At Above the Clouds, our leadership team is united by a shared passion for inspiring and uplifting children facing adversity. Comprising experienced aviation professionals, nonprofit leaders, and dedicated volunteers, this team brings a wealth of expertise and unwavering commitment to our mission.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Greg Bongiorno
President, Board Chair
Greg Bongiorno serves as the President and Chair for the Board of Directors at Above the Clouds. His journey with the organization began a decade ago, volunteering as a pilot, career mentor, and flight instructor across various programs. With over 30 years of aviation experience, Greg has built an impressive career as a seaplane charter pilot, flight instructor, airline pilot, and director of safety. He has also managed a large university flight training program, worked in aircraft sales, and currently flies for a private corporate flight department in the Boston area.
Greg has also contributed to the aviation community as a Board Member for the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), helping to set the standards for accredited university aviation programs in North America.
Mark Hanson
Vice President
Mark Hanson is a retired successful serial entrepreneur who then found his passion in aviation. Mark soon discovered a way to use his skill as a pilot to help others and started flying for Above the Clouds in 2015, joining the board of directions in 2022. He has flown over 450 volunteer missions for a variety of aviation non profit organizations. In addition to Above the Clouds, Mark serves on the board of Air Care Alliance, an organization that represents and advocates for over 60 public benefit flying non-profits across the USA. Mark has been recognized over the years for his commitment to give back to the community.
- 2024 – PALS/SkyHope Richard Ruzika Award for Service
- 2023 – International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians, Service Award
- 2022 – Angel Flight Endeavor Award, National Volunteer Pilot
- 2021 – National Aeronautic Assoc. Distinguished Volunteer Pilot
- 2017 – NBA & Boston Celtics Hero Among Us Award
Hew Crooks
Treasurer, Governance Chair
Hew Crooks is the Chief Financial Officer of Ridgebury Tankers, a premier maritime asset management firm specializing in delivering strong investment performance. A passionate aviator, Hew is also a pilot, combining his love for flight with his commitment to Above the Clouds’ mission.
Hew began his career in investment banking and private equity in New York with Lehman Brothers and Investcorp. His career took a new direction when he moved to Peru to establish an investment firm focused on privatizations and infrastructure projects, later expanding operations to Eastern Europe. Over the years, his expertise has spanned diverse industries, including steel, mining, agriculture, power, and shipping.
In addition to his work in finance, Hew served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Safe Water Network, a nonprofit organization developing drinking water projects in Ghana and India. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its reach, now providing safe, affordable drinking water to over 1.3 million people in 389 communities.
With his extensive financial expertise and passion for aviation, Hew brings invaluable leadership to Above the Clouds, helping to inspire and uplift children through the magic of flight.
Paul Zauner
Clerk
Paul Zauner serves as the Board Clerk of Above the Clouds, bringing decades of leadership, operational expertise, and a passion for aviation to the organization. A pilot himself, Paul understands the transformative power of flight and is committed to using his experience to inspire children facing adversity.
Paul’s distinguished career spans aerospace, military operations, and program management. As a Supervisory Acquisition Program Manager for the U.S. Air Force, he led multimillion-dollar defense programs in cyber warfare, command and control, and global communications. His expertise includes space operations, missile defense, and intelligence, where he managed critical national security initiatives and briefed senior military officials.
Beyond his work in defense, Paul has a strong commitment to education and community service. He has served as a school principal and assistant principal, implementing programs that improved student outcomes. He is also an active leader in the Air Force Association and has contributed significantly to veterans’ initiatives.
With his deep expertise in leadership, aviation, and service, Paul plays a vital role in Above the Clouds, ensuring the organization continues to bring joy, hope, and inspiration to children through the magic of flight.
Christopher Donovan, Jr
Board Member
Christopher Donovan Jr., Executive Vice President of Boston Executive FBO, brings his operational expertise and passion for aviation to his role as a Board Member at Above the Clouds. In his role at Boston Executive FBO, Chris Jr. oversees critical operations, including crew hiring, fuel farm maintenance, FAA compliance, line management, and the comprehensive responsibilities of running a commercially operated hangar.
A Walpole, Massachusetts native, Chris Jr. discovered his passion for aviation after attending the University of Massachusetts and gaining experience in the construction industry. His journey into aviation led him to explore flying fixed-wing aircraft before finding his true calling as a helicopter pilot. In 2020, Chris Jr. earned his commercial helicopter license, enabling him to pursue his love for flight professionally.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Chris Jr. pilots helicopter tours around the Boston area and conducts aerial photography missions, sharing his enthusiasm for flight with others.
As a Board Member at Above the Clouds, Chris Jr. contributes his aviation expertise and dedication to the organization’s mission of inspiring and empowering children facing adversity. His hands-on approach and heartfelt commitment help Above the Clouds continue to make a transformative impact on the lives of underserved and disabled children.
Kathy Kiely
Board Member
Kathy Kiely brings her extensive expertise in brand building, marketing, and advertising to her role as a Board Member at Above the Clouds. With deep roots in the agency and marketing communities, Kathy has held leadership positions at some of the industry’s most influential organizations.
She formerly served as a Managing Partner and Creative Director at Arnold Advertising and was instrumental in launching the Boston office of Deutsch Advertising. For 18 years, Kathy led The Ad Club of New England as its President, fostering a vibrant community of creative professionals and advancing innovation in the advertising field.
