Workforce Development
Image Courtesy of Impact Action Sports Photography
ORBAA core leadership has been involved with educational initiatives in partnership with Ohio’s Collegiate Aviation programs since 2008. From the beginning, a major focus of this outreach was to promote understanding and knowledge about the Business Aviation industry that was not a part of the normal collegiate curricula.
Attracting and retaining new talent to our industry is vital to our businesses and economy. There is increasing competition among aviation segments for the limited numbers of collegiate aviation graduates, and Business Aviation needs to have a supporting role in attracting and developing professionals for our industry.
ORBAA will continue attract students to Business Aviation and educate future developing professionals about our industry. Robust and active partnerships through the work of dedicated ORBAA members will ensure that students receive support to inspire and encourage them, while enhancing their knowledge about our industry. The dedication to Workforce Development is a very effective way for ORBAA to reach out, give back, and attract our workforce of tomorrow.
ORBAA is committed to promoting Ohio’s Business Aviation industry through outreach to future professionals through:
- Classroom presentations in partnership with collegiate curriculums
- Onsite visits to Business Aviation operations
- ORBAA Scholarships presented annually to collegiate aviation students
- Mentoring and development support of students moving into industry
- Promoting and developing Internship experiential learning opportunities to Ohio’s collegiate aviation students
- Providing resources to support development opportunities for ORBAA members through OBATS, NBAA seminars, and other offerings
ORBAA Scholarship Recipient History
Mohammed Alnaseri - Kent State University:
$10,000 Scholarship Award
Mohammed Alnaseri is an incoming fourth-year Professional Pilot student at Kent State University pursuing
minors in Aircraft Dispatch and Aviation Management while working as a ramp agent and line service technician.
Inspired by aviation from a young age, he has cultivated a passion for business aviation and the pursuit of
operational excellence. Outside of the classroom, he actively participates in organizations including the Ohio
Aviation Association (OAA), Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association (ORBAA), and National Business
Aviation Association (NBAA). Through his academic studies, industry involvement, and hands-on experience,
Mohammed has developed a strong commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous learning. He
aspires to become a corporate pilot and business aviation leader who advances safe and efficient flight
operations while mentoring the next generation of aviators.
Kasey Dunmire – Columbus State Community College:
$10,000 Scholarship Award and Aviation Maintenance Training Award - Courtesy of CAE
Kasey is attending Columbus State Community College for her A&P. She comes from a family full of skilled
tradesmen and is excited to become the first tradeswoman as well as first college graduate. She will be
attending CAE for additional training in avionics and is hoping to work in business aviation upon graduation.
Andrew McKinley - Kent State University (2025):
Citation SIC Type Rating Award - Courtesy of FSI
Andrew is a 2025 Graduate from Kent State University, with a BS Aeronautics with a Minor in
Aircraft Dispatch. For Andrew, aviation is all about continuous growth and mentorship. Building
on a strong foundation and exciting future with NIFA, he currently serves as a flight instructor for
Kent State and is dedicated to student success. Andrew’s goal is to make the journey from a
student's first flight to their final ride as smooth and rewarding as possible. Looking beyond the
instructional environment, his plan is to combine this passion for teaching and hands-on flying to
launch a rewarding career in business aviation.
2025: Brendan Kleman - Kent State University
2025: Bryan Lawrence - Columbus State Community College
2025: Summer Thomas - The Ohio State University
2025: Ellie Harper - The Ohio State University
2025: Nicole Hobert - Ohio University
2025: Marc Otieno - Kent State University
2024: Nathan Schmidt, The Ohio State University
2024: Andrea Millenbaugh, Bowling Green State University
2024: Hafid Yabarow, Columbus State Community College
2024: Michael Dunson, Columbus State Community College
2024: Bitanya Gudeta, Ohio State University
2024: Mia Holt, Cincinnati State Technical College
2023: Noah Patten, Ohio State University
2023: Gabriel Christenson, University of Cincinnati – Clermont College
2023: Lukas Kleinfeldt, Bowling Green
2022: Jon Sadler, University of Cincinnati
2022: Cody Fleming, Sinclair College
2021: Jordan Richheimer, Kent State
2021: Audrey Rice, Bowling Green State University
2020: Jack Margletta, Ohio University
2020: Nick Sanford, Bowling Green State University
2019: Andrew Callendar, Columbus State Community College
2019: Grant Losey, Ohio University
2018: Bridget Reese, PIA
2018: Ethan Beagle, Bowling Green State University
2017: Marcus Collier, The Ohio State University
2017: Grant Smith, Columbus State Community College
2016: Harley Bloecher, The Ohio State University
2016: Nathan Fallrath, Columbus State University
2015: Yusuf Haji, Columbus State University
2015: Alexander Wukovits, Kent State University
2014: Carissa Marion, Kent State University
2013: Brian Finley, Bowling Green State University