Officers and Directors

Bernie Skoch

Chairman of the Board

Chairman of the Board Bernie Skoch, from Elkins, Ark., served 29 years in the Air Force in a variety of communications roles and became Director of Communications Operations, Office of the DCS for Installations and Logistics, USAF, Washington, D.C. Prior, he served as the first-ever Principal Director for Network Services and Customer Advocacy at the Defense Information Systems Agency, Arlington, Va. He performed various duties on the Joint Staff supporting the National Military Command System and developing the Global Command and Control System, rising to the rank of Brigadier General. Skoch’s previous AFA involvement began by launching AFA’s CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program as National Commissioner, growing the program to one of the most widely regarded and successful cyber-focused STEM programs in the nation. He then became the Executive Lead for AFA Strategic Events, boosting the profile, revenue, and attendance of AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference and also transforming AFA’s Warfare Symposium into a showcase featuring the best of Air Force innovations.

Skoch earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Arkansas and a master’s in management and supervision from Central Michigan University. He received the AFA President’s Citation for exceptional leadership (2019); AFA’s Chairman’s Aerospace Education Award (2020); AFA’s Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award for most outstanding contribution in the field of aerospace education (2021); and helped put AFA in position to be awarded the Trade Show Executives “Fastest 50” award for exceptional growth in attendance and exhibit sales. Skoch currently serves on the Military Cyber Professionals Association Board; the Civil Air Patrol Board of Governors; and is a Senior Advisor for Aerospace/ STEM Education on the AFA Education Council.

 

Jim Simons

Vice Chairman of the Board, Field Operations

Jim Simons received his commission in the United States Army from Michigan State University in 1976.  He served as a Military Policeman for his entire career.  His assignments ranged from the United States to seven years in West Germany. Highlights include Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Deputy Installation Provost Marshal, Battalion Operations Officer, Community Provost Marshal, and Battalion Executive Officer.  He retired in 1994. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal...Read More

 

Stephen Gourley

Vice Chairman of the Board, Aerospace Education

Stephen Gourley is the volunteer leader guiding the overall direction of the AFA Education Mission and overseeing its Aerospace Education Programs. Gourley joined AFA in 2007 and has served as the Mile High 127 Chapter President and Colorado State President and Executive Vice President. He received the Colorado Medal of Merit; Exceptional Service Award; and Presidential Award for Excellence; as well as National level Medal of Merit Awards and a Special Citation, and a Chairman’s Citation...Read More

 

 

Mike Liquori

Secretary

Michael J. “Mike” Liquori, has been an AFA Life Member since 2000. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Boston University and a master’s degree in managerial economics from the University of Oklahoma. He is a retired lieutenant colonel having served on Active duty for 12 years and as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee in the Air Force Reserve for 13 years. He is a member of the Martin H. Harris Chapter (Fla.) where he has served as President, Executive Vice President, AF Gala Chairman, AWS Awards Chairman, AWS Golf Chairman, and webmaster...Read More

 

Chuck Martin

Treasurer

Chuck Martin is the volunteer leader overseeing the financial affairs of the Association, exercising and performing the duties assigned by the Constitution and the Operations and Procedures Manual. The Treasurer chairs the Finance Committee and serves as a member of the Executive Committee. He works closely with the Chairman and confers regularly with the President, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, and other key staff, as appropriate. He makes the annual Financial Report to the National Convention and provides operating budget and financial reports to the Board of Directors. Chuck joined the AFA in 1971 and has served in multiple capacities in various chapters as he was reassigned within the USAF...Read More