Board of Directors
Clyde A. Smith
Chair
Clyde began his aviation career in the US Navy as an Air Traffic Controller. After the Navy, Clyde worked with Planning Research Corporation, where he produced computer flight plans for more than 40 major airlines. He was then hired by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and served at Andrews AFB Tower, Harrisburg International Tower, Capital City Tower, Lancaster Tower, Reading Tower, Northeast Philadelphia Tower, and finally Manassas Tower as the Air Traffic Facility Manager. During these years he helped minorities and females, both youth and adult, as a member of the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE) and as the NE Regional President.
Upon retiring from federal service after 36 years, Clyde began teaching third grade at Faith Tabernacle School in Mechanicsburg, PA. Aviation called again and Clyde started back at Capital City Contract Tower, as a contract controller, and later as the Air Traffic Facility Manager. Clyde has enjoyed a career that has spanned over 50 years, including 46 years of air traffic service! He is a lifetime member of the NBCFAE.
Mark A. Miller
Vice Chair/Treasurer
Mark has served as the Career Coordinator at Cedar Cliff High School in the West Shore School District for more than a decade. He was introduced to PWAP when a young lady came into his office and said, “I want to be a pilot.” When he learned about the mission of PWAP, he knew he wanted to be part of an organization committed to helping students overcome obstacles standing in the way of their dreams.
Before assuming his current role as Career Coordinator, Mark was a small business owner in Baltimore and southern York County. He continues to support PWAP in connecting with area school districts to increase awareness of the program.
Susan Naylor-Adams, MBA, CSSGB
Secretary
Susan is a co-founder of PWAP. In 2011, Susan obtained her private pilot license and founded Cargill Aeronautical. In 2012, she expanded Cargill with the acquisition of a flight academy and spearheaded another expansion in 2014 with the acquisition of an aircraft repair and maintenance shop. In late 2020, Cargill Aeronautical created the Youth Professional Pilot Program.
Susan has nearly 30 years of experience as a finance, operations, and information management professional for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. She is the president and CEO of Naylor-Adams & Associates, specializing her practice in the healthcare, non-profit, and general aviation industries. Susan loves taking to the sky whenever she has the opportunity!
Leigh Farrar-Freeman, PhD
Dr. Leigh Farrar-Freeman was initially exposed to aviation during a graduate-level project that examined the organizational structure within an air traffic-control tower.
Dr. Farrar-Freeman is a high school college and career counselor who has spent several decades working with children, youth, and families from underrepresented populations. In 2023, Leigh gained firsthand experience in helping to shape students’ aviation interests into tangible career realities. One of her 2023 graduating seniors worked with Dr. Farrar-Freeman to collaboratively launch his post-secondary plan, which would allow him to begin his flight training in July 2023 at Cargill Aeronautical Academy.
Dr. Farrar-Freeman believes when schools, aviation partners, donors, and families support aeronautical careers, the rest becomes easy. She is delighted to serve on the board of PWAP and believes the organization will contribute greatly to helping the aviation industry thrive in the future.
Edward L. Nielsen, MHS
Co-founder of PWAP, Ed served for six years in the U.S. Air Force working in aviation weather. The majority of Ed’s civilian career has been spent in executive level positions for various non-profit organizations, as well as serving in city and state executive positions.
Nielsen has been an active private pilot with an instrument rating (also gliders and tow-planes) for 40+ years and immensely enjoys introducing people to the joy of flight and the limitless opportunities that aviation careers can offer to young people from all walks of life.
Advisors
Todd James, ATP, CFIIME
Todd James was in high school when he became interested in flying, starting with hang gliders and ultralights. After college, he decided to pursue his pilot’s license. As he continued through the training, he was amazed that someone could make a career out of something as enjoyable as flying! He decided to pursue a career in aviation.
Todd served as a full-time flight instructor for a few years, then moved to an airline when he was 23. He attained Captain at age 25 and never looked back.
Todd is always glad to share his experiences with others, in the hopes his story can help others enjoy a smooth educational path in aviation.
A lifelong learner, Todd is always expanding his education and enjoys flying the planes he owns.
Pilots With A Purpose is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Gifts are deductible to the full extent of the law. The official registration and financial information of Pilots With A Purpose may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.