Corporate Angel Network Appoints Aviation Pioneer Joan Sullivan Garrett to Board of Directors
Corporate Angel Network Appoints Aviation Pioneer Joan Sullivan Garrett to Board of Directors
Danbury, CT, March 31, 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 aircraft, today announced the appointment of Joan Sullivan Garrett to its Board of Directors.
A pioneering entrepreneur and aviation medical innovator, Garrett is the Founder and Chairman of MedAire, a global leader in integrated medical, travel, and safety services for aviation and maritime industries. Since founding MedAire in 1985, she has been instrumental in developing real-time, ground-based medical support systems for in-flight emergencies—helping establish industry standards that continue to save lives worldwide.
Garrett’s work has shaped how the aviation industry approaches passenger and crew health, with MedAire now supporting hundreds of airlines and thousands of aircraft globally. A widely recognized authority in aviation medicine and remote care, she has advised government agencies, testified before Congress, and contributed extensively to advancing health and safety protocols across the industry.
“Joan is a true trailblazer whose career has been defined by innovation and a deep commitment to protecting and saving lives,” said Jean Rosanvallon, Chairman of the Corporate Angel Network Board of Directors. “Her unique perspective at the intersection of aviation and healthcare aligns seamlessly with CAN’s mission. We are excited to welcome her insight and leadership as we continue expanding access to life-saving treatment for cancer patients.”
Garrett’s distinguished career includes service on numerous aviation and nonprofit boards, as well as numerous awards and honors, including the National Aeronautic Association Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, NBAA’s Meritorious Service to Aviation Award and inductions into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame, National Aviation Hall of Fame and Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. Her longstanding dedication to improving safety, care, and access within aviation brings a powerful dimension to CAN’s work.
“I am honored to join the Board of Corporate Angel Network and support its extraordinary mission,” said Garrett. “The ability to remove barriers to care—especially for patients facing serious illness—is both impactful and deeply meaningful. CAN’s work exemplifies how aviation can be used as a force for good, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and reach.”
Garrett 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; Matthew Greene, Safe Flight Instrument; Jeannine Haas, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation; Dawne Hickton, Cumberland Additive; 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!