With more than 100 years of combined experience, Lyon Aviation’s leadership team seeks to exceed all customer expectations.
Michael Lyon
Chairman of the Board / Principal
Michael began his career at Lyon Aviation at a young age. During the early years, Michael progressed through various roles including company flight instructor (CFII & Multi-Engine), and obtained type ratings in the Hawker and Learjet, prior to serving many years as an ATP rated captain, along with acting as the company check airman. Following the transition of ownership to Michael and his sister and brother, Michael took on the role of President in 2002, and Chairman of the Board in 2016. Michael’s leadership has paved the way for growth at Lyon Aviation, enabling the company to become one of today’s market leaders in the global private jet segment.
Christine Lyon Kupernik
COO / Principal
Christine began working at Lyon Aviation in 1985 and nurtured her career in various accounting, human resources, client services, and operational positions within the organization. She served as the company’s CFO from 1990 – 2022, successfully managing and overseeing its capital structure. With an intimate knowledge of the business, its people, and the aviation industry, Christine is a strong presence in the company’s overall operations and a driving force in positioning Lyon Aviation for calculated development, growth, and success.
Marc Lyon
GV Captain / Principal
Following the family tradition, Marc began his career with the company in 1986 and has held various positions through the years, including that of Chief Pilot. Marc is a heavy fleet lead captain with over 16,000 hours total time and more than 10,000 hours of global international experience. As a senior member of the Flight Operations team, Marc’s decades of steady influence over our daily operations have helped navigate the company to its current position as an industry leader.
Henry Lingley
Flight and Training Operations Manager
Henry began his career in aviation at 16 years old in Fitchburg, MA. After many years as a flight instructor, he joined the Lyon Aviation team in 2005 as a Navajo, Learjet, and Gulfstream pilot. Since then, his career has spanned multiple charter and private flight departments where he held the positions of Lead Captain, Training Pilot, Director of Safety, and Assistant Chief Pilot on various Gulfstream aircraft based worldwide. With his vast knowledge, experience, and expertise in the aviation industry, Henry returned to Lyon Aviation in 2019 as the Director of Operations, overseeing all aircraft operational matters. Today, Henry’s role has evolved into an advisory position for our leadership team. His invaluable insights significantly influence our flight operations and overall business operations as we continuously shape the future of Lyon Aviation.
Jennifer Wergland Lyon
CFO
Jennifer held the position of Financial Analyst at Lyon Aviation from 2013-2018 and returned to the company as Chief Financial Officer in 2022. She brings 30+ years of experience in both public and corporate accounting, with a concentration in successful family-run businesses pursuing calculated steady growth. Jennifer manages all financial functions of the company, develops strategic plans for future growth, and ensures the company’s optimal financial health. Jennifer holds a BS of Accountancy from Bentley College and is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Massachusetts.
Jeff Read
Director of Operations
Jeff joined Lyon Aviation as its Chief Pilot in June 2022 and brings to Lyon Aviation over 35 years of experience in senior-level operations management within the transportation aerospace industry. As Director of Operations, Jeff is responsible for Lyon Aviation’s FAR Part 135 certificate, maintaining all regulatory flight compliance and monitoring the overall effectiveness of operations. A strong motivator, some of Jeff’s previous positions include Director of Operations/Chief Pilot for Coleman Jet, Deputy VP of Operations/Assistant Chief Pilot at Priester Aviation, and General Manager of Landmark Aviation (formerly DB Aviation) in Waukegan, IL. Jeff possesses extensive 135 and regulatory experience and holds master’s degrees in both Finance and Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from St. Louis University.
Jacob Carlson
Chief Pilot
Airborne since his first birthday alongside his pioneering grandfather Lynn Lyon, Jacob inherited and cultivated a deep passion for aviation. Obtaining his Private Pilot’s license at 17 was the initial step that propelled his aviation career from line service technician to a flight coordinator and, ultimately, a skilled charter pilot, cultivating a well-rounded understanding of the aviation industry and Lyon Aviation. As a company check-airman and lead captain in the GIV for the past four years, Jacob has approximately 6000 flight hours, enriched by heavy international experience and extensive regulatory knowledge, allowing him to effectively lead Lyon Aviation’s pilot team to safety and excellence.
Jayde Carlson
Director of Sales and Flight Logistics
Representing the third generation of family participation, Jayde currently holds the position of Director of Sales and Flight Logistics at Lyon Aviation. Jayde has been with the company since 2008 and has held roles in both Finance and HR before joining our Sales team. Holding a degree in International Business from The Ohio State University, Jayde brings a dedication and passion in leading her Charter Sales team and Flight Coordination group to deliver whatever it takes to ensure a flawless client experience.
Joshua Carlson
Flight Coordination Manager
As a third-generation member of the Lyon Aviation family, Joshua Carlson was raised amidst the dynamic world of the company and the aircraft charter industry. Since officially joining Lyon Aviation in 2010, Joshua has been our clients’ trusted flight coordination partner and accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise in aircraft charter logistics. As an instrument-rated pilot, Joshua has a unique perspective of flight coordination that allows him to approach each flight from both a pilot’s and a coordinator’s perspective to anticipate the needs of every flight. From navigating the complexities of international regulations, weather, and customs processes to ensuring seamless arrival/departure handling services, catering, and ground transportation, Joshua leads our team of experts in orchestrating every aspect of our flights with the precision and professionalism you expect from an industry insider.
Justin Codwise
Director of Maintenance
Justin began his career as an aircraft maintenance technician with the company in 2005 and quickly progressed through the ranks as a senior maintenance lead. In his position as Director of Maintenance, Justin oversees the day-to-day operation of the fast-paced Maintenance Department. Justin’s no-nonsense approach and steady management skills have allowed the Lyon maintenance team to always be at the ready, handling all our routine and unscheduled maintenance, as well as caring for the needs of our General Aviation clients. Under Justin’s leadership, Lyon Aviation received its FAR Part 145 Repair Station accreditation in 2019 with Hawker, Falcon, and Gulfstream airframe authority.
Mark Rogers
Maintenance Manager
Mark Rogers is more than a Maintenance Manager; he’s a trusted friend and essential to Lyon Aviation’s history. His journey with Lyon Aviation began over 40 years ago, and his dedication to the company’s success and willingness to take on any task has never wavered. Mark is the administrative backbone of our maintenance department. His meticulous attention to detail and in-depth experience have played a vital role in transforming our maintenance division from a small shop to the reputable 145 Repair Station it is today. Whether managing and planning aircraft maintenance events, cultivating client relationships, collaborating with industry partners, or ensuring compliance with regulations, Mark approaches every aspect of his job with professionalism, reliability, and a friendly demeanor that sets everyone at ease.
Shane Yuknis
Director of Safety
As the Director of Safety, Shane leads the organization in developing and overseeing safety standards throughout all facets of our company — aircraft charter, aircraft maintenance, Fixed Base Operations, and ground facilities. Shane is a Noncommissioned Officer with 13 years of experience in the Vermont Army National Guard, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He brings to Lyon Aviation an in-depth knowledge of Risk Management and Mitigation systems used by the Armed Forces, with a keen awareness of safety climate, safety culture, evaluating potential risks, and safety mitigation. He joined the Lyon Aviation team in 2016 as a charter sales associate, gaining valuable knowledge of the aviation industry and its regulatory compliance. Shane was instrumental in the successful development and implementation of Lyon Aviation’s Safety Management Systems Volunteer Program (SMS VP) and continues to oversee our companywide initiative in applying SMS VP’s foundational principles throughout all areas of our business.
