Leadership

Phil Dismukes is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy with a B.S. in Engineering and of the USAF Fighter Weapons School Instructor Course. During his 23 years of experience in the Air Force and Air National Guard, he flew the F-16 and was deployed in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Northern Watch. Phil retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and founded BGI in 1994 after recognizing shortcomings in the engineering development cycle of complex training systems, services, and products. With the vision of always keeping the end-user’s requirements top-of-mind, Phil created BGI on the foundation of investing ample time and effort in eliciting the knowledge of experienced operational professionals in the early phases of a project. He is highly involved in the industry outside of running BGI as a member of the Business Executives for National Security, as a member of the “Get Head Strong” project committee, as an ambassador for the Folded Flag Foundation, as a trustee for the USAFA Falcon Foundation, and sits on the board of directors for AIRLAND Aerospace, Spectre Pursuit Group, AIRLAND Battle Group, and Quadrant Training Solutions, LLC. Phil is married to Dr. Jennifer Dismukes and they have six children.

Chris Owens joined BGI in 2000. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1989 with a B.S. in Computer Science, graduated from the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), and served as a F/A-18C pilot in the United States Navy. As the Chief Growth Officer, he is responsible to execute strategy and ensure the growth of the organization. Chris has a strong background in company operations and he capitalizes on his proven ability by leading and coordinating corporate growth initiatives that ensure company goals are met.  He empowers our employees, equips them with the necessary resources and effects solutions that positively impact the customer. His extensive leadership, operational and technical experience are ideally suited for this executive role. In his previous COO role,  Chris led significant reorganization and optimization of company leadership and operations, established new competencies related to Cyber Operations, increased our partner outreach programs, established a Senior Advisor program and ensured the success of our Small Business Association Mentor Protégé Joint Venture. He resides and enjoys life in Annapolis, MD and volunteers with the USNA-89 Alumni Association

Corbin Hughes is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and he was commissioned into the United States Navy through the Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) program. He is also a graduate of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). Corbin logged over 1,500 flight hours in the F/A-18 during the course of two deployments and served a total of 21 years on active duty and in the Navy Reserve before retiring as a Commander. Since joining BGI, Corbin has served as a Senior Operational Analyst, Program Manager, Program Director, Vice President, and now Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Corbin is responsible for all aspects of BGI’s operational, financial, and regulatory performance across a diverse set of business portfolios that provide advanced instruction, training, products, services, cybersecurity, and research and development to our customers that positively impact our company mission. Corbin’s leadership and technical acumen has been instrumental in our growth with both new and existing customers, and he is poised to deliver new lines of business related to BGI’s Strategic Approach and Vision. Corbin and his wife Joellen live in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area and have two sons and a daughter.

Eric Dodson joined BGI in 1995 as an Operational Analyst with a focus on detailed training and technical simulation projects, many of which were developed for foreign air forces under DoD Foreign Military Sales programs. In 1999, he become the CFO and currently oversees the Finance and Human Resources departments. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy with a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering. Eric has over 5,000 flight hours including 1,500 in the F-16 and major airline experience. With an extensive combat record, he earned the Silver Star during Operation Desert Storm on a Combat Search and Rescue operation in support of a downed airman. He is retired from the Air Force and South Carolina Air National Guard. In his spare time, Eric is a member of the board of directors for the Children’s Museum of Charleston, SC and is a local community event leader.

Dave Devol joined BGI in 1998 and served as the company’s President from 2002 to 2021. Dave graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1984 with a B.S. in Astronautical Engineering and went on to complete 23 years of active duty and reserve service in the Air Force and Air National Guard. During his service he was a military instructor and flight examiner with over 2,000 hours of flight experience in the F-16. As the President, Dave was instrumental in growing BGI’s Training Systems Development Support and Contract Flight Training lines of business. As the company dedicated capture lead he was responsible for several large contract aircrew instruction and courseware development awards. He also served as a technical subject matter expert for numerous F-16 and F-35 training systems projects. Today Dave supports BGI as a Managing Member who also has the authority to make decisions and enter into contracts on behalf of the organization. He is responsible for special projects, major capture efforts, shaping new lines of business, and building partnerships with new companies. Dave is a life-long aviation enthusiast and has accumulated over 6,500 pilot hours in military and civilian aircraft. He also owned an aircraft maintenance business for 10 years and has owned and operated a range of single and twin engine piston and turboprop business aircraft. Dave, his wife Krissie, and dog “Kepler” reside in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Nancy Chilton joined BGI in 2008 as the Controller. She graduated cum laude in 2001 with a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh; double major in Finance and Accounting. She graduated in 2006 with her MBA from The Citadel. She is a Certified Public Accountant. Before joining BGI, she served in public accounting as an auditor of various industries including retail, oil and gas, territory and county governments, and school districts. After her audit career, she became the Controller for a marketing company held by a publically traded company. As BGI Vice President of Finance, she leads all accounting, tax, audit, treasury functions, and human resources for BGI building and maintaining a platform positioned for growth. She maintains strong working relationships with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Nancy works in the Mount Pleasant, SC Finance Office. Outside of BGI Nancy has served as the Treasurer to many different non-profits to extend her skills into the community.

