Board of Directors

Kirk Bajdek is currently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors.  Kirk’s entry into aviation was in the US Navy in 1976, specializing on the A7-E Corsair II. He received his A&P license in 1987 and acquired his Inspection Authorization in 1990. Kirk’s experience encompasses Part 91, Part 125, Part 135, and Part 145 Repair Station operations along with specialized training and experience on single & multi-engine piston, multi-engine jet, turbine helicopters, and Non-Destructive Testing. As a Crew Chief and then Chief Inspector with Amway, Kirk oversaw the repair station operations and served as associate Safety Officer. Kirk is a member of Encounter Community Church in Belding, MI.

David has a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa, in Business Administration. Additionally, he has a Missionary Aviation diploma from Moody Bible Institute. Masters candidate from Eastern University in International Development. David currently serves as a Regional Director of MAF – a mission organization with whom he has served since 1992.

Scott has a bachelor’s degree in business adminstration from Western Michigan University.

Scott is currently serving as president at GRIPS, Inc., and is a partner at Consolidated Controls, LLC.  Scott is a member of Chapel Pointe Church in Hudsonville, MI, where he serves as an elder and small group leader.

Aviation has been a passion of Scott’s since childhood when he started flying RC model aircraft.  He earned his private pilot certificate in 1987 and his commercial pilot certificate and CFII in 1990.  He is a lifetime EAA member who built and flies a Vans RV9A.  He holds a repairman certificate for N518SD.

Rachel Glupker has been a board member of SMAT for five years and is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. Rachel’s passion for aviation started with flying at age 15, soloing at 16, and earning her private certificate on her 17^th birthday. All self-funded.  Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Western Michigan University where she competed on the flight team all four years, serving as team captain and President of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) during her Senior year.

Steve Johns grew up around aviation and started flight school in high school, soloed at the age of 16, then received his private pilot’s license 5 years later.  After earning his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Michigan, Steve joined LLJohns Aviation Insurance full-time in 1989.  He has completed his Certified Insurance Counselor designation from the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. 

Steve is responsible for leading the LLJohns’ team while maintaining his own group of clients.  He possesses a solid understanding of the coverages and exposures associated with aviation risks. He has acquired this knowledge and experience for over 30 years and represents the leading insurance providers.  He helps guide clients through the decision-making process by analyzing specific needs, assisting in the arrangement of training programs, and advocating during the claims process to ensure timely and satisfactory claims resolutions. 

Throughout his career, Steve has served both charitable and organizational groups in leadership roles. Steve spent 6 years on the board of directors with the National Aircraft Finance Association and is an active member of the National Business Aviation Association and the International Aircraft Dealers Association.  He is also currently serving as the Treasurer on the West Michigan Aviation Academy Foundation board and serves on the board of directors for both Mission Safety International and School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT).