Office & Staff Information

Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director

Christel Gollnick, a Hawley, MN native, joined Angel Flight Central in November 1999 as the organization’s first Executive Director. In addition to this full-time position with this 10-state regional, non-profit organization, she has also served as the Marketing and Public Relations Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-Chairperson and is the current Chairperson for Air Charity Network—the nation’s largest charitable aviation network.

Christel earned her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English and Journalism from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. She spent several years working on national and local accounts at a marketing/advertising agency before taking a position at a large museum system, Siouxland Heritage Museums, as their Marketing and Development Director. After two years of working on a new image for the non-profit museums and helping with the building of a new science center, Christel was recruited by Aerostar International, the world’s largest and oldest hot air balloon manufacturer, to help restructure the sales department of their commercial products division. This department included the sales of large helium parade balloons, inflatable costumes, and custom advertising cold air inflatables. While at Aerostar, she learned to fly the company’s hot air balloons and earned her Federal Aviation Adminstration Private Pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air rating. Since her move to Missouri, she has upgraded her certificate to Commercial Pilot and owns her own hot air balloon.

Christel grew up in a family who believes in helping others. She has volunteered for many organizations in the past including Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, the Boy Scouts of America, Aviation Explorers, the Balloon Federation of America, and various other church and community chamber organizations and committees. Her professional goal is to continue to combine her variety of experiences, interests and talents in her work for an organization with entrepreneurial vision and a charitable focus. She has found a perfect fit as the Executive Director of AFC, and is delighted to be working in a facet of the aviation industry that is specifically focused on helping people in need.

Operations Director

Brenda Champagne's background in program development, teaching and management as well as her desire to apply critical thinking skills to nontraditional work environments brings a unique set of skills to Angel Flight Central. Brenda is the Operations Director for Angel Flight Central and leads the Missions Team where passengers and pilots are matched for Angel Flights.

Brenda’s previous experience includes: Account Executive with Argosy Health, an on-site therapy company, 11 years with Intracorp, a cost-containment/case management company as national lead for ESIS/CIGNA for field and telephonic case management and Regional Director for 13 Midwest states. Both experiences included development of case management programs and interface with national/regional customers including employers, insurance carriers and third party administrators.

Additional work experience includes: three years teaching occupational therapy at the University of Kansas , independent consultation for a specialized therapy equipment company, Director of Occupational Therapy for Bethany Medical Center and clinical experience in occupational therapy with adult and adolescent rehabilitation, psychosocial dysfunction and multiply-handicapped children in Kansas , Connecticut and Montreal . Brenda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac College, Hamden, CT and has credits towards a master's in business management from Rockhurst College, KC, MO.

Brenda’s non-profit experience includes working with her church and over 30 years involvement with a camping ministry where she has served in many capacities. Currently she is assistant director and coordinator for a leadership-training program for high school girls and serves on the Representative Council for the Association for Camps Cherith a national camping ministry association.

Outreach Director

Brendan Sneegas joined the Angel Flight Central team in February, 2007 and is thrilled to recruit, coordinate and honor the Angel Flight Central WINGS and Ambassador volunteers throughout the 10-State Region.

Brendan received a Bachelor of Social Work from Washburn University in Topeka , KS in 1992 and spent the next 5 years working for the State of Kansas and the Federal Government completing social service and policy/procedure writing roles. In 1997, Brendan was hired by Cancer Action, Inc. (an independent, Kansas City based organization) to improve access to agency services within the 5 county metropolitan area. During the next decade, Brendan performed many roles within Cancer Action, including case-management, volunteer recruitment, marketing and media relations, grant-writing, special events coordination and web development. Working directly with the cancer patients of Kansas City is where Brendan learned about the incredible Mission of Angel Flight Central.

Much of Brendan’s free-time is directed toward his wife, Kristi and their two daughters, ages 8 and 11. When not carpooling or volunteering at the girl’s school, Brendan loves to play his trumpet around town and coordinates a free medical equipment ministry through his church for use by anyone in need in Kansas City.

Development Director

Janea Gadelman, a Richmond, KS native, earned her Bachelor of Arts from Washburn University in 2006 where she majored in Mass Media, with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising. Her Development career began through a summer internship with Starlight Theatre, where she learned the trade of fundraising through work on the Annual Fund. From Topeka, Janea moved to Brookings, South Dakota to assume the role of Director of Development & Marketing for the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings. The BGCB offered her a wonderful opportunity to further develop her talent and experience with the help of regional development professionals as well as a very determined and successful Board of Directors. While there, Janea successfully completed the annual “It Just Takes One” operating campaign, surpassing the goals set for the Club. Additionally, the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings has been regionally recognized for the success of its fundraising efforts through the operating campaign and special events. Janea also worked to develop the first and only marketing materials in the Club’s four year history. Despite Janea’s obvious love for the kids, staff and board at BGCB, Janea decided to return “home” in September of 2007.

Janea joined the Angel Flight Central family in September 2007 and is delighted to be working in an organization that is dedicated to helping people in need.

Aviation Specialist/Mission Coordinator

Judy Benjamin, a Kansas City native, volunteered for Wings Over Mid-America, now Angel Flight Central, before she joined the organization full-time as a staff member in January, 2000. Prior to joining AFC, Judy worked in the banking industry for over 25 years. She was with First National Bank of Kansas City/Nations Bank for seventeen years, the last three years as Commercial Credit Manager. She then moved to MidAmerican/Mercantile Bancorporation to develop a Credit & Loan Review Department. During her time in banking, Judy also held offices, including President, in the American Institute of Banking and the Kansas City Wholesale Credit Association.

Always wanting to learn how to fly, she earned her FAA single engine private pilot certificate in 1992. Judy then added an instrument rating in 1994, and a commercial rating in 1998 to her certificate. In addition to her training, Judy has been involved in many aviation organizations including the 99s, an international organization for women pilots, the Kansas Pilots Association, the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association and the Civil Air Patrol.

Judy was ready to make a dramatic career change when an opportunity with AFC became available. She wanted to do something in the aviation field as well as make a positive difference in people’s lives. She is certainly fulfilling her personal goal with her contribution of time, talent and dedication to the passengers and pilots of Angel Flight Central.

Mission Coordinator

Jim Laning has a comprehensive background in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as a paramedic and as an instructor in EMS, Disaster Response and former Air Force flight medic. Jim has had his Private Pilot Certificate since 1995. He also has certifications and training in EMS, Incident Management, Disaster Life Support and Cardiac Life Support. Jim is active in the U.S. Air Force Reserve serving as a non-commissioned officer liaison to the Civil Air Patrol. Jim’s most recent work experience included instructing National Incident Management System/Incident Command System for the Mid-America Regional Council and instructing Disaster Preparedness for Pantheon Management Services, LLC.

Support Services Specialist

Joan Nickum, a Kansas City , KS native, brings a diverse background in for-profit and non-profit organizations to her role at Angel Flight Central. Being an equal opportunity Kansan, Joan earned a bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University and a master’s degree at the University of Kansas . She has more than 15 years experience in facilities/office management at organizations ranging from a dental office to an advertising agency to Nortel Networks. Joan spends most of her free time doing volunteer animal welfare work which includes fostering, transporting and advocating for rescued animals. Her other volunteer activities include participation in the Pet Pals program at Children’s Mercy Hospital; visiting at three different facilities for Pets for Life; serving on the board of Community Housing Wyandotte County, a community development organization; and participating in various activities with the Historic Westheight Neighborhood Association. Joan’s four-legged “children” include a variety of dogs and cats, all rescued.