Board of Directors

Willie L. Daniels II

Willie Daniels is the Founder and President of SHADES OF BLUE. SHADES OF BLUE is a non-profit Aviation and Aerospace Foundation that promotes Aviation and Aerospace in the schools K-12th grade. Initially hired as a Flight Attendant for United Airlines he rose through the ranks to become a Flight Officer and currently flies the Boeing 747-400 aircraft. He has a BS Degree as a professional pilot from Metro State College in Denver. He has an AA and AS Degree from Mt. San Antonio Community College in California. Having been appointed by Governor Owens to the Board of Directors for The Colorado Council on the Arts, Willie also currently serves on the Board of Directors for many other organizations including: The Challenger Learning Center in Colorado, The Tuskegee Airmen, Hubert L. Hooks Jones Chapter of Colorado, The Wings Over the Rockies Museum, and SHADES OF BLUE.

Jenna Lin

Jenna Lin is a mathematician and educator, holding a BA in mathematics and an MS in applied mathematics. Currently an instructor at UC Denver, she is an experienced teacher having taught at all levels, ranging from preschool through university, in courses ranging from arithmetic to engineering calculus. Jenna is also an experienced private math tutor, math competition coach, math and science curriculum development specialist, and educational workshop presenter. As curriculum development specialist, she has developed review math workbooks for middle and high school levels, currently used in Cherry Creek Schools and in University of Colorado-Boulder 's multicultural and women in engineering tutoring programs, and recently developed math and science curriculum for Colorado Mathematics Engineering Science Association ( MESA) and for University of Colorado-Denver Health Center's American Health Education Center (AHEC) program.

Charlie Johnson

Charlie Johnson has devoted his entire career to aviation. After serving as a USAF F-105 pilot in Southeast Asia, he began his civilian career serving as a Chief Pilot for Arnold Palmer. Later he managed production flight test at Gates Learjet. In 1979, Johnson moved to Cessna Aircraft and held numerous positions throughout the company and was appointed President and COO in 1997. Since retiring from Cessna in 2003, he has continued to assist in the development of numerous advanced aviation related projects and is currently the COO of Bye Energy. Johnson has over 14,000 hours of flying time and serves on numerous aviation and education related Boards.

Stephen E. Smith

Stephen E. Smith is Vice President and General Counsel for Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The Space Systems Company manages Lockheed Martin's activities relating to expendable launch vehicles, commercial, civil and military satellites, strategic missiles, missile defense activities and the space shuttle external tank. Smith also has responsibility for Space Systems Company's Security and Export Licensing and Compliance functions.

Prior to joining Lockheed Martin in 1981, Smith was in private practice in Washington, D.C., dealing primarily with international government contract matters and commercial litigation.

Smith is a member of the American Bar Association, the Aerospace General Counsel's Group, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) of America, and a Board Member of ACC's Colorado Chapter. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Shades of Blue, Inc., and the Challenger Center of Colorado, both of which encourage students to pursue education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He also participates on the General Counsel Coordinating Committee of the Colorado Campaign for Inclusive Excellence, which promotes diversity in the legal profession, and serves as Executive Chairperson for Lockheed Martin's Mile High United Way Campaign.

Smith is admitted to the practice of law in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Colorado. He also serves as a United States representative on the International Chamber of Commerce's Commission on Arbitration, and is Co-chair of the U.S. Counsel on International Business' Corporate Counsel Subcommittee. Smith received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University in 1973, and a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1977.

Robert Adams

Bob served as Director of Purchasing for the Broe Companies, which specializes in real estate, senior housing, transportation and strategic capital. His service in the United States Air Force, included time in Vietnam at Da Nang Airfield. In November, 1998 he was co-chair for Governor Bill Owens' business and commerce transition team. In 1999, he was appointed to the Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs by Governor Bill Owens and was treasurer for Governor Bill Owens' 2002 re-election campaign.

Bob is a past member of the Aurora Rotary Club, and a past board member for the Denver Public Schools Foundation, a non-profit community organization, foundation established to help bright, talented, economically disadvantaged children who have shown a hunger to learn, a willingness to study, and a desire to succeed. Bob is a Senior Steward of the Shorter Community A.M.E. Church.

Vanessa A. Blacknall-Jamison

Vanessa Blacknall-Jamison has been with United Airlines for over 22 years and is currently the manager for Emergency Procedures Training and Programs. Previously she has been in management capacities with Frontier Airlines, New York Air Inc., and Braniff International.

She currently serves on the board of directors for the following organizations; Urban League of Denver, Mile High Girl Scouts, Organization of Black Airline Pilots (Vice Chairman), International Black Aerospace Council (Vice Chairman), Jack & Jill of America, Inc (Corporate Fundraiser Chairman) and the Denver YMCA.

