Duluth Airport Authority
Board of Directors
Michael Henderson
President
View BioMichael Henderson serves as a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch and is partner of the Sieh Henderson Group in the Duluth, MN office. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch in 2016, Michael graduated from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, MN where he earned both his B.A. degree and military commission into the U.S Army. After graduating college he attended U.S. Army aviation flight school in Fort Rucker, AL and went on to serve as an officer and aviator in the United States Army for ten years, obtaining the rank of Major. His deployments include serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Republic of Korea as a Blackhawk Helicopter Aeromedical Evacuation pilot-in-command, and in Sinai, Egypt where he served as the Multination Force and Observers Aviation Fixed Wing Commander and C-12 airplane pilot-in-command. He continues to maintain his FAA helicopter and airplane multi-engine commercial pilot ratings and is passionate about aviation. Michael also serves on the Military Affairs Committee through the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Scott Anderson Leadership Committee through the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation.
Jason Crawford
Vice President
View BioJason has been in commercial banking for ten years. He started at Republic Bank as a Credit Analyst in 2012 and became a Commercial Lender five years later. In October of 2019, Jason moved to Bell Bank as VP / Commercial Banker. At Bell Bank, where he works with businesses of all sizes and industries, including commercial real estate, industrial, professional services and manufacturing. Currently, he is the Treasurer of the board for The Boys & Girls Club of the Northland and has been a board member since 2018. He has also been on the Duluth Planning Commission since April of 2018. Lastly, he is on the Finance Committee and Lending Committee for OneRoof Housing. Jason is born and raised in Duluth, MN. He graduated from UMD in 2012 and resides in Duluth with his wife, daughter and dog.
Elissa Hansen
Secretary
View BioElissa Hansen, President & CEO of the Northspan Group, Inc., invests her time creatively advancing others’ capabilities. Recently, she has facilitated strategic planning processes for numerous public, private, and nonprofit organizations in the Upper Midwest. She also spearheaded the creation of the Minnesota Opportunity Collaborative and has worked to expand and enhance Northspan’s programs. She leads Northspan with over 20 years of experience in business and economic development across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Gary Black
Board Member
View BioGary Black is a Sales Director with Aerista Aircraft Sales and based in Duluth, MN. He retired from Cirrus Aircraft in January 2020 after 23 years. He was one of the test pilots responsible for the flight testing and certification of the Cirrus SR20 and SR22. He has also served as the Director of Flight Operations, Great Plains Sales Director, and Jet Sales Director. While at Cirrus Aircraft, Gary sold hundreds of piston SRs and SF50 Vision Jet positions. During his 5 years with Aerista, he has sold over 400 preowned aircraft. Gary is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and was a presenter at the SETP National Symposium on the testing of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) which has saved over 270 lives to date. He flew previously as a test pilot for Maule, Piper and TBM Aircraft companies. Prior to being a civilian test pilot, Gary completed a career with the US Navy flying F-14 Tomcats off aircraft carriers. Gary holds a Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology, and completed his MBA work. He also attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), in NAS Miramar, CA. Gary holds single and multiengine ratings with instructor certificates and has a type rating in the Cirrus Vision Jet. He enjoys flying float and classic aircraft as well. He has been married to Celeste Curley-Black for 45 years and they have two daughters, Amelia (32) and Jacqueline (23), who also love to fly.
Sandy Hoff
Board Member
View BioSandy Hoff is president of F.I. Salter Real Estate, a 137-year-old Duluth real estate firm, and has been in the real estate business for over 40 years. He is a licensed Real Estate Broker and Certified General Real Property Appraiser. Mr. Hoff is also an experienced real estate developer having developed numerous residential, hospitality and commercial properties throughout Duluth and northern Minnesota including the Pier B Resort Hotel on Duluth’s waterfront, as codeveloper. Mr. Hoff is also involved in a diverse portfolio of business enterprises including regional resorts, hotels, marinas and restaurants. Mr. Hoff was a founding member of Lake Superior Helicopters along with other aviation enthusiasts. Community involvement and enrichment is a priority for Mr. Hoff as he has had the privilege of serving on the board of directors for over 19 local organizations and has been a member of the Duluth Rotary Club 25 for over 38 years. Mr. Hoff is a licensed pilot and enjoys flying their Cirrus SR22 and Cessna Floatplanes with partners and family members. Hobbies include snow skiing, mountain biking, flying, snowmobiling and spending time at the family cabin on Lake Vermilion. Mr. Hoff is Married to Natalie, and is proud that kids Daniel, Braden and Callie all work and live in the Duluth area.
Briana Johnson
Board Member
View BioBriana Johnson serves as a Development Director for the American Heart Association where she is responsible for the Northland Heart Walk and Northland Go Red for Women fundraising events, and works closely with businesses in the Twin Ports, and schools throughout St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties on prevention and education programs. She has lived in Duluth for most of her life and attended the University of Minnesota Duluth where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. Briana has a passion for the tourism industry having worked at Spirit Mountain for 18 years, and at the St. Louis County Depot for nearly five, in addition to serving as the Board Chair for Visit Duluth, President of the Duluth Area Attractions Council, and currently serving as a member of the Leadership Team for the Duluth Airshow. She also serves on the Board of Directors for both the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Duluth Area YMCA Heritage Foundation.
Kevin O’Brien
Board Member
View BioKevin O’Brien has been in the Real Estate business for 27 years. His accreditations include the Certified Residential Specialist designation as well as being a Graduate of the Realtor’s Institute. He has lived in Duluth for the past 30 years and from 1988-1993, attended the University of Minnesota Duluth where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Kevin also served in the Minnesota National Guard for 22 years, obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant and fulfilling the duties of Squadron Intelligence NCO and Senior Operations Sergeant. He is a 30 year member of the Port of Duluth Kiwanis Club and past president. Kevin is also a founding board member of the Duluth Police Foundation where is he currently is a board member.
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