Our Team

To work successfully as a team, despite the type or size of the organization, having the best possible people is absolutely vital. This principle is certainly true at Egairo, a non-profit company that operates solely on a volunteer basis. Egairo’s mission is to provide free flights for those with special medical needs, and without a paid staff, meeting the needs of their passengers depends on the hard work and dedication of each individual involved.

Brian MacLeod, the president of Egairo, co-founded the organization with Mike Wright. These two friends have spent years in aviation, flying all types of aircraft. Both men felt a deep need to use their skills and experience as pilots to benefit those in need of private air transporation. Brian continues to serve as president of Egairo and oversees various aspects of the group. Both Brian and Mike Wright fly Egairo missions, and Mike serves as chief pilot.

Their wives also provide essential contributions. Diane MacLeod, Brian’s spouse, works as the organization’s statutory agent and secretary, taking care of key financial and clerical duties. Cindy Wright, Mike’s wife, specializes in public relations, sharing the story of Egairo to the city of Springfield and outside communities.

There are currently three other members of the Egairo team, without whom the organization could not fully operate.

Matt Pifher, maintenance director, as well as a pilot, not only keeps the planes in excellent condition, but also flies many of the missions himself.

Annie Colliflower is in charge of grants and fundraising, and as such, works hard to generate additional funding for Egairo missions.

Alan Collins, their accounting and legal officer, helps keep track of the “books,” making records of Egairo’s finances as well as setting up the necessary legal preparations.

The process of transporting those with special medical needs is a difficult one; it takes dedicated people volunteering within the organization, as well as those working diligently outside it. LifeLine Pilots and Angel Flight are two nonprofit groups that do all patient screening and determination of need. These organizations then post upcoming missions by email to all pilots within a nationwide network of volunteers, and whenever possible, Egairo strives to fulfill those missions. 

Working closely with other outside services—including hospitals and medical centers from around the country—Egairo continues to meet the needs of as many families as they can, often at the expense of personal time and resources. It takes the hard work and dedication of each member working in conjunction with these outside resources, as well as each other, to make each flight possible. Despite the difficult challenges every new undertaking presents, providing hope in otherwise hopeless situations makes all the effort more than worthwhile. As long there are people with medical situations in need of transportation, the volunteers at Egairo will continue to answer the call.