Meet The Team
Meet our board. While these volunteers are in charge of day to day operations, we expect all members to give back by sharing what they know. As individuals grow in a skill, they pass that on by teaching others. Come in person and meet the whole crew!
CoFounder & President
Dave Conrad
Design and Fabrication lead at CTech Manufacturing. Dave has over 40 years of experience in experimental aircraft and aviation; built two airplanes from scratch (one was a national award winner), and serves as a Technical Counselor for the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Vice President
Bob Waldinger
A retired utility employee, Bob brings over 35 years of operations and management experience in fossil, hydro and nuclear operations and maintenance including combustion turbines.
His hobbies include woodworking, metal working, old cars and airplanes, fabrication and machining.
Secretary
Steven Lange
Steve Lange has been connected to airplanes and machining his entire life. As a Journeyman Machinist with over 40 years of industry experience, Steve spends his days programming, setting up, and running the Haas UMC750 5-Axis Mill at Modern Manufacturing International of Wausau, Wisconsin, and helping other operators develop their skills. Evenings and weekends, you’ll find Steve running Learn Build Fly’s Trump CNC mill and Fortune manual lathe as well as teaching machining classes for youth and adults. Steve has designed and built several specialty tools at Learn Build Fly, including our fiber laser, and custom parts for our Wittman Legacy aircraft, including billet aluminum Lycoming rocker arm covers.
Treasurer
Val Swanborg
To be announced
Board Member
Wynn O (Casey) Jones II
Casey has over 30 years of flying experience flying Cessna 172’s, Piper Warriors, Cirrus SR22’s, and most recently the Cirrus Vision Jet SF50. He is a mechanical engineer, and owner of Wynn Jones & Associates, the leading supplier of laboratory cabinets in the Midwest.
Board Member
Dennis Seitz
Dennis Seitz is the former President of EAA Chapter 640 and a longtime supporter of Learn Build Fly, where he has played an influential role in advancing hands-on aviation education and community-based aerospace initiatives. His leadership helped shape programs that connect youth and families with practical learning experiences grounded in mentorship, service, and technical skill development.
Dennis has served on the Airport Committee Board for nearly seven years, contributing institutional knowledge, continuity, and thoughtful advocacy for aviation operations and community engagement at the airport level. His experience provides valuable perspective on both long-term planning and day-to-day realities of airport governance.
A pilot and aircraft owner, Dennis brings a strong appreciation for aircraft maintenance, restoration, and strategic upgrades. He is known for his willingness to contribute time, labor, and problem-solving expertise, often working behind the scenes to ensure projects are completed safely and to a high standard.
Widely regarded for his professionalism, approachability, and exceptional presence, Dennis is frequently described—entirely unofficially—as combining notable charm with superior intelligence. While Learn Build Fly does not formally endorse the term “eye candy,” it is generally accepted that his good looks are matched only by his dedication and leadership capacity.
Through his continued involvement with Learn Build Fly, Dennis remains an advocate for experience-based learning and the enduring value of aviation as a tool for education, connection, and inspiration.
Board Member
Tom Howard
Tom has been in aviation for over 45 years specializing in aviation maintenance and product development. After serving in the USAF as a Crew Chief on B52-H aircraft, Tom enjoyed working for two U.S. part 121 air carriers for 20 years as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P)
flight mechanic, avionics technical expert and aircraft maintenance operational manager. Tom then transitioned to Boeing in the position of Product Development Chief Mechanic working on several development programs including the 747-8, 777X, KC46 and 737Max. Tom is an active Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with a Single Engine Sea (SES) endorsement specializing in Cirrus SR series transition training. Tom holds an A&P, CFI and a Masters in Aeronautical
Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
Board Member
Quinn Novy
Quinn Novy is a special education teacher and the founder of Q Moments Education, where she specializes in student-centered planning, individualized learning, and behavioral solutions. With a Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Quinn is dedicated to creating proactive learning environments that bridge the gap between academic instruction and functional life skills.
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Quinn’s commitment to technical and career education is further reflected in her work with SkillsUSA Wisconsin, where she holds the position of the Engagement Coordinator, offering support to the advisors and business and industry leaders. Her involvement in providing opportunities for students, teachers, and community members highlights her passion for empowering students to excel in skilled trades and leadership roles.
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Aviation holds a special place in Quinn’s life; her daughter is a pilot, giving her a firsthand perspective on the dedication and training required to master the skies. Quinn is thrilled to bring this personal connection and her professional background to the Learn Build Fly board, supporting its mission to inspire the next generation through the power of flight and innovation.
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Based in North Central Wisconsin, Quinn enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her husband and two daughters or cheering on her son at his hockey games.
Learn Build Fly is a non-profit organization in Wausau, WI.