Kathy’s career also includes roles as Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Marketing and Advertising at Bertucci’s, where she honed her skills in strategic brand management. Her outstanding campaign work has earned her 11 Gold Effies and numerous Hatch and Clio Awards, reflecting her creative vision and impact.
As a valued member of the Above the Clouds board, Kathy’s wealth of experience and passion for making a difference fuel her commitment to the organization’s mission of inspiring and uplifting children facing serious adversity.
Cindy McGrann
Board Member
Cindy McGrann has been a dedicated volunteer and advocate for Above the Clouds since 2019, serving as a Flight Coordinator and bringing her passion for aviation and youth development to the organization. A school counselor by profession, Cindy became involved with Above the Clouds after meeting one of its founders at Dedham High School, where she works closely with high-needs students as part of the school’s Wellness Team.
Inspired by a powerful video showcasing Above the Clouds’ transformative programs, Cindy immediately volunteered at a Dream Flight Day, where she discovered a meaningful way to combine her love for working with children and her fascination with aviation. In January 2020, Cindy organized a special group of seven students from her school to participate as fliers on a particularly memorable Dream Flight Day, with support from the principal, school nurse, teachers, and other educators who braved freezing temperatures to cheer on the children. The joy and hope of that day remain a cherished memory for all involved.
Since joining the Above the Clouds team, Cindy has been a tireless supporter, rarely missing an event and actively recruiting volunteers, including student Joy Makers from Dedham and Canton, to help make Dream Flight Days unforgettable. Cindy’s students continue to create posters for the fliers, spreading encouragement and positivity.
Shelly Misiph
Board Member
Shelley Misiph, Finance & Accounting Senior Specialist at Inspire Brands, brings her financial expertise and nonprofit leadership to Above the Clouds. At Inspire Brands—the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins, Arby’s, and more—Shelley supports key financial operations and drives community engagement.
As Engagement Officer and former Co-Chair of the Dunkin’ JOY in Childhood Foundation, Shelley helped launch and grow the foundation, providing grants to organizations serving children facing illness and food insecurity through nationwide events and volunteer efforts.
A volunteer Flight Coordinator with Above the Clouds since 2016, Shelley has played a key role in creating joyful, life-changing experiences for children and families. Her professional skills and passion for giving back make her an invaluable part of the organization’s mission to inspire youth through the magic of flight.
Matthew Sheehan
Board Member
Matthew Sheehan has been a dedicated member of Above the Clouds since 2015, contributing in a variety of roles, including Dream Pilot, Flight Coordinator, Ground Crew member, and most recently, as a Board Member for over two years. His commitment to the organization reflects his passion for aviation and his desire to inspire and uplift children facing adversity.
Matthew’s aviation career spans nearly two decades. He currently serves as a Captain at American Airlines, flying the Boeing 737-800 since 2020. His previous roles include Instructor Pilot on the Embraer 145 at Piedmont Airlines (2016–2020), CRJ-200 Pilot at Air Wisconsin (2014–2016), and Pilot of the Cessna 402 at Cape Air, where he began his aviation journey working on the ramp (2004–2013).
A Dedham, MA native, Matthew now resides in Braintree. He graduated from Norfolk County Agricultural High School in 2003, where he later served on the Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2023, and earned his degree from Bridgewater State University in 2007 after completing flight school.
With his extensive aviation experience and deep ties to the community, Matthew brings invaluable insight and leadership to Above the Clouds, helping to deliver hope and joy to children through the magic of flight.
ABOVE THE CLOUDS OPERATIONS TEAM
DAVID PRICE
PROGRAMS MANAGER
David Price serves as Programs Manager for Above the Clouds, combining a lifelong passion for aviation with a commitment to inspiring the next generation. As a pilot, educator, and mentor, David has spent decades helping young people discover the excitement, opportunities, and life lessons that aviation can provide.
Throughout his career, David has developed aviation education programs, mentored students, and created hands-on experiences that introduce children and teens to the wonder of flight. He believes that one flight, one mentor, or one aviation experience can change the course of a young person’s life.
David’s contributions to aviation education have been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the FAA’s Teacher of the Year Award in 2006, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Educator Award in 2005, and the Civil Air Patrol’s Brewer Award for Aviation Education Excellence in 2013.
At Above the Clouds, David works closely with volunteers, pilots, families, and community partners to create unforgettable Dream Flight Day experiences that bring joy, hope, and inspiration to children facing adversity through the magic of flight.
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BARBARA SICA
MARKETING & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Barbara Sica joined Above the Clouds in January 2026 to support the organization’s outreach, marketing and operations..
She brings more than 35 years of leadership in business management and marketing, including 16 years in nonprofit public-benefit flying for Angel Flight NE. Her background includes strategic communications, organizational leadership, mission-driven program development, and senior marketing roles in technology, healthcare, publishing, and retail.
Her career includes serving as the Vice President of Marketing, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations for Edgewater Technology, a $100M publicly-traded international technology firm for 10+ years. And she has held various marketing management roles.
in addition to her role with Above the Clouds, she also serves as the Executive Director for Air Care Alliance, a national nonprofit that collaborates with 60+ volunteer pilot organizations who leverage volunteer general aviation pilots to support patients, animals and communites by providing free flights.
Barbara is very active in her hometown community of Wilmington, MA where she supports multiple community-based nonprofits.