FBO Advisory Board
Tracy Chaplin
Vice President of Aviation of Resources & Partnership at Clay Lacy Aviation
Tracy Chaplin is a seasoned executive leader with over three decades of experience in the aviation industry. Throughout her career, she has held key leadership roles in various sectors of aviation, including business aviation, commercial airlines and aerospace. With a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Wright State University, embarked on her journey into the aviation world, quickly establishing herself as a dynamic force in operations management. She has demonstrated a keen ability to navigate complex operational challenges, drive strategic initiatives, and deliver exceptional results.
She is currently serving as the Vice President of Resources & Partnership at Clay Lacy Aviation, where she oversees key resources and cultivating strategic partnerships to drive growth and operational excellence. A champion of change management and innovation, known for her expertise in developing sourcing strategies, negotiating contracts, and creating exemplary customer service solutions. As she continues to make significant contributions to the aviation sector, Tracy remains dedicated to driving operational excellence, fostering strategic partnerships, and shaping the future of aviation through innovation and leadership.
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.
Jeremy Sobolik
FBO Service Manager, Fargo Jet Center
Jeremy Sobolik’s passion for aviation was sparked by a college job. While pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University Moorhead, he worked part-time as Line Technician with Fargo Jet Center. He spent 4 years in that role before serving as a US Customs Officer in Long Beach, CA. He returned to his hometown of Fargo in 2004 and re-ignited his love for aviation by returning to Fargo Jet Center. Now in his 25th year with the company, he currently serves as the FBO Services Manager overseeing 40 team members, managing the daily operations and facilities.
During his tenure at Fargo Jet Center, he has helped market the FBO throughout the US and Europe, supported the transition of ownership at FBOs in Williston, ND and Eden Prairie, MN, and even flown around the world on a Boeing 747 full of cattle.
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.
Michel Tohane
President Group FBO Services Luxaviation Group/ExecuJet
With more than 30 years of experience in Commercial and Business Aviation, Michel Tohane joined the Luxaviation Group in (April) 2021 as FBO Network Development Executive. Native from Brussels, he is Graduated in Audiology (ILMH-UCL-Belgium) and started his career as ENT Assistant.
Michel moved into the aviation industry in 1989 first at Sabena and Swissair, respectively based in Brussels and Zurich, where he occupied several positions in different fields such as Operations, Route Economics and Yield Management, Planning and Scheduling, Airport slots Coordination, Network Development and Alliance Strategy.
He joined the “Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur” Group in 2001. Based in Nice, Michel created and managed the Airlines Network Development Business Unit. In 2012, He founded and developed the Sky Valet FBO Network as Executive Vice President and General Aviation Business Unit Director.
During the last 8 years he has been actively involved in EBAA as member of the Board of Governors, Chairman of the Associated Members Advisory Council (AMAC) and Chairman of the Airport Handling Ground Operations Committee (AHGOC).
His mission at Luxaviation is to pursue the establishment of a lasting and robust multi-site Customer’s relationship with the customers and to explore all strategic opportunities to develop the FBO Network.
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.