Honorary Commanders Program

The Air Force Honorary Commanders (H/CC) Program pairs local civic leaders with military commanders to improve relationships between the installation and the surrounding community.

The program's goals include:

Increasing public awareness: of the armed forces
Building understanding: on both sides
Helping service members get involved in the community
Promoting a free exchange of ideas: between base and community leaders

The program began in 2006 and participants can include: Elected city officials, Medical doctors, Pastors and judges, Business directors and presidents, and Retired military personnel.

Honorary commanders may be invited to attend socials, changes of command, and other base wide events. They may also have opportunities to visit the base, learn about the mission, and participate in base functions.

Honorary commanders can resign or be dropped from the program at any time.

The 911th Airlift Wing and the 171st Air Refueling Wing took a significant step in fortifying community-military ties by re-launching the emerging Steel City Honorary Commanders Association under the authority of the wing commanders Col. Douglas Stouffer, 911th AW/CC and Col. Raymond L. Hyland Jr, 171st ARW/CC.

For more information about the 911th Honorary Commanders, visit the 911th AW public webpage.

Chris Heck
Chris Heck – 171st Operations Group Honorary Commander

Pittsburgh Airport Chamber of Commerce – President & Chief Executive Officer

Providing and optimizing business growth and opportunity for companies in 34 local communities served within the Pittsburgh airport area.

Education

1980 Associates Arts, Business Management, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, N.J.

1983 Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration and Management, General, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Fla.
Matt Gentile
Matt Gentile – 171st Public Affairs & Recruiting Honorary Commander

MyBFF Social – Founder

My BFF Social is a full-service marketing agency that specializes in helping brands and businesses develop and execute their social media, marketing, public relations, and advertising strategies. Contact Matt@MyBFFSocial.com today and start making more "Business Friends Forever" today.

I am the Founder and Managing Director of My BFF Social LLC, a full-service marketing agency that specializes in social media, marketing, public relations, and advertising. Since 2017, I have been leading a team of creative and strategic professionals who help brands and businesses reach their goals and make more "Business Friends Forever".

With over a decade of experience in the digital media industry, I have a proven track record of delivering engaging, effective, and innovative campaigns that drive results and generate leads. I am a Hootsuite Certified Professional and a former Global Director of PR & Social Media at Century 21 Real Estate LLC, where I developed a best-in-class social media platform and won multiple awards for my digital campaigns. I have also worked with influential partners, such as Super Bowl advertisers, and drafted executive communications for the president and CEO of a global franchise. I have a diverse and international background in media and politics, having worked in England, Italy, and Kuwait, and on several presidential and judicial campaigns. I am passionate about giving back to my community and supporting causes such as Habitat for Humanity and 412 Food Rescue. I am also a proud Pittsburgh native and a die-hard Steelers fan.

Education

2003 Bachelor of Science, Communication and Media Studies, PennWest Clarion, Clarion, Pa.

2007 Masters of Science, Organizational Management, University of Pheonix, by correspondence
Andy Davis
Andy Davis – 171st Comptroller Flight Honorary Commander

The Barnes Global Advisors – Director of Government & Business Development

Driving efforts to increase the resilience of the defense and commercial industrial base through the application of additive manufacturing technologies, strategies, training, and good old problem solving.

I am an accomplished leader and problem solver, excelling in building relationships and leveraging resources to achieve results and provide technology and policy solutions for our Nation. My experience ranges from design and prototyping rapid response solutions in support of military operations in southwest Asia to project and program management, to strategic planning and execution of enterprise-wide initiatives to strengthen the US industrial base in support of current and future national security and economic prosperity. I enjoy convening the right teams of experts to solve complex problems, and love in connecting with interesting people who do interesting things. I try to listen well, try to be curious and learn new things, and love the smell of cutting fluid.

Education

2003 Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Grove City College, Grove City, Pa.

2007 Masters of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Concentration, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.
Justine Kaznicka
Justine Kaznicka – 171st Air Refueling Wing Honorary Deputy Wing Commander

Keystone Space Collaborative – Board Chair

The Keystone Space Collaborative is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support and serve the growing space industry in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and to attract and expand the next generation of space industry businesses and talent in the Tri-State region. Our goal is to make commercial space opportunities accessible for all who want to engage in realizing the immense potential that commercial space represents for the nation and humankind.

I am a tech and corporate attorney, leading Babst Calland's Emerging Technology practice group. Our amazing team supports entrepreneurs and large corporations, investors and universities with their business growth and tech commercialization legal needs. I work across a broad range of tech-forward industries, and my principal area of focus and passion is growing the commercial space, UAS and robotics sectors.

Education

2003 Bachelor of Political Science, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.

2006 Juris Doctor, Rutgers Law School, Camden and Newark, N.J.
Thomas Langston
Thomas Langston – 171st Logistics Readiness Squadron Honorary Commander

Keystone Hydrocarbon – Chief Executive Officer

Keystone Hydrocarbon is comprised of an integrated group of operating companies engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of refined petroleum hydrocarbons. The organization also includes entities involved in specialty manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, real estate, construction, agriculture, and sports performance products.

Education

Bachelors in Science, Business, Economics, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon
Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew
Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, – 171st Medical Group Honorary Commander

Allegheny Health Network - SVP/Chief Clinical Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Drexel University College of Medicine – Academic Chair Department of Obstetrics/ Gynecology, and Executive Leadership in academic Medicine Fellow

Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, MEd, MPPM, FACOG, is the first Senior Vice President and the Chief Clinical Officer of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Allegheny Health Network/Highmark Health, including their Enterprise Institute of Equitable Health in Pittsburgh, Pa. Her passion for advocating for maternal health equity and building programs that aim to improve outcomes for women, people of color, vulnerable patients, and marginalized communities has been a common thread throughout her highly-respected 30 year career. A healthcare strategist, medical practitioner, champion of diversity and inclusion and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew lectures frequently, regionally and internationally, and appears on television to discuss women’s health issues. She is also the author of an autobiography, The Colors of My Heart: Embracing My Blackness with History, Family, Fear, and Faith.

An internationally respected expert in cultural humility within the health care field, Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew has spent her career engaging marginalized communities and building programs that focus on promoting outcomes equity for vulnerable patients and mitigating socio-political barriers to care. She has a special interest in educating and empowering women, especially those pursuing careers in medicine.

Although Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew cares for women in her general OB/GYN practice, she also focuses on providing care to women living in low- to middle-resource communities, with a clinical focus in the care of women living with HIV.

Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew is the founder and current CEO and President of JUSTWONDOOR (Women and Newborns, Diversity, Outreach, Opportunity and Research), a program that aims to educate global medical providers through local and international health care collaborations.

A native Pittsburgher, Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew recently returned from Cleveland, Ohio where she led the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs for University Hospitals of Cleveland. There, she served as Chair & Director of the Center for Clinical Excellence and Diversity at University Hospitals as well as Dean of Students for Case Western Reserve University.

Education

1998 - MD, MEd, MPPM, BSN, Medicine/International Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Douglas Leonard
Douglas Leonard – 171st Force Support Squadron Honorary Commander

Douglas Leonard Consulting LLC - President

My purpose is to help my clients achieve positive, long-term, measurable adaptability in behavior: greater success for themselves, their people, and their teams.

I also bolster leaders' efforts to positively affect their larger stakeholder populations to create a superior culture through psychological safety- so that everyone in the organization is included and free to contribute, innovate, and personally thrive.

With my Conversational Intelligence lens, I work with established leaders, emerging managers, teams, and organizations to enhance communication practices that build trust, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate impact.

Education

Bachelor of Science, Economics, Management and Philosophy, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio

Master of Business Administration, Robert Morris University, Moon, Pa.
Adam Murphy
Adam Murphy – 171st Communications Squadron Honorary Commander

Sourceree – Founder and President

Adam Murphy is the founder and President of Sourceree. As an experienced technology entrepreneur and government program manager, Adam has helped unlock the potential for innovative technological solutions to inform better decision-making. He has led efforts around building new capabilities, enhancing existing operational environments, and improving organizational performance which allows him to hold the alternate title of Jack-of-all-Trades.

He consistently crosses the boundaries of commercial organizations and government agencies helping to sweep the floor cleaning up messes to long range strategical planning. Throughout his career, Adam has founded and developed technology start-ups that have failed miserably and ones that have consistently won major contracts in new business areas. He has conducted complex assessments of technology companies seeking capital investments and developed strategies for capturing programs and funding that create revenue for decades.

Adam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh and an Advanced Certificate for Executives from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He balances family, business, home ownership, and community by coaching sports, serving on the advisory boards of governmental, educational, and industrial organizations, and playing Bob the Builder when time allows.

Education

2002 Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.

2016 Executive Master of Business Administration, MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, Mass.
Bob Raida
Bob Raida – 171st Operations Support Squadron Honorary Commander

HEBI Robotics – Chief Executive Officer

HEBI Robotics is a Pittsburgh-based startup focusing on robotic actuation technologies and engineering solutions. At HEBI Robotics, we are working to make robots simple, useful, and safe.

Bob Raida is a Pittsburgh based technology professional and entrepreneur with a broad base of experience. His focus is on improving how businesses operate, communicate, and deliver customer service via the use of technology, process analysis and automation.

Education

1993 Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.

2015 Master of Business Administration, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Audrey Russo
Audrey Russo – 171st Air Refueling Wing Honorary Wing Commander

Pittsburgh Technology Council – President and Chief Executive Officer

Audrey Russo is serving as the President & CEO which serves as the voice of technology and innovation across the Pittsburgh region; surrounded with the leadership support of a robust board of directors who represent the most successful and promising entrepreneurs, academic institutions and global corporations.

She is an experienced CEO with a demonstrated history of executive positions in the Fortune 500 companies leading information technology: trade association, nonprofit and consulting industries. Skilled in software application development & implementation, Financial management, P & L, Digital Transformation, Operations, Sales, Entrepreneurship, M & A integration & divestitures, Expertise in global public private partnerships, systems integration and technology based economic development. Serves on private equity held board. Sought out public speaker and radio host. Strong business development professional with a MPA from Syracuse University - Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Education

1985 Master of Public Administration, Economics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y.
Michael Varholla
Michael Varholla – 171st Civil Engineer Squadron Honorary Commander

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #5 – President

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents Brothers and Sisters who are roughly 750,000 strong. These active members and retirees work in a wide variety of fields including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government.
Craig Waller
Craig Waller – 171st Maintenance Group Honorary Commander

Rewynder – Founder and Chief Executive Officer

A paradigm shifting technology platform for digital image-centric solutions.

Craig Waller is a Founder, Catalyst, and Connector: serial entrepreneur, catalyzing and helping to create founder-level value at the earliest stages of multiple significant tech enterprises having 8 & 9 figure exits. Consistently called upon to assist in commercialization strategy and opportunity identification for tech startups. Strong competence in corporate innovation advisory services for identifying, developing, leveraging and monetizing Intellectual Assets. Has led multiple departments and groups in strategic planning and execution re: above at public and private companies.

Education

1998 Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pa.
John Barnes
John Barnes – 171st Maintenance Group Honorary Commander

The Barnes Global Advisors – Founder and President

An experienced leader of complex engineering and product development, with an emphasis on strategy and developing people. The best technology goes nowhere without people and a good strategy.

My roles have provided me experience in challenging times of change where I had to learn new methods of leadership to transform underperforming teams and improve the financials. My teams have qualified the first series aerospace production metal AM parts, developed a pilot metal production facility, the Lab 22 Additive Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Australia, implemented technology on the F-22 and F-35 and licensed technology worth in excess of $100M.

1992 Bachelor of Science, Materials Engineering, Perdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.

1994 Masters of Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Perdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.
Katherine Byrne
Katherine Byrne – 171st Mission Support Group Honorary Commander

PNC Bank, NA – Sr. Fiduciary Advisor, Vice President, Hawthorn, PNC Private Bank

AYCO, A Goldman Sachs Company, – Financial Analyst, Pittsburgh, PA

Coopers & Lybrand LLP, Manager, Tax Department, Boston, MA

Cohen & Grigsby, Associate, Estate and Trust, General Corporation Law and Taxation, Pittsburgh, PA

Education

Bachelor of Science Business Admin, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Juris Doctor, Duquesne University School of Law, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Graduate Tax Program LLM (Tax), Boston University School of Law, Boston, Mass.
Tim Chesleigh
Tim Chesleigh – 171st Maintenance Squadron Honorary Commander

Keystone, Mountain, and Lakes Region Council of Carpenters - Council Representative

Union Carpenter with 15 years in the field.
Eastern Atlantic States Council Representative with 17 years on staff.
Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board
Deborah Rice-Johnson
Deborah Rice-Johnson - 171st Medical Group Honorary Commander

Chief Executive Officer Diversified Businesses for Highmark Inc. and Chief Growth Officer

Deborah Rice-Johnson is CEO of Diversified Businesses for Highmark Inc. and chief growth officer. She is an innovative health leader, driven by a passion for reinventing health care experiences and pioneering provider relationships designed to keep care close to home and change antiquated reimbursement methods. Through diverse and inventive relationships ranging from joint ventures to equity interest partnerships, she has spearheaded affiliations and clinical alliances with Penn State Health and many other regionally-based health care providers.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Business Management, Carlow University, Pittsburgh, Pa.

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

Col. Ray Hyland, Commander of the 171st Air Refueling Wing, left, and Col. Stouffer, Commander of the 911th Airlift Wing, present a joint briefing to civic leaders from near the Pittsburgh area, at the 171st, Aug. 13, 2024. The event was part of the Honorary Commanders Program and included an orientation flight for the civilian civic leaders to help them understand the role of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

Civic leaders from the Pittsburgh region exit a C-17 aircraft from the 911th Airlift Wing at the 171st Air Refueling Wing after an orientation flight Aug. 13, 2024. The flight was part of the Honorary Commanders Program which included a briefing, a flight on a KC-135 aircraft or a C-17 aircraft, and lunch with military leaders from both wings that work in similar fields as the civic leaders. The event is intended to help foster lasting relationships in the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

A KC-135 aircraft, prepares to land at the Pittsburgh international airport, home of the 171st Air Refueling Wing, after an orientation flight for civic leaders from the Pittsburgh region, Aug. 13, 2024. The flight was part of the Honorary Commanders Program which included a briefing, a flight on a KC-135 aircraft or a C-17 aircraft, and lunch with military leaders from both wings that work in similar fields as the civic leaders. The event is intended to help foster lasting relationships in the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

A C-17 aircraft, right, from the 911th Airlift Wing taxis onto the flight near a KC-135 aircraft, left, at the 171st Air Refueling Wing near the Pittsburgh after an orientation flight for civic leaders from the Pittsburgh region, Aug. 13, 2024. The flight was part of the Honorary Commanders Program which included a briefing, a flight on a KC-135 aircraft or a C-17 aircraft, and lunch with military leaders from both wings that work in similar fields as the civic leaders. The event is intended to help foster lasting relationships in the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

A C-17 aircraft from the 911th Airlift Wing taxis onto the flight line of the 171st Air Refueling Wing at the Pittsburgh International Airport after an orientation flight for civic leaders from the Pittsburgh area, Aug. 13, 2024. The flight was part of the Honorary Commanders Program which included a briefing, a flight on a KC-135 aircraft or a C-17 aircraft, and lunch with military leaders from both wings that work in similar fields as the civic leaders. The event is intended to help foster lasting relationships in the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

