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Who We Are!

Your WAMA Board of Directors and Committees consist of an all-volunteer board who contribute their time and effort toward the advancement of our organization.

All of our Board members are active and involved in Corporate or General Aviation and represent a broad range of experience and knowledge to guide the organization.

We encourage input, suggestions and engagement from our Members for the continued success of the organization

Interested in Getting Involved?

Are you interested in joining the Board or perhaps helping out as a volunteer? There are many reasons to get involved in a professional organization. Career advancement visibility, networking, and sharing your skill set to support a premier aircraft maintenance organization.

Please speak to or contact any of our board members and we will invite you to one of our Board meetings.

Email us with your interests!

OFFICERS

George Kleros, President

Jet Support Services Inc. - JSSI

Senior Vice President, Strategic Management and Fleet Support

Mr. Kleros is responsible for large fleet support, and strategic planning within Technical Services and Advisory Services at JSSI. He has over 30 years of experience in Aviation Maintenance, Management, Field Support Services and appraisals for business jet aircraft.

With over 35 years in aviation, Mr. Kleros has held a position as the Eastern Region Customer Service Manager for Rolls Royce North America. Prior to that position, he was the Technical Support Manager with JSSI for almost a decade. Mr. Kleros also held positions with Textron Flight Services in a field support position and was the Director of Maintenance for an Air Carrier fleet. He also held the position of President for an aircraft maintenance company with multiple satellite facilities supporting charter operations, flight schools, and retail maintenance.

Mr. Kleros currently serves on the maintenance airworthiness committee for General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), is a board member of the Westchester Aircraft Maintenance Association, and serves on The Embry Riddle AMS IAC committee. Mr. Kleros holds an FAA rating for Powerplant and Airframe, with additional privileges as a holder of an Inspectors Authorization (IA). Accredited Senior Appraiser MTS Aviation discipline with American Society of Appraisers.

Malcolm MacKenzie, Sr Vice-President

Malcolm MacKenzie, also known by his middle name, Ken, began his aviation career in the military. He served six years of active duty in the U.S.M.C. working on AV-8B Harriers at MCAS Yuma, AZ. Additionally, he served eighteen years in the Air Force Reserve at Westover Air Base in Chicopee, MA working in the structural repair shop for the C5-A/B/M program.

He has been part of the HPN family since 1999 and an active WAMA member for many years. Malcolm started his career at Panorama and held positions as a Technician, Shift Lead and Inspector. In 2005, he transitioned to EJM/NetJets as a Technician, Inspector, SMS and Safety Manager for the HPN facility. In 2017, he began a new position as Operations Manager for Clay Lacy in Oxford, CT, while still supporting clients at HPN.

Malcolm will serve as Membership Chairman as well as continuing to serve as the Aviation Maintenance Chair..

Contact: malcolmmackenzie66@outlook.com

Jennifer Kempsey, Vice President

C&L Aviation - Regional Sales Manager

WAMA Education and Career Development Chair, Social Media

Jennifer Kempsey is the Northeast Regional Sales Manager for C&L Aviation, a full service MRO out of Bangor, Maine, and has worked in the industry for over 15 years.

Kempsey is a long-time aviation advocate who currently sits on WAA as the Executive Director and Women in Aviation (WAI) - Westchester County as the Fundraising Chair. Jennifer also volunteers with The NBAA Maintenance Committee, The Aerospace Maintenance Competition, and WAI Girls in Aviation Day held at the airport. Jennifer was awarded “40 Under 40” in 2020 by NBAA for her dedication and passion to the industry. She believes in the future of aviation and is grateful for all aviation has been able to provide for her.

When she is not supporting the industry she loves, she enjoys going to see live music, thrifting, and trying new restaurants. Jennifer currently lives in Westwood, NJ, with her sweet little chihuahua Lucy, who she often travels on the road with.

Joan Szemplenski, Treasurer

Joan brings over 35 years of aviation experience to the WAMA Board.

She has worked for Part 121, 135 but mostly at 91 operations, which includes several Fortune 50 companies as an Aircraft Scheduler. She retired from Verizon’s Corporate Flight Department after 16 years of service. Joan holds a BS Degree in Business Administration from Concordia College, Bronxville, NY, and has her Private Pilot’s License.

Contact: admin@wamahpn.org

John Divito, Co-Treasurer

John has over 35 years' experience in aviation starting with the US Air Force where he served 10 years on active duty as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician. John has his Airframe and Powerplant ratings as well as an BS degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

John has had held in various positions in his aviation career from A&P Technician, Maintenance Manager, General Manager and Sales. His experience acquired from many companies such as Textron Aviation, JSSI, Eclipse Aviation and Pratt & Whitney Canada. John has served as an active member of the WAMA community and has always supported the Business Aviation industry in the region.

John is currently a Field Service Manager providing technical support and guidance to the operators based in NJ, DE, and LI for Pratt & Whitney Canada.

Ali Zaidi, Secretary

Ali graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration in 2015. After beginning his career at Textron Aviation as a Maintenance Engineer in 2015, he’s held positions in AOG Support, Technical Writing, Aircraft Market Analysis, and is currently an Aftermarket Sales Manager for Textron, supporting jet and turboprop operators in the Northeast US. Ali received Aviation International News’ “Above and Beyond OEM” award in 2021 for his resourcefulness in supporting operators in the territory. He enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and fast cars. Member of WAMA since 2018.

Ron Ruocco, Membership

Currently active as an aviation consultant, Ron recently retired from the Hertz Corporation as the DOM for over two decades. Ron has worked mostly in the tri state area and in Florida throughout his career to include Avco Lycoming flight test and FBO Maintenance manager, MCA flight department, Sikorsky Aircraft and Knickerbocker Aviation.

Entering the Aviation industry in 1974 graduated from Wentworth Institute and subsequently acquired an A&P rating and holds multiple pilot ratings. Ron has been a long-time member of WAMA since 1980.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS