“Rusty” Bates spent six years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war, and was then in the Naval Reserves for 25 years, retiring as a Captain/Aeronautical Engineering Duty Officer. Bates has served on the IWVAD Board since 1991, except for a two-year gap from 1997-99. During that time he has served several terms as president and on various committees of the board. He is currently the IWVAD Vice President. He has been a pilot since 1969, and is a commercial pilot, a flight instructor, commercial glider pilot and has certification for multi-engine and instrument rated. He retired as an aerospace engineer from Naval Air Warfare Center China Lake, where he supported Naval Aviation from 1973- 2010. The last 10 years were spent as a senior flight test engineer at VX-9. Since retiring, he continued to be active in the local soaring club as a tow pilot and occasional glider pilot

“Chip” Holloway born in Louisiana in 1960 and has never been married. He attended Louisiana State University. His interests in the business and economic development come from his background as an entrepreneur. He is currently owner-operator of Endeavors Unlimited Consulting LLC and the CEO of the Desert Empire Fairgrounds. He is also a licensed realtor. He served four terms on the Ridgecrest City Council, including two terms as mayor. During his time on the council he was an engine for economic development and growth. His other community service includes service on the boards of Desert Valleys FCU, REALMS Charter School, Desert Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council and the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce.

Randy Brenneman was elected to the board in May 2025.  A licensed pilot since 1982, he has logged flight time in a wide range of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. Randy retired in Lemoore from the U.S. Navy in 2003 after 20 years of service as an Avionics Technician, Flight Line Supervisor, Instructor, and Maintenance Manager.  He then worked at the Fresno Airport as a technician and in-flight troubleshooter on executive class aircraft and helicopters.

For the past two decades, he has worked at NAWCWD in various roles and currently serves as a Branch Supervisor and Product Support Team Lead, overseeing multiple projects and contracts.

Randy also brings extensive leadership experience from his community involvement. He served on the Ridgecrest VFW Board of Directors for over ten years, including seven years as Board Chair. Additionally, he has represented California on the VFW’s National Legislative, Foreign Affairs, and National Security Committees.

Mark Storch was voted-on to the board to fulfill a vacancy in May of 2023.  Mark retired from the Navy after a 31 year career as a Naval Aviator commanding both NAWS China Lake and NAWC Weapons Division.  FAA qualifications include Air Transport Pilot, Airplane Multi Engine Land, Commercial Rotorcraft Helicopter, Instrument Helicopter – he currently owns and hangars a private aircraft at Inyokern Airport.   Mark’s prior community service included five years as a trustee on the Kern Community College District.  He looks forward to supporting the Airport District’s safe and effective operations in support of the District’s community.  

Alex Wilson was elected to the Board in February of 2025. Alex holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University. He has been a civil servant at NAWCWD China Lake since 2018, where he has contributed significantly to various engineering projects and acquisitions supporting fleet training. In addition, Alex is an avid flyer and a private pilot based out of Inyokern. In his spare time, Alex enjoys spending time in the hangar or flying his Cessna Cardinal RG, showcasing his passion for aviation. He recently joined the board of directors aiming to contribute to the strong and close-knit aviation community in and around Inyokern.