gardner via email: agardner@yumaairport.com

Ken Scott - Director

Mr. Scott joined the Board in January 2022. His Aviation passion started in 1995 receiving his Private Pilot's License in 1996. Shorty after he received his IFR, High Performance/Complex rating, Multi-engine, and his Commercial license. Mr. Scott joined the Experimental Aircraft association (EAA) in 1997. He is an active member and currently services as a Director on the Board. He has held the positions of Secretary, Treasure, and a Young Eagles Coordinator. Mr. Scott is a former member of the Civil Air Patrol (1997- 2005). He is also an Airport Support Network Volunteer (ASN) for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He has served in this position for several years. He is a representative of AOPA to help Protect, Preserve, and Promote the Yuma Airport and General Aviation.

Mr. Scott brings a different perspective to the Airport board. A Logical and practical way of thinking and interpretation. He has a great deal of enthusiasm when it comes to serving as a director.

Mr. Scott holds an Associate Degree in Industrial Technology. He held the position of a Mechanical Engineering Technician for the U.S. Army Civil Service for 13 years before retiring. During this time Mr. Scott worked with both Military and Contractors Testing all Military Vehicles, assigned to the division, to ensure the vehicle meet Military Standards. In addition, he held the position of Safety Officer for the entire Tank Automotive Division including all Automotive and Tank courses.

Please contact Mr. Scott via email: kscott@yumaairport.com

Jenny Torres- Director

Mrs. Torres joined the Board in January 2021. She currently serves as the Community Development Director for the City of San Luis.

For the past twenty-two years, Mrs. Torres has worked for nonprofit organizations, government entities and for profit companies in both Arizona and California. Mrs. Torres holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration and a Master degree in Public Management from Northern Arizona University.

Her work emphasizes on establishing and coordinating economic and community development projects. Mrs. Torres' vocational experience and career emphasis attest to her expertise in areas such as financing, development, construction and management of affordable housing, public projects and business development. In an effort to support community and economic development, her work focuses on infrastructure development in order to recruit new businesses to the area. She constantly seeks opportunities to establish and maintain liaison relationships while representing the community at local, state, federal and international levels. Her education and vocational experience make her an invaluable asset to Yuma County and its surrounding vicinities.

Please contact Mrs. Torres via email: jtorres@yumaairport.com

Brian Cullen - Director

"Yuma airport represents a unique entity among airport. It is a privilege to contribute in a positive role toward the continual commercial development of the airport, to promote growth in general aviation, and to foster a strong productive and cooperative relationship with the military side of the house and airport."

Dr. Cullen served on the Yuma County Airport Authority Board of Directors from 2009 through April 2011. He was then re-elected to the Board from March 2014 through December 2021. Dr. Cullen has been elected to serve on the Board once again in January 2024. Dr. Cullen earned his Bachelors of Arts in Biology from the University of Louisville and continued on at Louisville completing his studies as Doctor of Dental Medicine. He Completed residency in Pediatric Dentistry at Mott Children’s Health Center in Michigan in 1980. He is a member of CRS Cleft Palate/Lip Tear at Yuma Regional Hospital, the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Arizona Dental Association, the Arizona Pilots Association and the Baja Bush Pilot’s Association. He is the Past President of Yuma High School Booster Club and past President of Yuma Catholic High School Booster Club.

Dr. Cullen is one of our frequent flyer general aviators and loves flying when he is not busy with his dental practice. Being a pilot gives Dr. Cullen, as a Board Member, the opportunity to be an advocate for General Aviation throughout the Boards’ decision making process as they further develop Yuma International Airport. His military experience, education background, experience building and running a private practice as well as his knowledge through years of flying make a positive contribution to the Board. Dr. Cullen believes cities that have airports have an economical, commercial and political advantage. They provide services for the community and generate revenue through airport facilities as well as partnerships. Dr. Cullen enjoys working with the other Board of Directors and the airport staff which is a vital link to Yuma’s growth and development

Please contact Dr. Cullen via email: bcullen@yumaairport.com