Paragon Aviation Group, the international network of audited FBOs and handling agents, has appointed aviation industry veteran Julie O'Brien as vice president of business development. With over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, O'Brien joins from ProJet Aviation, an FBO at Leesburg Executive airport in Virginia where she served as general manager since 2017.

O'Brien notably enhanced Leesburg's aviation traffic and reinstated US Customs at the airport. Her commitment to community and industry growth shines through her founding of the Aviation Education & Career Expo, which has fostered aviation careers for students and garnered over $1.6 million in scholarships. Her leadership and innovative contributions to the community have earned her Paragon's FBO Manager of the Year Award twice, solidifying her reputation as a valuable asset to Paragon and the community.

"Paragon has always impressed me with its dedication to empowering independent FBOs by providing access to exceptional marketing, training, technology and sales support," she says. "As a long-time Paragon client, I've experienced first-hand the immense value that a strategic partner like Paragon Aviation brings. I am eager to collaborate with the team to continue to deliver exceptional service and solutions to our clients."

"The cornerstone of any thriving business is the calibre of its team members. Julie's addition to our team epitomises our commitment to recognising passion for our industry and talent," says Crystal Kubeczka, CEO and president of Paragon. "Our dedication to our members, clients, colleagues and our own expansion necessitates that we persistently seek out and secure the industry's most exceptional professionals. Julie embodies the very essence of this pursuit."

O'Brien will be responsible for overseeing business development and driving the growth of Paragon's market presence. Her leadership will be instrumental in expanding the company's reach and ensuring the highest standards of service for clients.

Paragon Aviation Group was recently acquired by Luxaviation Group, whose extensive FBO network includes over 140 facilities worldwide.