As part of advancing our OneAtlas sustainability pillar—which includes investing in aviation education and talent development—Atlas proudly sponsored Vaughn College’s Spring 2025 Gala, highlighting a shared vision for the future of flight.
(L-R) Atlas team members Sermo Barracks, George Kopcsay, Artem Gonopolskiy, Sharon DeVivo (President of Vaughn College), Leisa Spears Snyder, Jonathan Kauffman, Heili Springsteen, FO Matthew Small and Besarta Osmani.
“The evening was a powerful celebration of Vaughn College’s legacy of innovation and excellence, and a reminder of the critical role education plays in shaping the future of aviation,” said George Kopcsay, SVP and General Counsel. “Our partnership reflects Atlas’ commitment to delivering social impact and investing in the next generation of leaders who will drive our industry — and our world — forward.”
Held in the heart of Queens, New York, where the echoes of aviation history resonate through the halls of the TWA Hotel, the gala brought together alumni, industry leaders and supporters to honor excellence in aerospace and champion the next generation of aviation professionals.
Atlas Air has a special partnership with Vaughn, the alma mater of several employees, including Sermo Barracks, Director of Reliability and 737 First Officer Matthew Small, both of whom attended the gala.
FO Matthew Small and Sermo Barracks join Sharon DeVivo and other Vaughn Alumni on stage during the event.
Also in attendance was Leisa Spears Snyder, Director of Workforce Development, who shared more about our special partnership with the school.
“It takes a village to tell the Atlas story, and our proud Vaughn alumni play a vital role—mentoring, instructing and inspiring the next generation of aviation talent. Meaningful partnerships like this are essential for building strong talent pipelines ensuring a steady flow of top-tier professionals who will help us maintain our competitive edge and continue driving innovation across the industry.”
In addition to hiring Vaughn graduates, Atlas Air partners closely with the college to help shape and enhance the classroom experience. One example is our mentorship program, led by Heili Springsteen, Senior Manager of Talent Experience Management, which pairs members of the Atlas Women’s Network with Vaughn students. Over the course of the three-month program, mentees set the agenda and share their goals, fostering a personalized and empowering mentoring experience.
Sharon presenting the award to H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace. Under Culp’s leadership, GE has undergone a significant transformation, reducing debt by over $100 billion, increasing profits by 20% and more than quadrupling its market capitalization.
“The partnership between Atlas and Vaughn is a model for how industry and academia can work together to build a workforce pipeline,” said President of Vaughn Dr. Sharon DeVivo. “The depth of our partnership goes beyond hiring graduates and includes robust internships, mentoring programs, early talent identification and acquisition, and investment in the institution. These elements work together to create a valuable educational experience for Vaughn students and a robust Atlas talent pool that drives success for both organizations.”
Proceeds from the gala support Vaughn College’s Student Emergency Assistance Fund, helping students overcome unexpected financial challenges. During the event, Harvard Economics Professor Raj Chetty shared a study highlighting how Vaughn’s holistic programs create equitable access to aviation careers and drive generational opportunity for its students.
