FBO Advisory Board

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Julie O'Brien

Director of Business Development at Chantilly Air

Julie O’Brien recently joined Chantilly Air after serving as the Vice President of Business Development at Paragon Aviation Group, where she played a key role in expanding the network’s visibility and strategic partnerships. With more than 21 years of experience in business aviation, Julie brings a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership.

Prior to her role at Paragon, she served as General Manager at ProJet Aviation (KJYO) in Leesburg, VA, where her leadership led the FBO to earn multiple accolades including Washington Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” and over 14 Pilot’s Choice Awards. She was named MVP at the 2019 Paragon Leadership Meeting and received the FBO Manager of the Year Award.

Julie’s aviation background also includes key roles at Whirlwind Aviation, Frederick Aviation, Encore Aviation, and Landmark Aviation. She is the founder of the Aviation Education & Career Expo, an initiative that has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to over 800 students.

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Gary Forster 

Managing Director, ExecuJet Caribbean

Gary Forster grew up in Newcastle, a city located in northeastern United Kingdom. While learning to fly, he was introduced to the general manager of his local FBO and that is how his childhood fascination for aviation developed.

After this introduction to business aviation, Gary has enjoyed a three-decade career covering managing and developing all areas of the industry from FBO operations and fuel farms to aircraft operations and professional training. Gary returned to his first love of FBO operations with Luxaviation Group under the ExecuJet brand a decade ago which led to him setting up new FBOs/Handling Facilities across the globe including Europe, Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and most recently his appointment as managing director for the Caribbean with additional Group FBO responsibilities.

Previously, Gary has worked for Rolls Royce, Air BP, the UK Government Maritime Patrol Division, and ExecuJet. With this long and varied career, he brings extensive knowledge to the Luxaviation Group.

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Bobby D. Courtney

Vice President of Aviation of Fontainebleau Aviation

Bobby D. Courtney serves as the Vice President of Aviation of Fontainebleau Aviation, an integral role spearheading the overall growth and success of Fontainebleau Development’s Aviation Division. Joining the family business in 2012, Courtney has developed Fontainebleau Aviation into a world-class aviation asset which compliments the other Fontainebleau Development properties. Operating out of Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport, Courtney has gained audiences to their renowned brand which defines service and experience.

The evolution of the Fontainebleau Aviation brand was made possible through the development of the existing Fontainebleau FBO. Courtney embarked on the concept of developing the new FBO into a dominating facility on the airfield. In 2014, he pioneered the development of the $27 million expansion, which branched the FBO into a 235,000 sq ft. footprint. He envisioned a full-service facility comprised of all logistical necessities for every type of operation and service to be the touchstone for all private aviation enterprises.

Courtney has dedicated over two decades to the industry and has been instrumental in maximizing growth in other fast paced, high-volume airports. Courtney has served in similar roles creating very successful companies under his leadership in Houston, Dallas, St. Louis, and Kansas City.

Courtney has a passion for seeing the potential in everyone and creating an environment for those to learn. He instills hard work, commitment, and faith to those around him especially to his three young children. Since moving to South Florida, the Kansas native has invested in the community by volunteering in the local youth sports programs.

Courtney has a degree in Management and Human Relations from MidAmerica Nazarene University and serves on several aviation boards and advisory committees. His leadership has placed Fontainebleau Aviation into one of the top 20 FBOs in the country year after year.

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William (Bill) Holowesko 

General Manager of Odyssey Aviation in the Bahamas.

 

William (Bill) Holowesko serves as the General Manager of Odyssey Aviation in the Bahamas. He was recruited in 1996, and the company officially commenced operations in 1997. Throughout his tenure, Bill has successfully managed two name changes since the company’s launch and played a significant role in establishing the current name and brand, Odyssey.

Bill oversees a dedicated team of 60 employees across three different islands in the Bahamas. Odyssey Aviation is the largest FBO operator in the Bahamas, having won numerous awards for service excellence over the years. In the last three years, the company has expanded its FBO facilities in Nassau and Exuma.

On a personal note, Bill is married to his beautiful wife, Luisa, and they have five grown children. He has represented the Bahamas twice in the Olympic Games for sailing. Bill is passionate about outdoor activities, particularly golfing, boating, and fishing, which allow him to appreciate the natural beauty of the Bahamas.