Michael Chally

President

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    Phone: (630) 258-8267
    Email: [email protected]

    As President of VP Aviation, Mike is responsible for developing relationships, strategic planning, and providing first class service for customers in the aviation industry.

    Mike is an industry veteran with over 20 years of aviation experience, starting his career with Airmate in 1996.  In 2002, he joined PlaneTechs after Airmate was acquired. In May of 2018 Mike joined VP Aviation. He brings a deep understanding of augmented workforces and aviation maintenance.

    Mike is a graduate of Trinity International University, earning a BA in Accounting and Business Management.  Mike currently resides in Dunedin, Florida.

Benjamin Farr

Vice President of Technical Operations

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    Email: [email protected]

    Benjamin Farr is a long-time veteran of the VP Aviation family. His responsibilities include managing teams of Aircraft Structures Mechanics performing structural AOGs and cargo conversions on commercial aircraft.

    Benji has over 20 years of aircraft maintenance experience and holds an Airframe and Powerplant license.  He has completed numerous general FAM courses and is a graduate of the Alabama Aviation and Technical College in Ozark, Alabama.

    His skillset and commitment to leading aircraft maintenance teams is unparalleled in the industry.

Jennifer Pullara

VP of Business Operations

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    Phone: (813) 416-0643
    Fax: (866) 823-0382

    As VP of Business Operations, Jennifer oversees the day-to-day activities of VP Aviation. Her primary goal is to ensure that the entire company runs efficiently while the needs of the clients and the production of the team are managed effectively.

    She previously worked in the Hospitality industry, both in Sales and Operations, for over 15 years before coming on board with VP Aviation in December 2013. She currently resides in Florida with her family.

Patrick Brousseau

Director of Sales

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    Direct: (810) 348-3598
    Email: patrick.brousseau@vpaviation.net

    As Director of Sales for VP Aviation, Patrick is responsible for overseeing our MRO, OEM, and Airline services, providing supplemental workforce, AOG support, and project management.

    Although growing up in the Metro Detroit region and having a stint in the automotive industry, Patrick’s love of aviation won out! He began his aviation career by obtaining his A&P License as well as an undergraduate degree in Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering.

    From there Patrick held several roles as an A&P Mechanic before joining ATEQ Aviation. He went on to assume Sales Management responsibilities and eventually was appointed to managed the entire Aviation Division for North America before joining VP Aviation.

TJ Lode

Director of Talent Acquisition

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    Direct: (813) 602-2118
    Email: [email protected]

    As Director of Talent Acquisition TJ is responsible for all talent acquisition for VP Aviation, TJ is accountable for developing and providing customers with correct aviation personnel for their specific aviation projects.

    TJ began his career with PlaneTechs in 2011 where he worked in the Talent Acquisition department. He worked as a Project Manager where he managed 500-600 personnel at numerous MROs and Manufactures and was responsible for Major Accounts within the PlaneTechs organization. In June of 2018 TJ joined VP Aviation. As an innovative thinker, TJ has a vast knowledge of the ever-changing Aviation Staffing industry.

    TJ graduated from ITT Technical Institute with a degree in Computer Networking Science. TJ currently resides in Tampa, FL

Susan Johnson

Director of Marketing and Communications

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    Susan’s entire career has been in the aviation industry which started with obtaining her Aircraft Dispatch License.  In her previous roles, she has worked closely with commercial and business aviation companies providing fuel, charter, avionics, ground transportation, marketing and maintenance support.

    As head of marketing and communications for VP Aviation, Susan is responsible for all media outreach.  As well, she focuses on providing elite aviation maintenance positions to Aircraft Maintenance Technicians nationwide.

    Susan comes from a family of aviation enthusiasts which include her A&P Mechanic daughter, air traffic controllers and pilots.  She resides in Chicago, IL with her family and two pups.

