Leadership
Joe LaRue, President
Prairie Air
Elbow Lake, Minn
Joe LaRue, elected President of the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association in May 2025, is the co-founder of Prairie Air Inc. in Elbow Lake, Minnesota. Established in 2005 with his wife, Laura, Prairie Air specializes in Robinson helicopter maintenance and is a certified Robinson Service Center known for inspections, overhauls, and practical customer support.
Joe began flying as a teenager in Minnesota and gained early experience in agricultural aviation before working with Columbia Helicopters, where he developed the skills that shaped Prairie Air’s hands-on approach. Laura leads daily operations and customer relations, helping build the company’s reputation for integrity and personal service. Together they also manage Elbow Lake Municipal Airport, guiding significant improvements to hangars, facilities, and airside infrastructure.
The LaRues’ are committed to growing the next generation of aviators through partnerships with EAA Young Eagles and the Wheels, Tracks & Wings community event. As MATA President, Joe advocates for policies that strengthen general aviation, workforce development, and sustainable industry growth.
Mark Schwichtenberg, Vice President
St. Cloud Aviation
St. Cloud, Minn
Mark Schwichtenberg is the Line Service Manager for St. Cloud Aviation, being involved with the FBO for 8 years. Mark graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor degree in Airport Operations and also holds an FAA Private Pilot License. Prior to working for St. Cloud Aviation in his current role he was employed by Sun Country Airlines in their flight operations department. Mark and his wife reside in Becker, where they enjoying restoring Jeeps, flying, and camping when not at work.
Nancy Grazzini-Olson, Treasurer
Thunderbird Aviation
Eden Prairie/Crystal, Minn
Nancy Grazzini-Olson serves as Treasurer of the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association and represents Thunderbird Aviation, a full-service FBO operating at Flying Cloud Airport (Eden Prairie) and Crystal Airport. At Thunderbird Aviation, Nancy plays a key leadership role in business operations, financial oversight, and strategic growth.
With decades of experience in Minnesota’s general aviation community, Nancy has been actively involved in flight training, aircraft services, and aviation workforce development. She has worked closely with aviation education partners, including Academy College, supporting pathways for students entering professional aviation careers. Her long-standing advocacy for general aviation businesses and education makes her an important voice on the MATA board.
Kreg Anderson, Secretary
Alexandria Aviation
Alexandria, Minn
Kreg Anderson is the Airport Manager for the City of Alexandria, as well as the Chief Flight Instructor for Alexandria Aviation and long time airport bum. Kreg is a native of Alexandria, graduating high school in 2013. He attended the University of North Dakota where he majored in Aviation Management, graduating in 2016. Kreg has been working at Alexandria Aviation since he was 16. Outside of work, he often flies for fun in his Bellanca Cruisemaster or Aeronca Champ and is an avid EAA Oshkosh attendee.
Mark Nelson
Hawk Aviation
Rush City, Minn
Mark Nelson is the owner and operator of Hawk Aviation in Rush City, Minnesota. Hawk Aviation provides flight training, aircraft rental, and general aviation services, serving pilots and aircraft owners throughout East-Central Minnesota. Mark is also the manager of the Rush City Regional Airport (KROS).
Mark brings both operational and piloting experience to the MATA board. In addition to managing a flight school, he has a background in commercial aviation, including regional airline experience. His hands-on understanding of both general aviation business operations and professional flight operations provides valuable perspective as MATA works to represent aviation service providers across the state.
Dave Weiman
Midwest Flyer Magazine
Oregon, Wisc
Dave Weiman has served on the MATA Board of Directors for many years in a variety of capacities. He and his wife, Peggy, founded Wisconsin Flyer magazine in 1978, renamed the publication Midwest Flyer Magazine in 1980, and expanded the area served from one to 12 Midwestern states. Dave holds degrees from Metropolitan State College-Minneapolis (ALA), the University of Minnesota (BA), and the University of Wisconsin (MS). Dave was on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin in extension education prior to starting Midwest Flyer Magazine. He learned to fly in 1971 at Minneapolis-Crystal Airport, and holds a Private Pilot Certificate (Land & Sea), an Instrument Rating, and high altitude, complex gear and tailwheel endorsements. Dave owns a Cessna 182 Skylane.
Tracie Walter
Bemidji Aviation Services, Inc.
Bemidji, Minn
Tracie Walter represents Bemidji Aviation Services, a long-standing aviation business serving northern Minnesota. Based at Bemidji Regional Airport, the company provides flight training, aircraft rental, charter support, and general aviation services.
Tracie brings frontline aviation business experience to the MATA board, with a focus on supporting pilots, students, and aircraft owners in greater Minnesota. Her involvement reflects the importance of regional aviation businesses in sustaining Minnesota’s aviation infrastructure and workforce.
Tyler Brimmer
Klick Brimmer PLLC
Excelsior, Minn
Tyler Brimmer is the co-founder of the Klick Brimmer PLLC law firm in Excelsior, Minnesota. His legal practice focuses on business law, regulatory matters, and transactional work that frequently intersects with aviation operations and aviation-related businesses.
Tyler provides MATA with insight into legal, regulatory, and policy matters impacting aviation businesses. His perspective strengthens the association’s ability to advocate effectively for aviation service providers navigating complex legal and regulatory environments.
Gene DePalma
Executive Director
Gene DePalma serves as Executive Director of the Minnesota Aviation Trades Association. In this role, he supports day-to-day association operations, member engagement, and legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts.
Gene works closely with the MATA board to advance the organization’s mission of promoting and protecting aviation businesses across Minnesota. His leadership focuses on strengthening partnerships with industry stakeholders, supporting workforce initiatives, and ensuring that general aviation service providers have a strong voice at the state level.