Corporate Angel Network Appoints Aviation Icon Jack Pelton to Board of Directors
Corporate Angel Network Appoints Aviation Icon Jack Pelton to Board of Directors
Danbury, CT, August 25, 2026 – Corporate Angel Network (CAN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients access critical treatment by arranging free travel on corporate and commercial aircraft, today announced the appointment of Jack J. Pelton to its Board of Directors.
Pelton is Chairman and CEO of the 300,000-member Experimental Aircraft Association. Prior to that, he served as Chairman, President and CEO of Cessna Aircraft (now Textron Aviation) and Senior Vice President of Engineering and Programs at Fairchild Dornier. He has also held several engineering and management positions at McDonnell Douglas as well as numerous industry Board positions, including Chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. He holds airline transport and commercial pilot certificates, instrument, multi-engine and seaplane ratings, and is type rated on numerous business jets, including the Citation X. He owns several vintage and current aircraft.
“Few people have had the breadth and depth of experience and the broad, multi-faceted impact on the aviation industry as Jack Pelton,” said CAN Chairman Jean Rosanvallon. “His influence has been felt from the grass roots level to the airline industry, and every sector in between. His work on Capitol Hill has positively influenced legislation, regulation and taxation that continue to shape our industry. In short, his decades of dedication and advocacy have been a catalyst for the growth and well-being of our industry in many ways. He is a very welcome addition to our Board.”
"I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the members of the Board to further enhance CAN’s vital mission," Pelton stated. "Public benefit flying stands as one of the most impactful humanitarian initiatives in aviation. It not only brings important support to the people it serves but also offers profound fulfillment to the individuals and organizations that champion this important cause.”
Pelton will be joining other CAN Board members, including: Michael Amalfitano, Embraer Executive Jets; W.W. (Bill) Boisture, Jr., AE Industrial Partners; Derek DeCross, Signature Aviation; Scott Donnelly, Textron; Dan Drohan, Solairus; Elise Eberwein, formerly American Airlines; Jennifer Leach English, AIN Publications; Patrick Gallagher, NetJets Aviation; Joan Sullivan Garrett, MedAire; Matthew Greene, Safe Flight Instrument; Jeannine Haas, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation; David Hurley, ALOFT Aero Architects; Ève Laurier, Bombardier; Wilson Leach, Aviation International News; Jean Rosanvallon (Chairman), formerly Dassault Falcon Jet; and Dr. Bret Schipper, Hartford HealthCare.
About Corporate Angel Network
Corporate Angel Network (CAN) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to help cancer patients access the best treatment centers in the country by arranging free travel on corporate and commercial aircraft. Private jet travel makes it possible for patients, especially those in locations with minimal airline access, to travel to specialized medical centers. CAN works closely with many of America’s top corporations to match empty seats with patient flight requests. Thanks to the generous support of these companies, airlines, and donors, CAN has coordinated more than 70,000 flights since its founding in 1981.
How to Donate to CAN
Whether it's $5 or $5,000, all donations truly matter. We use donations for a variety of purposes, including ground transportation, hotel accommodations and other patient services requests. We aim to eliminate all travel barriers for patients to ensure they can access the treatment they need. Help us help them and their families by visiting our website to make a donation today!