Our Team

  • John Gabriel

    CBAG President - John lives in Sandy Hook, CT and is a corporate pilot with over 7,000hrs of worldwide flight operations - mostly in Gulfstream and Falcon aircraft. In addition, he is the Director of Safety at a CT-based jet charter brokerage and also owns a concierge travel business with his wife. John holds a M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship from Southern New Hampshire University and a B.S. in Aviation Flight Operations from Daniel Webster College.

  • Tom Kacin

    CBAG Treasurer - Tom serves as Vice President of Sales for the Northeastern and Midwest U.S. regions at Global Jet Capital. A longtime CT resident and seasoned expert in financial services and equipment financing, Tom brings extensive experience from leadership roles at Webster Capital Finance, Terex Financial Services, Citibank, and Wachovia.

  • Matt Walter

    A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Matt holds a Master's degree in Accounting and is a licensed CPA. He is a member of NBAA, Former President of the Connecticut Business Aviation Group, and a certified broker with the International Aircraft Dealers Association.

  • Tanner Richardson

    As a member of the Clay Lacy aircraft management team at Waterbury Oxford Airport, Tanner is uniquely situated at one of the crossroads of business aviation in Connecticut. His skills and network make him a great asset to Connecticut business aviation community.

  • Chris Wilkes

    As a lifelong Connecticut resident, A&P IA, and NBAA CAM with nearly 20 years in the Northeast’s business aviation community, Chris is passionate about helping others in the industry.  His aim is to effectively bolster the growth of CBAG by collaborating with other colleagues in the region.

  • Cyndy Smith Thiel

    Cyndy carries forward a distinguished family legacy in aviation. Inspired by her father’s service with the 89th Squadron at Andrews AFB, NASA, and Mobil Oil, Cyndy began her own aviation career in 1997 with Jet Professionals, helping launch a successful placement division Her entrepreneurial spirit led to her founding C.T. Solutions, LLC in 2009, providing trusted recruitment and consulting to the corporate aviation community. Her family tradition and passion for the industry continues through her daughters—one in flight operations management and the other as a corporate flight attendant.

  • John Marchetti

    John is a corporate pilot dedicated to aviation safety, mentorship, and professional growth. A 2013 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he serves as a Pilot and FOQA Gatekeeper within RTX’s flight department, promoting data-driven safety practices. Beyond the cockpit, John co-leads the department’s internship program and mentors emerging talent through the NBAA, continuing his passion for industry outreach and education.