Our Board of Directors

Captain Gorthy is a Vietnam veteran who served 26 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy. He flew numerous attack and fighter aircraft, including A-4s, A-7s, and F/A-18s, and commanded three operational squadrons. He retired from active duty as the Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station, Lemoore, CA. He served in the Federal Aviation Administration in the Office of Safety following his retirement from active duty. Al holds a MS in Human Resources and a BS in Biology and serves as the Foundation's President.

Contact Al at algorthy@hoapf.org 913-912-0828 (mobile) 

General Gardner flew fighters (F-4s and F-16s) for most of his 27-year military career. He also commanded a B-1 wing, and served as Adjutant General and Director Emergency Management & Homeland Security for Kansas, leading the Kansas response to 9-11 and multiple major disasters. For 13 years after that, Greg served in Infrastructure Protection regional leadership positions in the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security.  Greg holds a MS in Human Resources and a BA in Business.

Contact Greg at ggardner@hoapf.org 785-550-6945 (mobile)

Steve served for over 27 years and is a veteran of the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Early in his career, Steve was a criminal defense attorney, prosecutor, and Special Assistant, US Attorney, litigating cases ranging from sexual assault and murder to espionage. Later in his Marine career he transitioned to command and staff roles. After retirement, Steve served as a university president before joining EFL Associates to lead their Higher Education Executive Search Practice. Steve holds a Juris Doctor degree, MS degree in Strategic Studies, and a BA degree in Political Science

Contact Steve at swaldron@hoapf.org 913-669-8554 (mobile)

  Jessica is the Vice President of Advancement at Cleveland University Kansas City. She also serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Jackson County Community Children’s Services Fund. She was honored as ‘Kansas City’s Up and Coming 25 Hispanics’ by Dos Mundos Bilingual Newspaper and Sprint in 2005. Ms. Ramirez comes from a family with a long tradition of military service. Her father was in the USMC RECON forces during the Korean Conflict, while an uncle fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. Additionally, her brother served 16 years with the US Navy. She holds a Masters of Art Degree in Management and Leadership.

Contact Jessica at jramirez@hoapf.org 

Scott is the Director of Information Technology at a large not-for-profit in Detroit. He and his wife volunteer at numerous organizations, and were recently recognized as Leaders in Joy at Make A Wish in Michigan. They ride in the Wish A Mile each year, which is a three-day, 300 mile bike ride to raise funds for Make A Wish. Scott provides information technology and social media solutions for the Foundation.

Contact Scott at scornell@hoapf.org 248-515-2538 (mobile)

Dave was the Senior Associate Dean and Chair of the Department of Accountancy at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, University of Missouri-Kansas City, until his retirement in September, 2019. Dave serves as the Foundation's Secretary/Treasurer and manages the website.

Contact Dave at dcornell@hoapf.org 913-909-6274 (mobile)