Civic leaders from the Pittsburgh region find their seats on board a KC-135 aircraft at the 171st Air Refueling Wing during an orientation flight as part of the Honorary Commanders Program Aug. 13, 2024. The 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 911th Airlift Wing hosted the event that included a briefing, a flight on a KC-135 aircraft or a C-17 aircraft, and lunch with military leaders from both wings that work in similar fields as the civic leaders. The event is intended to help foster lasting relationships in the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

Civic leaders from the Pittsburgh region board a KC-135 aircraft at the 171st Air Refueling Wing to experience an orientation flight as part of the Honorary Commanders Program Aug. 13, 2024. The 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 911th Airlift Wing hosted the event that included a briefing, a flight on a KC-135 aircraft or a C-17 aircraft, and lunch with military leaders from both wings that work in similar fields as the civic leaders. The event is intended to help foster lasting relationships in the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

Civic leaders from the Pittsburgh region board a bus at the 171st Air Refueling Wing en route to a KC-135 aircraft to experience an orientation flight as part of the Honorary Commanders Program Aug. 13, 2024. The 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 911th Airlift Wing hosted the event that included a briefing, a flight on a KC-135 aircraft or a C-17 aircraft, and lunch with military leaders from both wings that work in similar fields as the civic leaders. The event is intended to help foster lasting relationships in the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

Col. Ray Hyland, Commander of the 171st Air Refueling Wing, left, and Kristi Hilbert, Civic Leader for the United States Air Force Chief of Staff, right, present a joint briefing to civic leaders from near the Pittsburgh area, at the 171st, Aug. 13, 2024. The event was part of the Honorary Commanders Program and included an orientation flight for the civilian civic leaders to help them understand the role of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

Civic leaders from the Pittsburgh area pose for a photo in front of a KC-135 aircraft at the 171st Air Refueling Wing after an orientation flight Aug. 13, 2024. The flight was part of the Honorary Commanders Program which included a briefing, a flight on a KC-135 aircraft or a C-17 aircraft, and lunch with military leaders from both the 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 911th Airlift Wing. The event is intended to help foster lasting relationships in the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

Civic leaders from the Pittsburgh region prepare to exit a KC-135 aircraft from the 171st Air Refueling Wing after an orientation flight Aug. 13, 2024. The flight was part of the Honorary Commanders Program which included a briefing, a flight on a KC-135 aircraft or a C-17 aircraft, and lunch with military leaders from both the 171st Air Refueling Wing and the 911th Airlift Wing. The event is intended to help foster lasting relationships in the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

A KC-135 aircraft, rear, taxis onto the flight line at the 171st Air Refueling Wing at Pittsburgh International Airport, near a C-17 aircraft from the 911th Airlift Wing, front, after an orientation flight for civic leaders Aug. 13, 2024. The flight was part of the Honorary Commanders Program which included a briefing, a flight on a KC-135 aircraft or a C-17 aircraft, and lunch with military leaders from both wings that work in similar fields as the civic leaders. The event is intended to help foster lasting relationships in the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

171st and 911th Wings Welcome Honorary Commanders Aboard

Civic leaders from the Pittsburgh region exit a C-17 aircraft from the 911th Airlift Wing at the 1 as a KC-135 aircraft from the 171st Air Refueling Wing, rear, taxis onto the flight line at the 171st after an orientation flight Aug. 13, 2024. The flight was part of the Honorary Commanders Program which included a briefing, a flight on a KC-135 aircraft or a C-17 aircraft, and lunch with military leaders from both wings that work in similar fields as the civic leaders. The event is intended to help foster lasting relationships in the community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk)

Steel City Honorary Commanders Association

2024 - 2026 171st ARW Steel City Honorary Commanders Association Members

Honorary Commanders Associate Civic Leader Flight Aug 13, 2024