At Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC), we believe that preparing students for the future of aerospace requires more than classrooms and labs; it takes strong partnerships with the industries shaping tomorrow. Early this year, CGCC launched the first-of-its-kind Aerospace & Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator. This Future48 Workforce Accelerator is more than a program; it is a launchpad for students, industries and our region’s economic growth.
To help guide and shape our Future48 Workforce Accelerator, we are proud to announce the formation of the BILT (Business & Industry Leadership Team) Advisory Board, established to inform and strengthen our Aerospace & Defense Accelerator program.
The BILT Advisory Board represents a powerful collaboration between education and industry, ensuring that our programs remain aligned with real-world innovation and workforce needs. Together, we are charting the course for Arizona’s aerospace future.
CGCC is honored to introduce our inaugural Advisory Board members, who bring unmatched expertise and passion for advancing aerospace education:
Co-Chairs:
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Gabriela Rosu - Senior Associate Vice President (Interim)/Dean of Instruction, CGCC
-
Lori Collins - Director of Business & Economic Development, Mesa Gateway Airport
Advisory Board Members:
- Alex Smith - Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
- Brett Wilson - Human Resources Business Partner, Embraer
- CJ Wurster - President, CGCC
- Damian Maguire - Program Manager, Comtech Telecommunications Corporation
- Devon Stinson - RSCS Aircraft Support Manager, Mesa Service Center, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
- Flay Aoen - Embraer
- Heather Kohn - Workforce Development Lead, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies
- Heather Weber - Vice President Administrative Services, CGCC
- Jenna Kahl - Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement, CGCC
- Jennifer Curtis - Project Manager, CGCC
- Jesse Lozano - Manufacturing Structures Manager, Virgin Galactic
- Kyle King - Operations Manager/Director, Air Methods
- Kyle Maskule - Mesa Site Workforce & Development Site Leader, The Boeing Company
- Mark Bennett - Operations Manager, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
- Megan Hellam - Director of Technical Operations, Analysis and Performance, Virgin Galactic
- Michael Berry - Associate Vice President IT/CIO, CGCC
- Mike Mustafa - Virgin Galactic
- Mike Haymaker - Quality Assurance Leader, Able Aerospace
- Max Espina Lorenzo - Workforce Analyst, CGCC
- Paul Sanders - Senior Development Officer, Institutional Advancement, CGCC
- Robert Medina - Regional Vice President Customer Support & Service Center Operations, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
- Ryan Darneille - Senior Operations Manager, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
- Sarah Johnson - Director of Operations, Textron Aviation, Able Aerospace
- Scott Woodward - Senior Manager Training, Spaceline Technical Operations, Virgin Galactic
- Tom Pearson - Dean of Workforce & Innovation, CGCC
- Yuri Hoverson - Vice President & General Manager, Able Aerospace
Together, BILT Advisory Board will:
- Advise on industry trends, technologies, and workforce needs
- Guide curriculum and certification pathways to keep our programs cutting-edge
- Open doors to mentorships, internships and career opportunities for students
The Future48 Workforce Accelerator state-of-the-art aerospace and defense-focused training facility will open to students fall of 2026 at CGCC’s Williams campus. The program is expected to support nearly 1,000 students annually, connecting learners with industry-relevant experiences and hands-on training, preparing them for in-demand, high-wage careers in aerospace and defense manufacturing.
“Chandler-Gilbert Community College has over 30 years of experience offering training and working with leading Aviation industry partners to meet workforce needs and offer high-quality programs to students in the aviation space,” said Dr. CJ Wurster, CGCC President. “We are honored to continue leading the way and expanding our impact through this partnership and the future work of the Aerospace & Defense Accelerator. Here is to innovation, collaboration and flight.”
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