Our Team
Board Members
Michael Burch
Michael Burch is an Airline Transport Pilot and a founding member of Harvest Aviation, where he has held various roles, including pilot and co-director. His aviation career began as a helicopter mechanic on the UH-1 “Huey” in the Army National Guard.
He holds an associate degree in Aviation Technology from Mountain State University and completed commercial pilot training at Kent State University. He earned his Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanics certificate through a 30-month apprenticeship with MMS Aviation.
Michael’s experience includes aerial application and survey work, air ambulance service, and over four years with Agape Flights, flying to serve missionaries in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. He currently serves as a Captain on the Airbus A320/321 with Frontier Airlines.
Mike and his wife, Jamee, are active in their church, leading a discipleship group and participating in the prayer team. He is passionate about missions and views aviation as a key tool for fulfilling the Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:19–20
Jay Cook
Jay was born in Wauchula, Florida, and spent his first 18 years in the Heartland area. He came to faith as a child and was active in Mount Pisgah Baptist Church until he left for college. He studied agriculture at the University of Florida before entering the agriculture industry.
In 1990, Jay felt called to full-time ministry and attended seminary in Memphis, Tennessee. A year into his studies, he married Jan Carlton, and together they served in Arkansas for the next five years. God blessed Jay and Jan with four children: Elizabeth, Bill, John, and Jessica.
In 2004, after nine years of pastoring in Lake Wales, Florida, the Cook family began serving as missionaries working in church planting with the Quichuista people of northern Argentina.
Since 2015, they have returned to the Heartland area, where they continue to serve in bivocational ministry. Recently, they have been blessed with the opportunity to join the ministry and mission of Harvest Aviation.
Jamee Burch
Jamee Burch is a founder of Harvest Aviation and serves as the Director of Public Relations and Secretary of the Board of Directors. She has a lifelong passion for missions and dedicated her life to Jesus at an early age.
Jamee holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Eckerd College and has over 17 years of experience in healthcare credentialing, conference planning, and medical billing. She has led a physicians’ IPA and served as a Guardian Ad Litem for children in foster care.
As a mother, Jamee has homeschooled her four children and worked with Classical Conversations. She also founded The Hope Chest for Haiti, supporting Haitian orphanages through Agape Flights.
Active in Hardee County, she serves on several boards and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the 4-H Advisory Committee. Jamee leads a weekly discipleship group with her husband, Michael, at First Christian Church and enjoys songwriting, crocheting, and teaching in her free time.
Jeff Kintziger
Board
Kenny Miller
Kenny Miller has been a resident of Hardee County for over 50 years. He graduated from the local school system and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Sciences from the University of South Florida. After a 42-year career in the phosphate industry, he retired and was elected as a Hardee County Commissioner in 2024.
A devoted follower of Christ, Kenny is an active member and Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Wauchula. He is committed to serving his community and sharing the Gospel.
Kenny and his wife, Kelley, have three children and two grandchildren. His hobbies include flying, fishing, and golf. As an Instrument-rated Private Pilot, he has a passion for aviation.
Kenny joined the Board of Directors in 2024 and serves as Treasurer, supporting Harvest Aviation’s mission to spread hope and the love of Christ worldwide.
Mike Wilkinson
Mike Wilkinson is an educator and community servant with extensive experience in leadership and charitable service. He graduated from South Eastern College in 1976 and earned a Master’s Degree from Rollins College. With 41 years in education, Mike has held various roles, including 22 years as a school principal.
Passionate about aviation, he received his Private Pilot License from the FAA in 1985 and has owned multiple planes. He has been a Board Member of Harvest Aviation for over 10 years.
Mike has been married to Lynda for 49 years. He actively contributes to his community as a member of the Lions Club for 30 years, including two terms as President. His other board roles include the Airport Advisory Board, Hardee County YMCA Board, and First Assembly of God Church Board.
Brian Brogen
Brian Brogen is a dedicated coach, trainer, and speaker specializing in the critical areas of communication and team building. As a certified human behavior expert, Brian has a unique knack for developing both individuals and organizations, helping them achieve growth personally and professionally. He leverages his extensive experience, knowledge, tenacity, and distinct sense of humor to deliver effective coaching and training.
Brian is a recognized author and thought leader. He is the founding author of Voices For Leadership™, a powerful collaboration featuring 74 diverse authors sharing their unique perspectives on leadership principles. He is also the best-selling author of The 100-Hour Pilot. Brian maintains a strong presence on social media and is recognized as a top 1% Construction Voice on LinkedIn, where he posts daily insights.
Staff Team
Brian Smith
Executive Director andDirector of Flight Operations
Mike Burch
Board Director
Victor D’Ettorre
Pilot and Aircraft Mechanic
Andres Nieto
Chief Mechanic and Pilot
Jamee Burch
Director of Public Relations
Charles Crutchfield (Chas)
Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice
Matthew Brimson
Pilot Apprentice
Ronny Erekson
Chief Mechanic
Carla Alzate
Communications and Media Manager
John Simmons
Director of Ground Operationsand Missionary Care