Bill Fitzpatrick joined BGI in 2000. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1989 with a B.A. in Economics and was commissioned to the USN via the NROTC Program. Bill served 25 years in the USN/R as an F/A-18 Hornet pilot to include 2,500 Hornet hours, 450 carrier landings and extensive combat experience. Additionally, he graduated from TOPGUN, served as an Operational Test Pilot and mobilized as Operations Officer for the VFA-201 Hunters during their historic “Combat Cruise,” marking the 1st and only time an F/A-18 Reserve squadron deployed with an active-duty Airwing. With BGI, Bill leverages his vast operational experience to ensure the best possible products are delivered to the warfighter. Bill is a long-time resident of Fort Worth, TX and enjoys traveling with his wife and three daughters in his spare time.

Tom Ritzman joined BGI in 2005. He graduated from the University of Akron in 1994 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and enjoyed working for major defense contractors on software and IT solutions for flight training, missile, and space systems.  Since joining BGI, Tom has leveraged his experience and instinct to identify and develop innovative solutions that elevate the capabilities of our customers.  Tom supports translation of the strategic vision to technology, organizes development of intellectual property, pursues new competencies and seeks solutions that comply with evolving government and industry cyber security regulations.  This includes oversight of technology created and applied to engineering and cybersecurity projects.  Tom works at the BGI Headquarters in his home town of Akron, OH.

Jim Hardin joined BGI in 2017 as a BGI Instructor and Subject Matter Expert on the F-16 at the 162nd Wing located at Morris ANB in Tucson AZ. Over the course of his BGI career, Jim has also served as a Divisional Director, Director of Business Development and now serves as the Vice President of Business Development. Jim has completed a 28-year career in the United States Army and Air Force, culminating as the Commander of the 548th Combat Training Squadron, Jim has 3,200 flight hours in the OV-10 and F-16 along with combat experience in Iraq and Serbia. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University, and a Master of Aerospace Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as completed USAF Air War College, Joint Forces Staff College, and the USAF Air Command and Staff College. Jim and his wife Michelle now reside in St Augustine, FL and have two adult children.

Jonna Cavileer is a graduate of Indiana University with a B.S. degree in Human Resources/Labor Relations and an A.S. degree in Office Management. She obtained certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) in 2008 and has been a notary public since 1984. After college, Jonna lived in Indianapolis for 10 years and began a long career in leading Human Resources, before moving back to her hometown of Akron to be closer to her very large family. She has provided HR management support in various industries, including pubic accounting, manufacturing, transportation staffing and ambulance services. Jonna joined BGI in 2013 as the Human Resources Manager, supporting approximately 100 employees, which has now grown to over 400. She is the Affirmative Action Compliance Officer for the company and is responsible for all federal and state employment law and federal contractor compliance, employee benefits, policies and procedures, interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, recruiting and onboarding, training, performance management and employee relations. Jonna also plays a role as strategic partner to the management team of BGI.

Joe Ilijevich joined BGI in 2022 as the Information System Security Manager and Corporate Information Technology Security Lead before being promoted to the Information Technology Manager in 2023. He graduated from Kent State University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and later achieved a Master of Science in Computer Science from The Georgia Institute of Technology in 2018.  He began his career by working for eight years with Lockheed Martin as a Software Engineer and System Administrator, primarily working on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter simulator program. He then worked for eight years at a Department of Energy contractor, BWX Technologies, as an Information Technology Manager and Information System Security Manager.  As the Director of Cyber Operations for BGI, Joe utilizes his prior experience in the safeguarding of information systems to streamline and strengthen critical business operations, implement cybersecurity controls, and maintain compliance with industry guidelines and regulations.  Joe works at the BGI Headquarters in Akron, OH.

