Gary Oberstein, retired Senior Counsel and former Managing Partner at Nixon Peabody LLP, co-founded Above the Clouds in 2013 with his wife, Martha Oberstein. A lifelong aviation enthusiast and dedicated community leader, Gary combined his passion for flight with a mission to bring joy and hope to children facing serious adversity.

During his 30-year career as a labor and employment attorney, Gary provided legal counsel to numerous charitable organizations and served on the boards of nonprofits dedicated to children’s well-being. He also contributed his expertise as a board member for IMC Club International, supporting instrument-rated pilots.

Now splitting their time between Florida and New Hampshire, Gary and Martha have transitioned from day-to-day operations at Above the Clouds. As Executive Director and Director of Operations until 2021, they built a strong foundation for the organization, which continues to provide Dream Flights and aviation programs to thousands of underserved and disabled youth.

Their unwavering vision and dedication remain central to Above the Clouds, inspiring volunteers and ensuring its mission thrives for years to come. Gary Oberstein now serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Board, and Martha Oberstein as Board Member Emeritus. In addition, both have taken on Special Advisor roles to the Executive Director and Board of Directors, continuing to support Above the Clouds in key areas of growth and outreach.

As Special Advisors, Gary and Martha focus on strengthening relationships with community-based nonprofits and referral organizations, ensuring Above the Clouds reaches children who can most benefit from its mission. They also play a pivotal role in board recruitment and development, leveraging their deep institutional knowledge and extensive networks to help expand the leadership that guides Above the Clouds into the future.