Tanya Austin

Commercial Pilot | Aviation Safety Leader | Certified Aviation Manager

Tanya Austin is an aviation professional, commercial pilot, former mainline flight attendant, aircraft owner, published aviation writer, Certified Aviation Manager (CAM), Aviation Safety Manager, mentor, youth aviation advocate, nonprofit board member, and community leader with more than two decades of leadership experience spanning aviation, government operations, workforce development, grant development, safety management, and nonprofit governance.

A Lifetime Member of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Tanya previously served as the Eastern Region Zone 1 Representative on the National Board of Directors. She has also served as National Communications and Public Relations Chair for Black Pilots of America and remains actively involved with OBAP, Sisters of the Skies, Women in Aviation International, and EAA.

A published contributing writer for the New York Metropolitan Airport News, Tanya has authored numerous articles on aviation safety, airline operations, workforce development, aviation history, and industry trends. She is a National Aeronautic Association (NAA) Record Holder, owner of two aircraft, and has accumulated more than 1,300 flight hours.

Tanya holds the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) designation through NATA, the Aviation Safety Manager designation through the Transportation Safety Institute, and extensive Safety Management System (SMS) training. She served in senior leadership roles with the U.S. Department of Commerce at the GS-15 equivalent executive level, leading large-scale operations involving thousands of employees and multimillion-dollar programs.

She also possesses grant writing and development experience and holds a Professional International Mediator and Arbitration Certification from Manousso & Associates of Houston, Texas.

Tanya attended Texas College, an HBCU, and completed her Associate Degree at Kaplan College. A passionate mentor and youth aviation advocate, she is dedicated to expanding access, opportunity, and leadership development for future generations of aerospace professionals.

Her combination of aviation operations, nonprofit governance, safety management, executive leadership, workforce development, strategic communications, and fundraising experience enables her to contribute effectively to board oversight, strategic planning, organizational growth, and mission execution.

Mark Chambers

United Airlines Captain

I am a dedicated aviation professional, mentor, and advocate for the next generation of aviation leaders. Born and raised on the island of Jamaica, my passion for aviation and service to others has shaped a distinguished career spanning more than two decades. I began my professional flying career in 2003 and have accumulated over 15,000 hours of flight experience. My aviation journey started with Freedom Airlines in 2006 before transitioning to SkyWest Airlines in 2007.

In 2012, I joined Spirit Airlines, and in 2015, I achieved a major career milestone by joining United Airlines, where I continue to serve today. Throughout my career, I have operated a diverse fleet of aircraft, including the Bombardier CRJ 200, CRJ 700, and CRJ 900, as well as the Boeing 757, 767, and 777, and the Airbus A319, A320, and A321. My extensive experience and commitment to operational excellence have earned me the respect of colleagues and peers throughout the industry.

A proud member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals OBAP since 2006, I have remained deeply committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity within aviation. I have actively served through both the APDP Team and the APIS Program, helping to mentor, guide, and inspire aspiring aviation professionals. Through these efforts, I have personally coached student pilots on interview preparation, résumé development, and career planning, helping several young aviators take their first steps toward airline careers.

Beyond the flight deck, I am passionate about empowering young people and creating pathways for success. I firmly believe in the transformative power of mentorship, education, and service, and I dedicate my time to helping others achieve their goals in aviation and beyond. I am often invited to speak at aviation career events and OBAP gatherings, where my leadership and encouragement leave a lasting impression on students and early-career pilots. I am also a devoted family man. I am the proud father of three children—two sons and a daughter—and the loving grandfather of three grandchildren.

My commitment to family, community, and service continues to be the foundation of both my personal and professional life. Through leadership, mentorship, and an unwavering desire to see others succeed, I continue to make a lasting impact on the aviation community while inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams.

James Gordon

International Airline Captain | Former OBAP Board Chair

James Gordon is an accomplished aerospace executive, international airline captain, and dedicated civic leader with over 32 years of service and 17,000 flight hours. He has built a distinguished governance tenure with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, National Vice President, and Regional Vice President. Simply put, "I started my airline career through OBAP 35 years ago and plan to end my career serving OBAP."

Captain Gordon’s foundation in aerospace began with a global military upbringing, leading him to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he earned a B.S. in Aeronautical Science. He entered the U.S. Air Force (USAF) as an Acquisition Project Specialist before completing Pilot Training at Reese Air Force Base. As a T-37 Instructor Pilot and Unit Standardization Evaluation Member (USEM), he trained military aviators in solo operations and emergency procedures. He later transitioned to the Air National Guard, flying F-16s for eight years in critical Air Defense and counter-narcotics missions. His military credentials include F-16 Test Pilot School and the Weapons and Test Evaluation School.

In his commercial aviation career, Captain Gordon flew for American Airlines before joining United Parcel Service (UPS) as an International MD-11 Instructor Captain. His heavy-jet command experience spans the DC-10, DC-8, B-747, and MD-11 aircraft. A passionate advocate for workforce development, Captain Gordon currently serves on the Independent Pilots Association (IPA) Foundation Committee, reviewing grant requests to ensure financial allocations align with the organization's core pillars. He also founded the Dover Aviation and Career Education (ACE) Academy to introduce students to STEM fields. His broader governance experience includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Kentuckiana Boys & Girls Club, and sitting on two University Industry Advisory Boards.

Marcel Kimbrel

United Airlines First Officer | OBAP Member Since 2020

Marcel Kimbrel, a native of Houston, Texas, currently serves as a Boeing 737 First Officer for United Airlines. As a proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University, Marcel brings a diverse perspective to professional development and mentorship within the aerospace community.

Marcel’s aviation journey began in 2006 as a flight attendant to pursue his passion for travel. Throughout his career at United Airlines, he held various roles, including International Purser and Initial Flight Attendant Training Instructor. While ensuring the safety of thousands of passengers worldwide, Marcel’s unwavering desire to become a professional airline pilot remained steadfast.

In 2020, fueled by his faith and determination, Marcel embarked on his flight training journey. He joined OBAP as a mentee in the Aerospace Professional Development Program. After completing the Airline Career Pilot Program at ATP Flight School, Marcel became one of the inaugural cadre of Certified Flight Instructors, inaugurating the United Aviate Academy.

At United Aviate Academy, Marcel expanded his leadership roles, serving as a Line Check Airman, Standards Instructor, and Human Factors/Pilot Development Facilitator. His experience and dedication led him to further his career as a First Officer, Pilot Recruiter, and Captain at CommuteAir. Subsequently, Marcel made a triumphant return to United Airlines as a First Officer, continuing his remarkable journey in the aviation industry.

Marcel has found his purpose in mentorship and advocacy through volunteer work with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). Currently, he serves as the OBAP Scholarship Programs Director and the Ascension Program chapter advisor to United Aviate Academy.

Additionally, he has been a guest instructor for Explore Aerospace, a volunteer for Aerospace Professionals in Schools (APIS), and a mental health advocate and QPR Gatekeeper in the Green Bandana Project. Marcel’s unwavering dedication to mentorship, providing resources and knowledge to navigate the aerospace industry, is a crucial aspect of his mission to build a diverse and inclusive future for aviators.