Chris Peloza started as a BGI employee in 2001 as an Operational Analyst on the F-16 MTC program and then transitioned to the BGI Program Manager of the F-35 Training Devices effort at Lockheed Martin located in Akron, OH.  He remained with the program when it moved to Orlando, FL where he eventually took over as the Division 3 Director in January 2022.  He graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1985 with a BS in Astronautical Engineering and received a MS from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Aviation Science in 1996.  He logged over 4000 hours in the F-16 during his 25 year career in the US Air Force which included 14 years on active duty and 11 years with the New York ANG in Syracuse, NY.  On active duty he was a graduate of the USAF Fighter Weapons School in 1992 and a Weapons School Instructor 1995-1999.  Chris lives with his wife Lindsay in Orlando, FL and has one daughter and two sons.

Brad Barnette graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a B.S. in Business Management. Brad logged over 3,000 total flight hours in the B-1 with aviation experience including time as an instructor pilot, evaluator pilot and as an operational test and evaluation pilot. Brad deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Desert Thunder, Allied Force and Iraqi Freedom. His 21 years on active duty included serving in numerous Squadron, Group and Wing leadership positions, culminating as the Commander of the 436 Training Squadron. Brad joined BGI in 2017 as the Site Manager at Dyess AFB. He led the team performing the B-1 aircrew training and courseware development mission, a position he held for 9 years. Brad also served as the Bomber (B-52/B-1) aircrew training and courseware development Program Manager for much of that same time. In December 2020, Brad assumed responsibilities as Senior Manager of Business Development, focusing on expanding the portfolio of Government Services contracts with specific focus on DoD aviation training and support opportunities. In January 2022, he became the Director of the Government Services division. Brad and his wife Lynette live in Texas and have one daughter and one son.

Tim joined BGI as an Operational Analyst in 2007 where he was a subject matter expert and test director primarily focusing on F-16 training devices and aircrew training. Tim was promoted to program manager and then senior program manager leading a team of software engineers and F-16 subject matter experts who are supporting several multi-million-dollar major defense contracts. Tim is currently the Director, leading Division 5, or the Gold Division in BGI. He effectively works with every cog in the wheel in the defense industrial base promoting solutions as a player-coach position in the team. He works with executives, engineers, program management, and business development. The warfighters we serve all recognize his ability to translate vision, capability, and outcomes into innovative solutions that regularly exceed specifications and expectations.  After leaving Active Duty in 2006, Tim is currently a command pilot in the Air Force Reserve.  He currently serves as a fighter staff officer providing staff expertise and supervision for all 10th Air Force combat fighters, bombers, remotely piloted aircraft, rescue, and special operations units.  Prior to that position, Tim was an instructor pilot in the F-16 aircraft on both Active Duty and in the Air Force Reserves.  Tim has over 2,700 hours of jet time and has flown over 150 combat hours in both Afghanistan and Iraq.  Tim is a 1997 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and a Master of Business Administration degree from Mississippi State University.  Tim lives in Aledo, TX with his wife Kristin, and three teenage children Taylor, Morgan, and Wilson.

John Mooney joined BGI in 2004 as an Operational Analyst supporting a major training device program. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and was commissioned into the United States Navy through the Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) program. He is also a graduate of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). John served as the Advanced Tactical Training Program Department Head at the Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific and was the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor for his squadron during a combat deployment. John served as Commanding Officer of a F/A-18 Adversary Squadron and is currently a Captain in the Navy Reserve. John was promoted to Director in 2018 and is responsible for one of BGI’s business portfolios which includes Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) solutions, Next Generation Threat System (NGTS) support services and multiple projects supporting training and readiness as well as science and technology.

Scott Powell joined BGI in 2016. He graduated from Cleveland State University’s Fenn College of Engineering with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree in 1984. Scott spent over 30 years with Lockheed Martin developing high-fidelity aircrew and maintenance training systems for fighter aircraft, including the F-16 and F-35. With BGI, Scott serves as Director and Program Manager for BGI’s growing portfolio of Data Science and Analytics programs, as well as programs supporting BGI teammates in the development of aircrew and maintenance trainers. He earned his Project Management Professional certification in 2016, and oversees the maturation of BGI’s project management processes. Scott is based at BGI Corporate Headquarters in Akron, OH.