Brandon Steele

National Sales Manager

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    Direct and Text: (214) 802-9168
    Email: [email protected]

    As National Sales Manager for VP Aviation Technical Services, Brandon drives business development by securing clients from the MRO, OEM, airline, and other aviation sectors needing aircraft maintenance support. He provides tailored solutions through aviation staffing or VP Aviation’s Mobile Response Teams for AOG and project support.

    With over a decade of aviation experience, Brandon started his career in high school with an air charter brokerage. After graduating from Texas A&M University, he expanded his expertise in aviation sales and service, building strong customer relationships.

    Brandon resides in St. Petersburg, Florida, with his wife and dog. In his free time, he enjoys playing hockey, traveling, and playing guitar in his band.

Zivko Kovacevic

Compliance Manager

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    Direct: (813) 602-2120
    Email: [email protected]

    As Compliance Manager, Zivko is responsible for all background checks, employment screenings and ensuring compliance with our drug and alcohol program. Zivko brings 12 years of experience in the transportation industry as a safety and compliance specialist. Originally from Croatia, Zivko resides in Clearwater, Florida. He is also a professional singer creating and recording original music.

Erik Schepman

Recruiting Specialist

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    Direct and Text: (813) 602-2116
    Email: [email protected]

    Erik Schepman is an experienced recruiting professional with experience in government clearance and all levels of skill sets. He is new to the Aviation industry, but has always had the aviation bug, fascinated with aircraft of all types. His main goal is to find gainful employment for Aviation Maintenance Technicians assisting Technicians of all levels of experience!

    When Erik is not seeking out experienced Aviation Technicians, he enjoys his love of the theater as an actor.  He also had a successful run as a streamer.  He currently resides in Tampa, Florida where he was born and raised with his fiancée.

Carmen Gomez

Recruiting Specialist

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    Direct and Text: 813-602-2119
    Email: [email protected]

    Carmen is a recruiting professional with a deep understanding of the aviation job market.   Known for her friendly and supportive approach, Carmen prioritizes creating a positive experience for Aviation Technicians seeking employment nationwide. She is a devoted mother, fur baby enthusiast and Tampa, FL native.

Nicolas Garcia

Recruiting Specialist

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    Direct and Text: 813-602-2117
    Email: [email protected]

    Born in Michigan and raised in Colombia and Mexico, Nicolas returned to Tampa to complete his education and quickly fell in love with the city, deciding to make it his home. With a strong passion for connecting individuals with the right opportunities, he specializes in recruiting top talent within the aviation industry, particularly for Aircraft Mechanics in contract roles. Outside of work, Nicolas is dedicated to self-improvement, staying active, and enjoying great food, especially pizza.

Jamie Zebert

Recruiting Specialist

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    Call or Text: 813-602-2121
    Email: [email protected]

    Jamie Zebert is an excellent Aviation Recruiting Specialist here at VP, dedicated to connecting skilled Aircraft Mechanics with rewarding opportunities. With years of recruitment experience, Jamie excels in matching talent with the perfect roles. Originally from Missouri and now based in Florida for over two decades, she enjoys staying active, loves animals, and relishes a good cup of coffee. We encourage you to reach out to Jamie directly for any inquiries into locations, scope of work or salary details.

Paul Reid

Recruiting Specialist

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    Call or Text: 813-602-2122
    Email: [email protected]

    Paul Reid is an Aviation Recruiting Specialist at VP Aviation, focused on hiring experienced Aircraft Mechanics for our nationwide MRO maintenance network. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Paul brings a strong background in high-volume recruiting, with proven success in sourcing hard-to-find talent and placing professionals in urgent, skill-specific roles.

    He began his recruiting career in the healthcare sector, where he developed a sharp eye for matching top talent with the right opportunities. That experience built the foundation for his smooth transition into aviation—an industry where urgency and precision matter most.

    Paul is known for his efficient, people-first approach, making the hiring process faster and more effective for both technicians and clients.

    Outside of work, Paul follows Arsenal football, explores St. Pete’s music and food scene, and enjoys spending time outdoors with his girlfriend and friends.