H. Thomas (Tom) Griffing Jr.

Chairman

Tom was born and raised in Sandusky, Ohio, to Harry and Sue Griffing, founders of Griffing Flying Service. Tom graduated from Perkins High School in 1964. At age 18, Tom began his career as a Pilot and has continuously served the company for over 50 years. He has three children; Aubrey, Thomas, and Lee. Tom currently reside in Port Clinton. In the early 1990’s, Tom assumed ownership of the company. He successfully ran the business with the help of his sister, Melodie, who retired in the early 2000’s. In 2018, Tom continued the tradition and handed majority ownership down to his son, Thomas.

Joshua McGinnis

Vice President, General Manager

Josh was born and raised in Grove City, Ohio, where his grandfather owned and operated a banner towing company. This business exposed Josh to aviation at a very young age. He began his formal flight training in 2010 while attending BGSU’s Flight School. In 2012, Josh met his wife, Rachel, while they both worked at Cedar Point. Josh and Rachel currently reside in Sandusky with their sons, Kai and Theo, and two dogs, Pepper and Pongo. After graduating from BGSU in 2014, Josh began working at Griffing Flying Service as a Flight Instructor. Josh now serves as the Vice President and General Manager, primarily working in the Executive Charter office.

Joshua Ontko

Director of Maintenance

Joshua was born and raised in Port Clinton, Ohio, where he graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1993. Joshua began working for Griffing Flying Service as a Line Service Technician immediately after high school. He went on to continue his education at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, graduating in 2000. After graduation he went on to gain valuable experience and QC certifications at Continental Express. After rejoining Griffing Flying service in 2012, Joshua has served as our Director of Maintenance, and currently resides in Huron, Ohio. He enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, and vintage aircraft.

Kara Clifford

Chief Pilot, Director of Training

Kara was raised in Sandusky, Ohio, where she graduated from Perkins High School in 2011. She continued her education at Bowling Green State University, where she majored in Flight Technology and Operations, graduating in 2015. Kara obtained her Private Pilot License during her senior year of high school at the Sandusky Airport. She later interned at Griffing Flying Service as a Line Service Technician and she would wash, wax, and fuel airplanes, and mow grass. Kara currently resides in Sandusky with her husband, Thomas, and her pitbull, Monty. In her spare time, Kara enjoys longboarding, wakeboarding, boating, and doing yoga. Kara began working for Griffing Flying Service in May of 2015 and currently serves as the Chief Pilot and Director of Training.

Rachel Rayburn

Chief Flight Instructor

Rachel was born and raised in Oak Harbor, Ohio, where she graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 2018. She continued her education at Bowling Green State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a specialization in Flight Technology & Operations, graduating in 2021. Rachel currently resides in Sandusky with her 3 cats. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys playing volleyball, rollerblading, and scuba diving. Rachel began working for Griffing Flying Service in June of 2022 and currently serves as the Chief Flight Instructor.

Peyton (PJ) Field Jr.

Director of Island Operations

PJ was raised in Tampa, Florida, where he graduated from Tampa Preparatory School in 2012. While at Tampa Prep, PJ was on the soccer team – winning 2 state championships in 2010 and 2012. PJ continued his education at High Point University, where he majored in Business Administration and Marketing, graduating in 2016. Post graduation, PJ obtained his Private, Instrument and Commercial licenses through FlightGest in Raleigh, North Carolina. PJ currently resides in Sandusky with his dog, Nala. In his spare time, PJ enjoys wakeboarding, surfing, scuba diving, playing soccer and taking hikes with Nala. He is a PADI certified open water diver and also has his black belt in Tae Kwon Do. PJ began working for Griffing Flying Service in October of 2020 and currently serves as our Director of Island Operations.

Amanda Alvarez

Director of Island Operations

Amanda was born and raised in Fostoria, Ohio where she graduated from Lakota High School in 2006. She currently resides in Port Clinton, Ohio with her son and daughter. Amanda started working at Griffing in May of 2024 and currently serves as a Dispatcher.

Aubrey Griffing Chandler

Director of Human Resources

Aubrey was born and raised in Sandusky, Ohio, to Tom and Kelly Griffing. She graduated from Perkins High School in 1998 and continued her education at the Tiffin Academy of Hair Design, earning her Cosmetology License in 2000. While in high school and attending cosmetology school, Aubrey also worked for Griffing Flying Service. In 1995, Aubrey began working in the restaurant located inside the Sandusky Airport. She later helped in the Accounting Department and now serves remotely as the Director of Human Resources. Aubrey and her husband, Bart, reside in Vermilion. In Aubrey’s spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Rachel McGinnis

Staff Accountant

Rachel was born and raised in Tiffin, Ohio, where she graduated from Columbian High School in 2009. She continued her education at the University of Toledo and graduated with a Bachelors in Accounting in 2014. In 2012, Rachel met her husband, Josh, while they both worked at Cedar Point. Josh and Rachel currently reside in Sandusky with their sons, Kai and Theo, and two dogs, Pepper and Pongo. Rachel began working for Griffing Flying Service in March of 2016 and currently serves as the Staff Accountant.

