Meet CJP’s New Chief Executive Officer!

by Trent Corcia

Dear CJP Members, Partners and Friends,

I cannot tell you how honored and thrilled my wife Michelle and I are at the opportunity for me to serve as the next CEO of CJP.

Ever since I attended the 2016 CJP Annual Convention in New Orleans, I have always been impressed with CJP and knowing that the association is built by members for both members and partners. Every year, the Convention has continued to grow in safety, knowledge, members, partners and influence.

I would like to genuinely and sincerely thank Andrew Broom for his leadership, attention to detail and friendship. He has grown CJP tremendously in all metrics over the last 5 years. CJP has been lucky to have him, and we all wish Andrew and Melissa continued happiness and success as he heads to NBAA. (Andrew, we will be calling you!)

Growing up, my family and I would be considered “nomads” as every three years we crisscrossed the country (New York, Louisiana, California, Louisiana, Arkansas and Florida) as my Dad was promoted numerous times to evidentially be the CEO of four different companies throughout his business career. My Mom is a saint as she helped my brother, sister and me with our studies, and carpooled us to all our activities. Today, my younger brother Chris is a Director of Finance and Accounting for USAA in San Antonio; my younger sister Lauren is Senior Director of Marketing for The Wonderful Company (Fiji Water, Justin wines, etc.) in Los Angeles.

While at Texas A&M University, I was in the Corps of Cadets for 4 years, a member of Fish Drill Team (military drill team – won national championship), and my squadron’s Executive Officer. As a cadet, I had many great leadership experiences/opportunities. In May 1998, I was commissioned into the US Air Force, attended Navigator Flight School, and became a C-130 Navigator stationed in Abilene, TX. While in the Air Force from 1998 to 2005, I deployed throughout the world – the good and the bad parts of the world. In these years, I attained 2,300 hours in the C-130 and have a lifetime of memories and friendships.

After the USAF, I earned an MBA at SMU Cox School of Business in Dallas, TX and then had job offers with American Airlines (AA) and AT&T. My love of aviation won. While at AA for 5 years, I held roles in Cargo Revenue Management, Passenger Revenue Management and Labor Relations. During the AA bankruptcy, I interviewed with FlightSafety International and was offered a position on their new Marketing Team. Within a year, I became the Assistant Manager of the Learning Center in Wilmington, DE; Wilmington is one of the largest Centers. After 2.5 years, I was promoted to Manager of the Learning Center in Orlando, FL. This Center had about 170 employees, 12 Textron Aviation Citation simulators, and welcomes thousands of Clients each year for Initial, Recurrent and Prior Experience training. After 2.5 years leading the Orlando Center, I moved to the Marketing Team with the mission to promote, market and innovate new marketing strategies for the owner/operator segment as well as serve as the relationship manager for FlightSafety with CJP. In the last two years, I was accepted and completed the Harvard Business School Executive MBA (equivalent). This was an incredible experience of growth and dynamic learning.

My wife and I met at Texas A&M, and we were married in 1999. Michelle earned her Master of Physical Therapy shortly afterwards. We reside in Orlando, FL and have 4 children – Blaise (high school senior – coxswain in crew), JT (high school freshman – travel soccer), Alex (7th grade – travel soccer) and Della (kindergarten). We are constantly cheering on our children either by the water at a crew regatta or on a soccer field, and we would not want it any other way!

My love of aviation started as small child saying “airplane” every time an airplane flew overhead. While in the Texas A&M Flying Club, I earned my Private Pilot’s license and like just about everyone reading this article, I was hit by the aviation bug after my first flight! Today, I have over 4,000 total hours (military and GA), have an ATP, and have earned three type ratings (Citation Mustang, Gulfstream GV and Hawker 800XP). We fly our Piper Navajo Chieftain throughout the southeast US.

Throughout my career, I have had increasing roles of responsibility within Marketing, Operations, Sales, Strategy and Negotiations. With these experiences, I will listen to each CJP Member and Partner to develop mutually beneficial strategies and solutions. This is an exciting time for CJP, and I look forward to working with all of you to grow our association!