Vanessa has a B.A. in Public Relations from University of Southern California and a MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Adrian R. Clark

Adrian Clark, is a Founding Member, Executive Director and Board member of Shades of Blue. He has an extensive career as an executive in both business and education including having been School Director of the NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego, President of Parks College in Aurora, CO, President of Topeka Technical Institute in Topeka, KS; Executive Director of Berks Technical Institute and Vice President/Director of the University of Phoenix Colorado and New Orleans campuses. He has a BA degree from the University of Kansas in personnel administration and speech & drama, and an MBA from the University of Denver. In 1999 he wrote, published and narrated Cabbages, Carrot Juice & Cake, an audio book of stories for children.

Ed Dwight Jr.

While in the Air Force as a test pilot Ed Dwight Jr. had the distinction of being chosen by the John F. Kennedy administration to be the first African American astronaut trainee.

His talents then led him to work as an engineer before he turned to art and studied at the University of Denver where he gained a reputation as a sculptor. Currently he is a world-renowned sculptor and the owner of Ed Dwight Studios in Denver, which is one of the largest privately owned production and marketing facilities in the western United States. Dwight has sculpted great works of celebratory African American art including international monuments.

Ed has a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Denver.

Timothy L. Eddins

Tim Eddins enlisted in the Air Force and after basic training, received a Special Duty Assignment to the White House Communication Team. Tim is a graduate of the Air Force Academy. After many Instructor Pilot assignments he begin a Civil Aviation Career. Tim belongs to the Arkansas Air National Guard (part-time) where he currently flies the Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon. He is currently a Boeing 777 instructor at United Airline's Flight Training Center in Denver, Colorado. Tim is involved in charity and volunteer work, served as the Treasurer of The Organization of Black Airline Pilots and is currently the Treasurer of The International Black Aerospace Council. Tim is single, a Nashville, Tennessee resident, however spends much of his time at his home in Aurora, Colorado.

Roger A. Gibson

Vice President North America-Mountain Region for United Airlines based in Denver. Former United vice president-Mountain Region and vice president-Northwest Region. Bachelor’s degree in management from St. Mary’s College in California. Veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Craig D. Hackett (US Army Major General - Retired)

Craig Hackett has had over 34 years of distinguished service in the US Army serving in country and abroad before he retired as a Major General. His last command was the Commanding General, United States Army Security Assistance Command in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Since his retirement he’s worked as an Army Career Alumni Program (ACAP) Counselor at Fort Carson, CO. helping Soldiers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan to make that transition from active service to civilian life. Using his vast leadership experience he has been and currently is a consultant for many companies here and abroad.

Craig holds a B.S. degree in Physical Education from Howard University and a M.S. degree in Education Administration from the University of Southern California.

Robert E. Meyer

Twenty years as International First Officer, Boeing 707, 720, and B747-100 Pan American World Airways. United Airlines Captain and Line Check Airman on the Boeing 757/767, 777, and the Boeing 747-400. 40 years and 35,000 hours as a Professional Pilot, airline and corporate. 15 years as Corporate Aviation Management and Director. Past Owner/CE0 of Republic Air Charter, Farmington, NY. Past Owner/CEO of Pacific Air Center, Long Beach, CA. FAA Designated Examiner: Turbo-Commander 680/690; B747-400.

Adrian E. Miller

Adrian Miller currently serves as the Deputy Legislative Director for Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. Prior to working for Governor Ritter, Adrian was General Counsel and Director of Outreach for the Bell Policy Center, a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy organization dedicated to making Colorado a state of opportunity. Before working at the Bell, he was special assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the President's Initiative for "One America" in the Clinton Administration. Before joining the White House staff in 1999, Adrian practiced law in Denver. Adrian has a B.A. in international relations from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C.

Leon E. Miller

Flight Officer with United Airlines since 1995. Former U.S. Navy Pilot, 1981 - 1995. Currently awaiting activation of a Captain's bid on the Airbus A-320 and Boeing 777. Received appointment to the Naval Academy in 1974, finishing in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in American Political Systems. Has been active with the National Naval Officers Association, United Ways Latch-Key Kids, Member of the Norfolk State University Airway Science Advisory Board, Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated, and the Organization of Black Airline Pilots.

Jay R. Oyer

Jay Oyer is a Financial Advisor working with Merrill Lynch's Wealth Management Group. A holder of the Certified Financial Planner T designation, Jay specializes in developing and implementing financial programs that create and sustain financial strength and independence for individuals, their families and their businesses.

Jay is a graduate of Colorado State University where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and has been a director of Shades of Blue since 2004.

Jay is blessed with a wife of seven years, and two wonderful children; Alexander and Abigail.

