The Wings of Hope Board of Directors recently elected three new members.
Dr. Mina Mehanni is a heart doctor who specializes in cardiovascular medicine.
“I first got involved with Wings of Hope through the SOAR into STEM program, where I had the chance to combine two things I care deeply about: aviation and education. That experience really opened my eyes to how impactful and mission-driven this organization is — not just in what it does, but how it does it.”
Mina said he is excited to contribute as a board member “not only as a cardiologist — but also as a pilot and STEM advocate.”
“I see so much potential in continuing to expand Wings of Hope’s educational and humanitarian outreach, and I’m excited to work alongside my colleague board members and be a part of shaping that future.”
Argent Capital Portfolio Manager and Senior Research Analyst Kirk McDonald, CFA, 22 years of industry experience.
Kirk started volunteering as a SOAR into STEM mentor last fall.
“I was a natural for that because of my background as an Air Force pilot, and I studied engineering at the Air Force Academy — so this was a great way I could teach kids some engineering concepts and aviation concepts at the same time.”
As a board member, he hopes to help the organization through his financial expertise, fundraising, and networking to increase awareness about Wings of Hope in the community.
Ned Koprowski served in the U.S. Air Force before embarking on a 40-year career with the Boeing Company. Shortly after retiring, he joined Wings of Hope as a volunteer in 2019. Ned said he is honored to be on the board and hopes to use his background in aviation and engineering “to bring some perspective to the board regarding issues that are specific to aviation, aircraft maintenance, aviation safety — basically bringing a new set of eyes to how we conduct flight operations and what we can do to make those more efficient and serve as wide a population as possible.”
In December 2024, we welcomed Database Coordinator Annie Daum and Development Manager Melissa Skrivan to our Development team.
In her role, Annie has embraced the challenge of mastering a new database system — helping us strengthen the way we track and grow our impact. Annie is passionate about using smart systems and collaborative problemsolving to support the people and purpose at the heart of what we do. She has 20 years of experience in nonprofit data management and entered the development world three years ago.
“I’m inspired daily by the dedication of our volunteers and the impact we’re able to make together through aviation. Joining this uniquely volunteer-driven nonprofit has been both exciting and deeply meaningful,” Annie said.
Melissa joined Wings of Hope after serving as the American Parkinson Disease Association–Missouri Chapter (APDA) Director of Development. Prior to APDA, Melissa managed the direct mail marketing program at The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
“I have loved my time at Wings of Hope so far. Everyone is so passionate about what they do — and they’re so excited to be here,” Melissa said. “I’ve been in nonprofit for almost 20 years, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a volunteer corps like I’ve seen here where people just truly show up in meaningful, significant ways that make a difference every day. Everyone I talk to cares about the mission, cares about the people we’re helping — and that just makes it a joy to come in.”
Our Facilities Coordinator Gregg Peterson assumed his new position in January, but his connection to Wings of Hope goes back to 2000 when he was volunteering at the Chesterfield Regional Chamber’s Pumpkin Run alongside a number of Wings of Hope volunteers.
Gregg was an Edward Jones financial advisor for 17 years and spent 25 years in the Coast Guard. He joined Wings of Hope as a volunteer in 2022.
A jack-of-all-trades, Gregg’s approach to volunteering is “put me where you need me.”
Gregg calls himself “an armchair pilot” who loves working among the aircraft. He also enjoys working with people who share his passion for service: “I love being around people who like to give.”
Our Director of Administration Lena Pak, who has been managing our volunteer program on an interim basis, will now officially oversee the Wings of Hope Volunteer Program. Anyone who has worked with Lena knows she brings thoughtful leadership, clear communication, and strong support to our incredible team leaders and volunteers. We are so thankful for her dedication to this vital and important role — and excited for her future contributions.