PRESIDENT: Madeleine Monaco Madeleine Monaco was born in Chicago and currently lives in Lake Barrington, IL. She has been flying at PWK since 1977 and has earned ASEL and MEL, ASES, CFI, CFII and MEI. Retired from a career with IBEW as a Union leader, Madeleine has been a part time CFI since 1982. She is active with the 99s (International Organization of Women Pilots), and a member of EAA, AOPA, Chicago Flight Instructors Association, and Women in Aviation. She has owned a 172, two Mooney M20J’s all with partners, and then her C150 N3103V. Madeleine co-founded this organization in 1985 with Barry Dainas and Barry Axelrod, and served back then as its third President. |
VICE PRESIDENT: Matt Souza Matt Souza, a computer engineer by trade, and currently a Product Director in the tech industry, has nurtured a lifelong passion for aviation. He holds a Private Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating and learned to fly at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK). Since then, Matt has been an active member of the airport community, supporting the Chicago Executive Pilots Association (CEPA) and its initiatives. Matt is also a member of the Leading Edge Flying Club, based at PWK, where he continues to share his passion for aviation. |
SECRETARY: Kevin Frank Kevin was born and raised in the Chicago area and has been flying out of Chicago Executive Airport for over 20 years. When not working at his day job as an attorney, Kevin can be found flying his 1986 Mooney M20K. Kevin has served as Secretary for several other bodies, but this is his first position with CEPA. |
TREASURER: Michael Baraz Michael Baraz holds ATP, CFI, CFII, AGI, and IGI certificates. He is an active flight instructor and FAA Safety Lead Team Representative. He loves helping people achieve their flying goals and staying safe, current, and proficient by continuous training with WINGS credits. Michael has owned two Mooneys and currently owns a Rocket 305, he enjoys flying fast. He is a member of several flying clubs and pilot associations around Chicago and is the treasurer and a past- president of CEPA. |
DIRECTOR: John Munger John Munger flies a Cessna 172XP based at KPWK and holds private and instrument ratings. He shares his airplane with son Tom who holds private, instrument, and commercial ratings and with Jim Schneiter who is a recipient of the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. John is an intellectual property law attorney serving a broad range of creative producers. John and his wife Leslie live in Lincolnshire. |
DIRECTOR: CHRIS OAKES Chris Oakes is a private pilot currently working on his Instrument Rating. When not flying, he practices law at Cox, Oakes & Associates, Ltd., in Schaumburg, IL, concentrating in multi- family real estate, business litigation and corporate matters. Chris is a Board Member of the International Flying Club. He lives in Glen Ellyn, IL with his wife, Christine. |
DIRECTOR: Robert (Rusty) Steven Rusty Stevens has been a CEPA board member over 10+ years. He received his private certificate in 2006 and has logged 400+ hours in a 172. Rusty is a shareholder in N73213 a 1976 Skyhawk, Hangered in the NE t’s at KPWK. He is a dedicated small business owner and truck driver, brings a strong work ethic and deep commitment to his community. Having run for Illinois State Representative in 2022 and 2024, Rusty earned endorsements from The Chicago Tribune, National Federation of Independent Businesses, Tech Manufacturers Association, Safe Suburbs, United Hellenic Voters Association, and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, highlighting his reputation as a trusted leader. |