Stef Petryszyn

Stef Petryszyn is the Deputy Director of Civil Systems, which is within Space Systems, a division of Raytheon’s Intelligence & Information Systems business area. He has 40 years of professional experience with the Raytheon Company of which 32 years has been in the development of military flight simulators.

Stef is a member of Wings Over the Rockies, a senior member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and is the executive sponsor for the Raytheon Black Employee Network (RAYBEN). He holds the position of the Volunteer Coordinator for Shades of Blue.

He has a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Aero-Space Institute, Chicago Illinois.

John F. Phillips (USAF Major General - Retired)

John Phillips, former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Logistics), held Vice President positions at Honeywell and Home Depot and is now president of Phillips Defense Consultants. Former Commander at McClellen AFB, California, John has a B.S. from Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, Texas, and a Masters degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is a graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; the National War College; Defense Systems Management College; Industrial College of the Armed Forces; and the University of Southern California, School for Safety Engineering. He is an internationally known speaker and consultant on National Defense and is a former chairman of the Board of Advisors of the Tuskegee Airman, Inc and formerly served on the Board of Boys and Girls Club of America. His authored "Navigating the Pentagon" and co-authoring the book, "Military Project Management," as well as numerous articles and lectures on leadership and management. He and his wife Blanche have three daughters, one son and four grandchildren.

E. Donnell Smith

Donell served 14 years in the Air Force and is now a pilot for United Airlines, and a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He is a founding member of Shades of Blue. As manager of United's Flight Safety Awareness Program (FSAP) from 2000-2001, Donell received a national safety award and recognition from the FAA. From 1998-1999, Donell was manager of Operating Standards for United, where he facilitated the standardization of pilot procedures, flight manuals, and emergency procedures for over 10,000 pilots. Donell, born in Columbus, MS and is child number five out of six children. He is a member of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, and teaches the mixed adult Sunday school class. He has two children: Brandon and Brittany.

Marie Verrett

Marie Verrett has had over 23 years of distinguished service as a United States Air Force officer directing financial analysis and budgeting activities; equal opportunity and inspector general investigations; and VIP event planning both stateside and abroad.

She has been a member of the Aurora Mental Health board, Director of Development for SPD Foundation, Crisis Line volunteer, Guardian Ad Litem for the State of Florida, and Vice President of Spectre Manufacturing, Inc. She has the position of Treasurer for Shades of Blue.

Marie holds a holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Resource Management and a Masters in Counseling & Human Development from Troy State University and is a licensed real estate broker experienced in commercial real estate sales and leasing.

Honorary Board Members

Anthony C. Aiken

President and CEO of Aiken Global Environmental Services LLC in Denver. Retired U.S. Army Colonel. President, National Environmental Health Association. BS in Biology and Chemistry and a Masters of Environmental Sciences from Tuskegee University.

Cristina Cullens, Ph.D.

Cristina background includes the areas of Construction, Psychology, Aviation, Law Enforcement and Fire/Emergency Medical Services. She is an active principal in a commercial construction company and provides counseling, pre-employment screening, training, critical incident/violence debriefings and management consultation within the United States and abroad for private and government agencies. She received her Ph.D., M.A. and B.A. from California State University, Fullerton, where she was a member of the National Honor Society

She has received specialized training in Hostage Negotiation Training, FBI, University of Virginia, Quantico and has vast experience working with local and national government agencies throughout the United States. She is actively involved in many volunteer organizations and a member of several professional organizations.

Jeffrey S. Forrest

Chair of the Aerospace Science Department, Metropolitan State College of Denver. Former aviation and aerospace consultant, corporate pilot. BA Geography, BS Aviation Technology, MA Aviation Management, MS Space Systems Management, ABD Information Science.

Curtis M. Graves

Special Assistant for Governmental Affairs at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Former member of the Texas House of Representatives and has held several management position with NASA. BA from Texas Southern University and was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow at Princeton University. Author of two books for elementary students called Famous Black Americans.

Althea Smith

Althea currently serves as Flight Director for the Challenger Learning Center, Colorado Springs, CO and owns her own small business. She has served on the U.S. Space Foundation Advisory Board, Colorado Springs, been an Upward Bound Program Instructor, at Wayne State and belongs to many professional organizations including the National Science Teachers Association, BPA Black Pilots of America and has also produced Educational Programs, and has participated in two summer teacher's exchange programs to West Africa. Althea enjoys flying a single engine airplane and has a BS and Masters degrees from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.

Linda J. Williams

President of the African-American Leadership Institute in Denver. Masters degree in Counseling Psychology/Counseling Education from the University of Colorado-Denver. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Speech Communication from Metropolitan State College in Denver.