Kass Pilak

Aircraft Detailing Supervisor

Kass was born and raised in Ida, Michigan. She then moved to Port Clinton, Ohio where she currently resides. In her spare time she enjoys photography, spending time at the lake, and traveling. Kass started working for Griffing in November of 2023 and currently serves as the Aircraft Detailing Supervisor.

Charles (Chase) Tolhurst

Pilot

Chase was born and raised in Brookville, Indiana, where he graduated from Franklin County High School in 2020. His first training flight took place in 2017 and he began official flight training in 2019. In his spare time, Chase enjoys hiking and playing golf and tennis. Chase began working for Griffing Flying Service in November of 2022 and currently serves as a Pilot.

Jeffrey Danevich

Pilot

Jeff was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, where he graduated from Admiral King High School in 1985. He later continued his education at Columbia Southern University, graduating in 2009. Jeff is a retired Firefighter for the Sandusky Fire Department and also owns Escape Rooms by Franknicky, located in Sandusky. Jeff and his wife, Kathleen, currently reside in Huron. He also has one son, Spencer. Jeff began working for Griffing Flying Service in November of 2016 and currently serves as a Pilot.

Jeremy Colvin

Pilot

Jeremy was born and raised in Castalia, Ohio, and graduated from Clyde High School in 1991. He continued his education at Terra Community College and graduated from the University of Toledo in 1995. Jeremy began flying in 1993 and currently holds over 10,000 flight hours. He is also a licensed A & P Mechanic. Jeremy currently resides in Bellevue with his wife, Jennifer, two daughters, Skylar and Cheyenne, and their Chocolate Lab, Piper. In his spare time, Jeremy enjoys boating, golfing, and all things that fly! Jeremy began working for Griffing Flying Service in 1998, but recently returned in August of 2022 and currently serves as a Pilot.

Justin Newswanger

Pilot

Justin was born and raised in Wakarusa, Indian where he graduated from a Christian School in 2004. He currently resides in Galloway, Ohio with his wife, Janae and dog, Cherokee. In his free time he and his wife enjoy traveling and backpacking together. Justin started working for Griffing in August of 2023 and currently serves as a pilot.

Michael Dougher

Pilot

Michael was born and raised in Valley City, Ohio, where he graduated from Buckeye High School in 2017. He continued his education at Bowling Green State University, graduating in 2021. Michael began flight training during his senior year of high school and obtained his PPL at SkyPark. He currently resides in Port Clinton with his yellow lab, Cooper. In Michael’s free time, he enjoys playing soccer and hanging out with friends. Michael began working for Griffing Flying Service in May of 2021 and currently serves as a Pilot.

Ryan Eckel

Pilot

Ryan was born and raised in Marblehead, Ohio, where he graduated from Danbury High School in 2006. He continued his education at Bowling Green State University, where he majored in Flight Technology & Operations, graduating in 2010. Ryan currently resides in Marblehead with his girlfriend, Jordan. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys boating, hiking, and snowboarding. He is also a volunteer Firefighter for the Portage Fire District in Oak Harbor. Ryan began working for Griffing Flying Service in November of 2016 and currently serves as a Pilot.

Steven Porter

Pilot

Steve was born and raised in Medina, Ohio, where he graduated from Medina Senior High School in 2003. He continued his education at Ohio University, graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor in Meteorology/Physics. Steve also received his Master’s in Geography from OU, graduating again in 2012. Steve currently resides in Catawba Island with his wife, Eileen. In Steve’s spare time, he enjoys backpacking, hiking, listening to vinyl/cassette music, photography, and cooking. Steve learned to fly at Skypark, located in Wadsworth. He is also the former President of the Athens Aero Club and had a previous career in the geospatial industry. Steve began working for Griffing Flying Service in July of 2017 and currently serves as a Pilot.

Spencer Johnson

Pilot

Spencer was born and raised in Sylvania, Ohio, where he graduated from Sylvania Northview High School in 2018. He continued his education at Bowling Green State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation in 2022. Spencer obtained his CFI and CFII at Midwest Corporate Air in Bellefontaine, Ohio. In his spare time, Spencer enjoys riding (and fixing) his motorcycle, playing guitar, and watching college football. Spencer currently resides in Sandusky, Ohio. He began working for Griffing Flying Service in October of 2022 as a Flight Instructor and currently serves as a Pilot.

Christopher Suppelsa

Pilot

Chris was born and raised in Canton, Michigan where he graduated from Canton High School in 2009. He continued his education at the American Military University where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice in 2015. In 2023, Chris completed his flight training at Griffing including his CFI & CFII . He currently lives in Marblehead where he works part time as a volunteer firefighter for the city of Danberry and currently serves as a Pilot for Griffing Flying Service.

David Lapp

Pilot

Dave was born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where he graduated high school in 2019 from Woods Charter School. He obtained his private pilot certificate in 2019 before going off to college at Kent State University. He continued his flight training at Kent, where he completed the rest of his pilot ratings including CFI & CFII. Dave currently lives in Sandusky and enjoys hiking, photography, and cooking. He began working at Griffing Flying service in July of 2023, and currently serves as a Pilot.

Garrison Hohler

Flight Instructor

Garrison was born and raised in Monroeville, Ohio where he graduated from Monroeville High School and EHOVE. He completed his flight training by going to flight schools in Ohio, Florida, and Mississippi. Garrison currently resides in Norwalk, Ohio and currently works as a Flight Instructor for Griffing Flying Service.

Hayden Maschmeier

Flight Instructor

Hayden was born and raised in Brecksville, Ohio where he graduated from Brecksville-broadview Heights High School in 2021. He then went on to attend Bowling Green State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Flight Technology and Operations in 2024. Hayden started working for Griffing in May of 2024 and currently serves as a Flight Instructor.

Madison Palmer

Dispatcher 

Madison was born and raised in Port Clinton, Ohio, where she graduated from Port Clinton High School in 2022. She is currently continuing her education at the University of Toledo where she is working towards a degree in Physical therapy. She currently resides in Port Clinton with her daughter Taytum, her boyfriend, and the rest of her family. Madison began working for Griffing Flying Service in October of 2021 and currently serves as a Dispatcher.

Makenzie Bott

Dispatcher

Makenzie was born and raised in Huron, Ohio where she graduated from Huron High School in 2018. She began working for Griffing Flying service in 2017 as a detailing intern while also taking lessons for her Private Pilot Certificate and continued onto Bowling Green to complete her flight training. She graduated from Bowling Green with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication Technology in 2022. Makenzie is working towards her Flight Instructor Certificate and currently serves as a dispatcher at Griffing Flying Service.

Madelyn Hipp

Service Writer

Madelyn was born and raised in Norwalk, Ohio, where she graduated from St. Paul High School in 2019. She continued her education at Purdue University, graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor in Aviation Management and a minor in History. While at Purdue, Madelyn was a member of the University’s Flight Team and a coach for Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation. She was also a member of the professional aviation fraternity, Alpha Eta Rho. Madelyn currently resides in Sheffield Village with her boyfriend and Calico cat, Eleanor. In her spare time, Madelyn enjoys watching baseball, motorsports, hockey, and golf. She also writes for a couple of sports journalism websites and she even has her own NASCAR journalism blog. Madelyn began working for Griffing Flying Service in September of 2022 and currently serves as a Service Writer for the maintenance department.

Ian Sparks

A & P Mechanic

Ian was born and raised in Clyde, Ohio, where he graduated from Clyde High School in 2020. He continued his education at the Indianapolis Institute of Aeronautics, graduating in 2022 with his Airframe and Power plant License. Ian currently resides in Clyde, with his 2 cats and 2 dogs. In his spare time, Ian enjoys anything outdoors, including camping, biking, and swimming. Ian began working for Griffing Flying Service in June of 2022 and currently serves as an A & P Mechanic.

Tyler Downing

A & P Mechanic

Tyler was born and raised in Sandusky, Ohio where he graduated from Sandusky high school in 2019. He then went on to attend the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, where he obtained his Airframe and Power plant license. In his spare time Tyler enjoys restoring his vintage 1958 Piper Tri-Pacer, and fishing. He currently resides in Sandusky with his Fiance, Ashley. Tyler started working for Griffing in June of 2024 and currently serves as an Airframe & Power plant Mechanic.

Spencer Fries

Mechanic Apprentice

Spencer was born and raised in Monroeville, Ohio, where he graduated from Monroeville High School in 2023. He currently resides in Monroeville with his family. In his spare time, Spencer enjoys playing basketball, working on his car, working with his hands, and being outside. Spencer began working for Griffing Flying Service in June of 2021 and currently serves as a Mechanic Apprentice.

Riker Durell

Mechanic Apprentice

Riker was born and raised in Fremont, Ohio where he attends Vanguard Tech Center and will graduate in 2025. In his free time he enjoys boating and working on cars. Riker started working for Griffing Flying Service in February of 2024 and currently serves as a Mechanic Apprentice.

Kaden Keegan

Aircraft Detailer

Kaden was born and raised in Castalia, Ohio, where he graduated from Margaretta High School in 2019. Post graduation, Kaden began taking flight lessons at Griffing Flying Service and is currently working towards his CFI certificate. Kaden currently resides in Castalia with his dogs, Dexter and Riggins. In his spare time, he enjoys boating, fishing, martial arts, classic cars and motorcycles. Kaden began working for Griffing Flying Service in September of 2020 and currently serves as an Aircraft Detailer.

Summer Thomas

Aircraft Detailer

Summer was born and raised in Port Clinton, Ohio and currently attends The Ohio State University studying Aviation Engineering. She currently resides in Port Clinton with her poodle, Bjorn. Summer began working for Griffing in May of 2024 and serves as an Aircraft Detailer.

Ben Smith

Aircraft Detailer

Ben was born and raised in Findlay, Ohio. He currently resides in Bowling Green, Ohio where he attends Bowling Green State University studying Flight Technology and Operations. Ben began working for Griffing in May of 2024 and currently serves as a detailer.

Owen Kromer

Aircraft Detailer