Keynote Speakers – 2025 NBAA Maintenance Conference

The 2025 NBAA Maintenance Conference will open and close with inspiring keynotes, each featuring a dynamic speaker.

Opening Keynote

Tuesday, April 29
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EDT

Gregory Feith

Former NTSB Senior Air Safety Investigator and “Go-Team” Captain

Gregory Feith is a former Senior Air Safety Investigator and “Go-Team” Captain at the NTSB, with an extraordinary 45-year career in aviation safety. He’s investigated over 2,500 incidents and accidents worldwide, spanning general aviation, business/corporate aviation and commercial air transport. Some of his high-profile investigations include the Valujet DC-9 crash, the American Eagle ATR 72 crash in Indiana, the American Airlines MD-83 runway overrun in Indiana, the Korean Air Boeing 747-300 CFIT crash in Guam, and numerous other notable accidents world-wide. One of his most notable achievements was leading a team of climbers to 21,000 feet in Bolivia to investigate the Eastern Airlines Flight 980 crash – the highest aviation controlled-flight into terrain (CFIT) accident in history.

Feith received a BS degree in Aeronautical Studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and holds Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Instrument Instructor (CFII) certificates as well as Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) certificates. He is an active general aviation pilot and currently owns a Piper Turbo Arrow III.

Throughout his career, Feith has received numerous prestigious awards, such as the Aviation Week and Space Technology Laurel Award, the ERAU Distinguished Alumni Award, the Michael R. Grost Award, induction into the Living Legends of Aviation, and the 2023 National Aeronautic Association (NAA) “Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award” for his lifelong contribution to aviation safety.

A passionate advocate for aviation safety, Feith serves on the boards of several aviation organizations, including the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), Aviation Emergency Response Organization (AERO), and the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA). Beyond his professional roles, he mentors aspiring aviators and frequently speaks at schools and universities, inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.

Don’t miss this exciting keynote presentation – an opportunity to hear from an aviation safety legend.

Closing Keynote

Wednesday, April 30
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EDT

Commander (Ret) Manuel “Manny” Sanchez

U.S. Navy Veteran and Former Maintenance Officer for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels

Commander (Ret) Manuel “Manny” Sanchez is a distinguished U.S. Navy veteran with 33 years of service in naval aviation maintenance and leadership. A native of Beeville, TXs, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Engineering in Technical Management from Texas A&M University.

Throughout his career, Sanchez held key maintenance leadership roles across multiple operational and test squadrons, carrier air wings and fleet readiness centers. Notably, he served as the Maintenance Officer for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels during the 2008 and 2009 air show seasons, where he played a pivotal role in sustaining the team’s aircraft at the highest levels of performance and reliability. His leadership extended to Carrier Air Wing TWO and Fleet Replacement Squadron HSM-41, where he was recognized as the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific Senior Maintenance Officer of the Year in 2018.

In his final assignment, Sanchez served as the Commanding Officer of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit, Lemoore, overseeing the training of aviation maintenance professionals critical to fleet readiness.

Since retiring in 2023, Sanchez has continued his commitment to naval aviation as a Senior Logistics Analyst with 2 Circle Inc., supporting Navy and Marine Corps warfighters. His military decorations include four Meritorious Service Medals, seven Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and numerous other personal and unit awards.

With decades of expertise in aviation maintenance, leadership and logistics, Sanchez brings invaluable insight into the future of naval aviation and readiness.

Don’t miss the chance to hear from Commander Sanchez during this inspiring keynote presentation, where he will share how leadership shaped the future of naval aviation and how it continues to inspire.