Meet the Leadership Team
As a nonprofit organization, we’re passionate about assisting veterans through scholarship to achieve their private pilots license. Our goal is to empower veterans who want to pursue aviation as career to achieve their dreams. Grassroots generosity and community action are powerful forces for good, especially in turbulent times. Our Board of Directors are diligently working to steer the organization toward achieving our mission.
Joseph (aka Joey) Johnson
CEO & President
Joseph Johnson is an American Airlines pilot and a Federal Aviation Administration Designated Pilot Examiner. Joey started flying at 17 years old and has been in the aviation industry for 35 years. He attended Northwest Louisiana University to study aviation and went on to flight school at Bolivar School of Aeronautics near Memphis, Tennessee. A true aviation enthusiast and member of the North TX Flight Standards District Office FAA Safety team, Joey instructs safety seminars for local pilots and fellow aviation enthusiasts. Aside from his love of flying, Joey is an amateur beekeeper and music buff - playing the piano, guitar, harmonica, and accordion.
Patrick Arnzen
Chief Operating Officer
Patrick Arnzen is the CEO and founder of Thrust Flight. He is an energetic entrepreneur that enjoys giving back to the industry that has given so much to him. Patrick is a former airline pilot. He has been a designated pilot examiner since 2012 and is also an Airframe and Power Plant mechanic with Inspectors Authorization. Patrick has served on several non-profit and aviation related boards. When Patrick isn’t flying he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, racing cars, and cycling.
Renee Ouellette
Chief Financial Officer
Renee was introduced to aviation at age 18 by her father. Her flight instructor, Al, became her mentor and inspired her to believe that she could have a career as an airline pilot. She obtained her ratings at the local FBO while she attended the Community College of RI and later, Middle TN State University. She flew for American Eagle for 9 years anhas spent the last 24 years with American Airlines where she is now a Boeing 777 Captain. She enjoys spending time with her family, sailing and planning new adventures for her retirement years.
Neil Raaz
Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer, Scholarship Committee
Neil Raaz is the fourth of five generations to have continuously served our Nation’s armed forces since 1932. With over 30 years of demonstrated leadership in both military and commercial aviation, Neil holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate as well as Senior Army Aviator and Naval Aviator designations. Along with Shannon, his wife of over 30 years, Neil has been a tireless advocate for Veterans causes to include serving as a founding member of "100 Vets Who Give a Damn" and the Chairman and CEO of "The Snowball Express".
Andrea Skill
Chief Scholarship Officer; Scholarship Committee
Andrea is a native Texan and proud Aggie, class of 2011. After a couple of career changes, Andrea began her aviation journey in April of 2016. With guidance from her mentor, Joey Johnson, she became a CFI/CFII/MEI, took her talents to the corporate world flying a Citation X and - since expanding her family - has returned to instructing. As she progressed through her career, general aviation made a long-lasting impression in her heart. She continues to find ways to stay involved as she believes in giving back to the community that blessed her with an incredible life. When Andrea isn't flying or instructing, she enjoys spending her time with her husband and daughter, watching Aggie football and working on projects in their new home.
Alexia Tuttle
Chief Development Officer & Secretary; Donor Relations & Event Committee
Alexia Tuttle is an entrepreneur, podcast host, and dedicated advocate for veterans, serving as the Chief Development Officer & Secretary of the Ashton Johnson Memorial Clouddancer Scholarship. She plays a key role in donor relations, event planning, and fundraising initiatives to support veterans through education. Beyond CloudDancer, Alexia is the founder of Tuttle Nutrition, Tuttle Equity, and Drink MOR, bringing expertise in health, real estate, and business development. She co-hosts The Real Estate Players Podcast, where she discusses leadership, investing, and industry insights. When she’s not working, Alexia enjoys spending time with her husband and their six dogs, who keep life entertaining. Passionate about fostering community and impact, she is committed to growing CloudDancer’s reach and supporting its mission.
William Francis
Director of Philanthropy; Grant Committee
William is a retired Army Apache helicopter pilot who grew up in the military. In his first year after retirement he's gone from never having flown a plane to being a First Officer at American Airlines. He has a passion for helping others and serves as a mentor with The Professional Pilots of Tomorrow. Never forgetting where he came from he's volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Toys for Tots for over 20 years. When he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife T-bone, their dog(s), snowboarding, and Alabama football.
Danielle Lintner
Director of Events; Donor Relations & Event Committee
Danielle has been a dedicated volunteer with Cloud Dancer since its very first gala, where she got her start behind the bar. Now serving on the board, she brings her passion for aviation and service to the organization. She is a Certified Flight Instructor and flight attendant at American Airlines. Danielle is also deeply committed to giving back, especially through her work with several veteran nonprofits. Her leadership and dedication help further Cloud Dancer’s mission, ensuring continued support for veterans in need.
Autumn Jacobs
Digital Content & Design Lead
Autumn is a proud native of the DFW Metroplex with a deep love for marine mammals and aviation. She earned her B.S. in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University in 2020 and graduated from the American Airlines Cadet Academy in 2021. Inspired by her father, Mark Jacobs, a A320/321 Captain for American Airlines, Autumn pursued her dream of becoming a pilot. She currently serves as a First Officer at Superior Air Charter and is a member of Women in Aviation International. Along her aviation journey, she’s been mentored by Joseph Johnson, whose guidance has been invaluable. When she’s not working, Autumn enjoys discovering new places, as well as spending quality time with her family, friends, and pets!
Dr. Marli White
Director of Donor Relations; Donor Relations & Event Committee; Grant Committee
Dr. Marli White is a board-certified chiropractic physician with over 20 years of experience in patient care and education. Passionate about the human body and its mechanics, Dr. White teaches Anatomy and Physiology, inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. With a deep commitment to lifelong learning, she is currently completing a Master’s program in Biotechnology and Biochemistry, expanding her expertise at the intersection of healthcare and cutting-edge science. Beyond the classroom and clinic, Dr.White enjoys the tranquility of fishing and the thrill of aviation, finding balance between science and adventure. These diverse interests bolster my holistic approach to health, emphasizing both innovation and well-being. Whether guiding students through complex biological concepts or exploring new frontiers in biotech, Dr.White remains dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving lives.