Mark Pestal Founder/VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/chairman of the board

AeroAngel was founded in 2010 by Mark Pestal, a former assistant United States attorney and commercial pilot. Since then, Mark has volunteered as AeroAngel’s executive director. He combines a passion for aviation with a heart to serve those in need. His career has involved service on nonprofit boards, aviation safety, and community service. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and several single-pilot jet type ratings, including the Phenom 300. Although keenly focussed on expanding AeroAngel’s service to Children’s Hospitals across the country, Mark’s most cherished role has been co-piloting over 100 AeroAngel flights.

Mary Lynn Fisk flight coordinator

Mary Lynn Fisk began her aviation career as a flight attendant, where she gained vast national and international travel knowledge. She decided to leave the commercial side of aviation after being offered a flight operations scheduler/dispatcher position with a Fortune 500 Company in Denver, CO. Mary Lynn has helped facilitate large private flight departments, manage detailed budgets, conduct crew scheduling, and execute national and international flight planning. Mary Lynn has also been involved in the client services sector as an executive assistant and culinary chef. Mary Lynn is a trusted and respected member of the private aviation industry, and has served on several executive committees in the Denver and Asheville areas in the non-profit arena.

Board of Directors

mark pestal chairman of the board

See bio above

brent bythewood Board Member

Brent was introduced to AeroAngel as a recipient of a flight, graciously donated and coordinated by the staff/volunteers of AeroAngel, to fly his youngest daughter Emily to Boston for life-saving heart surgery. After his daughter’s recovery, Brent wanted to give back so that other families could have one less stress on their plate. Brent is a commercial lender in Nashville, TN with ten years of banking experience. Brent lives in Tennessee with his wife Dana and their three children.
Read more on Brent’s story in the Nashville Voyager: https://nashvillevoyager.com/interview/life-work-with-brent-bythewood-of-franklin-tn/

Shay Baillargeon
Board Member & Ambassador

Shay Baillargeon is a proud native, born and raised in the state of Colorado. She has dedicated herself to becoming a successful Realtor, but her passions extend far beyond the world of real estate. As a mom to her daughter Zoe, Shay understands the importance of giving back to her community, particularly when it comes to helping children. Shay's love for her family is a top priority, and she cherishes spending quality time with them whenever possible. With her genuine spirit and dedication to making a positive impact in the world, Shay Baillargeon is truly an asset to AeroAngel.

Bernie Heine Board Member -Treasurer

Bernie learned first hand about AeroAngel's mission on several flights for his daughter, Eliana, who traveled to Boston Children's Hospital.  Since those flights, he and his wife, Kaylee, have been passionate supporters of AeroAngel's flight donation program.  Bernie joins the board as Treasurer, and brings substantial accounting and financial expertise to that role.  Prior to joining Baxter International as the Assistant Controller, Bernie spent 15 years at PwC providing assurance services to many clients.  Bernieand his family reside in the Chicago area.

Yuri Wilcox

Yuri grew up with a passion for flying. He completed his Private Pilots License in 2018, and has since worked in a variety of fields in the aviation space, including FBO sales and business development, aircraft management, charter sales, and other consulting roles. Yuri resides in Phoenix, Arizona, and enjoys spending time hiking with his dog, cycling, flying, traveling, and giving back to the community. Yuri found AeroAngel to be a great opportunity to combine his skills and connections in aviation with his passion for helping others.