EAA180 | Board of Directors

2023 Board of Directors

The EAA180 Board of Directors meet the first Tuesday of each month. All EAA180 members are welcomed to join us. See the Calendar for details.

GARY STEVENS

Gary, EAA180 President, currently spearheads the EAA180 building project and serves as liaison to SRQ Airport. Gary is a CFI and is ATP rated in airplanes and helicopter rated. Retired from the Illinois Division of Aeronautics and a contract FAA airport inspector, he now enjoys flying his 1982 Varga Kachina and volunteering in the community. Our Chapter 180 Young Eagles and Teen Build projects are his favorites and he invites you to join us and discover for yourself the camaraderie, friendships, and fulfillment you can have as a member of our chapter.

Ron Handley

Ron serves as the EAA180 Vice-President and Treasurer. Ron is a pilot, EAA Chapter 180 Board Member and one of the mentors who leed the TAFM teens in building RV-12 aircraft. He is actively involved in the build of TAFM's fifth RV-12 airplane that is currently underway. Ron has also built an RV7A along with six other owners, which was completed in October 2023.

Bob Jones

Bob serves as the EAA Chapter 180 Webmaster. Bob is a Commercial pilot with instrument rating and lifelong aviation enthusiast. Bob served eight years in the Air Force before joining the FAA. Bob worked as Tower Controller, Approach RADAR controller, Automation Specialist, Area Supervisor, Tower Manager, and District Manager before retiring in June of 2012. Bob is co-owner of an RV12-ULS and an RV7A, both hangared next to the EAA hangars. Bob was one of the builders of the RV7A, along with six other owners, which was completed in October 2023.

JAIME ROBLEDO

Jaime serves on the EAA180 Board. An aviation enthusiast and Private Pilot, Jaime joined the EAA180 in April 2018 when he relocated to Sarasota after spending 22 years around the world helping patients while working for Bristol Myers Squibb. Jaime wanted to serve on the EAA180 BOD as he is an admirer of how EAA members support each other while having fun and enjoys participating in the various EAA180 programs.

Squire McCauley

Squire’s extensive aviation background includes his 23 year U S Army career as a helicopter
mechanic, crew chief and pilot flying Hueys and Blackhawks. He retired as a Senior Aviator with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. After the Army Squire obtained his FAA A&P certificate and went back to work as a civilian for the Army, airlines, and with EMS helicopter operators in maintenance positions. Squire is also an active mentor in the Teen Build program.

Ute Kegel

Ute joined TAFM as a volunteer for the Sarasota Police Department and fell in love with the program immediately. What could be more exciting than building an airplane? Originally from Germany, Ute has worked as a technical and medical translator of manuals, documentation, marketing and training materials for 30 years. She has a lifelong passion for all things technical, and her profession has given her an extensive background in safety, best practices, technical understanding, and attention to detail — and she enjoys passing on this knowledge to our students.

Ray Deer

Ray earned his pilot's license at age 17 and has been an aviation enthusiast his entire life. He joined Civil Air Patrol at age 16 and earned his Spaatz award at age 20, marking as far as you can go in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. As an adult Civil Air Patrol member and local squadron commander, Ray became involved with EAA Chapter 180 in advocating general aviation with the SRQ airport authority. Upon completing his Civil Air Patrol service, Ray joined the chapter board in 2021 to remain close to the local general aviation community. Ray is the Chief Technology Officer at his employer of over 20 years focusing on the research and development, promotion, and manufacture of intelligent transportation systems and products.