Elevate: Transforming Leadership to Reach Great Heights

Elevate is a transformative leadership development experience designed specifically for private aviation professionals at all levels.

Leadership is not about title or rank, it’s about having the mindset, confidence, and the tools to create value — no matter your role. Anyone who develops leadership qualities internally will have a positive impact on their team and organization as a whole.

Whether you’re running a flight department, managing operations, or leading from within a team, this program will help you grow your leadership from the inside out.

The next Elevate session will be September 28 – October 2, 2026

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Roam at Trilith
Led by Don Henderson and Dr. Jeff Baker

Elevate combines extensive industry expertise with proven leadership strategies. We’ve continually refined the Elevate program to ensure it’s building the most relevant and impactful skills.

This program is for anyone in private aviation who is ready to step into leadership — formally or informally:

  • Flight department leaders
  • Maintenance and operations professionals
  • Crew members and schedulers
  • OEM, MRO, and Management Company leaders
  • As well as others in private aviation seeking to influence, guide, or support others more effectively

 
In accordance with the approval of the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Governing Board, attendees of this program are entitled to four points toward completing the application to take the CAM Exam. Additionally, attendees already designated as a CAM will earn four points toward recertification.

This immersive program will help you:

  • Clarify the value you bring
    Define the unique value you bring by gaining insight into how you are perceived.
  • Understand how you’re wired — and how that affects others
    Gain insights into how your personal patterns, drivers, and blind spots impact your leadership.
  • Navigate conflict and difficult conversations
    Build the skills to address tension head-on with confidence, empathy, and clarity.
  • Lead through times of change
    Learn frameworks and tools to navigate uncertainty during times of change.
  • Develop your own personal coaching approach
    Develop a plan to continue your development beyond the classroom.
  • Protect your energy and stay grounded
    Identify what fuels and drains your energy – and how to build resilience.

 

VanAllen brings decades of aviation experience, a holistic perspective, and uncompromising integrity to provide unbiased, proactive counsel. Our goal is to help you and your people see the full picture, anticipate potential risks, and make decisions with confidence.

Elevate is based on 12 years of successful leadership development experience, now expanded for broader participation and even deeper growth. Participants gain the clarity to better understand challenges and opportunities and the confidence to make informed decisions.

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Whether You Lead a Team or Lead by Example, This Program Is for You

Dates: September 28 – October 2, 2026
Cost: $6,500
Location: Town of Trilith, Fayetteville, GA (just south of the Atlanta airport)

Space is limited. Secure your spot today.

Register Now

Don Henderson

Don Henderson

Senior Vice President, VanAllen | Leadership Strategist | Aviation Consultant

Don Henderson brings a rare blend of flight department leadership and executive consulting expertise. With over 25 years in aviation leadership at KeyCorp — including roles as Captain, Chief Pilot, and Director of Aviation — Don understands how leadership takes shape at every level, from the hangar to the boardroom.

Since joining VanAllen in 2013, Don has worked with a wide range of clients on organizational design, team development, and cultural alignment. His approach begins with the customer’s perspective and is informed by years of experience engaging with aviation teams across the country.

Don is a co-creator and instructor of a longstanding leadership development course tailored for business aviation professionals. The program has helped over 200 participants strengthen their leadership clarity, communication, and confidence — and Don continues to guide professionals through that journey today.

An EMBA graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Don is a certified Hogan assessment administrator, former Chairman of NBAA’s Corporate Aviation Management Committee, and a trusted advisor for professionals seeking to lead with purpose and authenticity.
Dr. Jeffery Baker

Dr. Jeffery Baker, Ph.D.

Leadership Consultant | Clinical Psychologist | Organizational Advisor

Dr. Jeffery Baker brings over 30 years of experience helping individuals grow from the inside out. As a licensed clinical psychologist and seasoned leadership consultant, he specializes in guiding professionals to better understand themselves, build emotional intelligence, and lead with authenticity.

His work spans healthcare, business, law enforcement, and ministry, offering a unique, cross-disciplinary perspective on leadership and human behavior. Jeff’s approach focuses on developing the inner awareness and resilience leaders need to navigate conflict, change, and complexity — especially when they lead without formal authority.

Dr. Baker holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a certified mentor coach. His role in the Elevate program helps participants uncover what drives their leadership and equips them to lead with clarity and purpose.