President

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW APPOINTS FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT IN 42 YEAR HISTORY

Denise Dull has served as the first female President of the Florida International Air Show Leadership Team since 2020, and as the Southeast Council of AirShows (SECAS) Board of Directors Vice President since 2023. Over the past few years, she’s enjoyed diving deeper into the production, sustainability, and future of air shows, and she looks forward to continuing to shape a family-friendly, community-oriented event in Punta Gorda.

"The Florida International Air Show is highly respected by performers and throughout the Air Show industry,” Denise added. “My goal is to help our community understand just how much everyone loves coming here. I want to share the enthusiasm, excitement, and energy that fuels our board and volunteers—and make sure the whole community feels like they are part of the Air Show team!”

Denise began her Air Show journey volunteering at the VIP gate, later moved on to vending ice-cold beverages, and eventually joined the Board of Directors. Her favorite moment? Seeing the crowd light up as jets roar overhead.

“An Air Show is like taking football, pizza, beer, baseball, fireworks, NASCAR, and Skynyrd—and rolling it all into one event with a bang! If you haven’t been to an Air Show, you’re missing out. It's a family friendly experience full of excitement, education and entertainment. Who couldn't use a few more moments like that?"

Vice President

Originally from Chicago, I moved to Charlotte County in 1987 and starting working for Public Works, I then moved on to the Sheriff's Office in 1989. During my time in the Sheriff's Office I have been fortunate to rise to my current level of Major in charge of the Bureau of Law Enforcement. I have a Master's degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a graduate of the FBI National Academy. I raised two wonderful daughters in Charlotte County and have 7 grandkids. During my 29 years in Law Enforcement I have worked both the Summer and Winter Olympics and traveled around the work for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Some of the charities that I am passionate about include, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

I attended my first airshow in 1984 while visiting my parents who had just moved to Charlotte County. It was an awesome event and to be finally part of the team will make each show even more special.

“I look forward to my grandkids coming to the Air Show each year to be as amazed as I was my first time.”

Secretary

Treasurer

Steve Lineberry

Director of Advertising & Media

Steve Lineberry, Media & Public Relations Director has been a member the FIAS Board of Directors since 2017. His first Air Show was in 2004, when he worked as a member of the Port Charlotte Sunrise Kiwanis Club in their food tent cooking hundreds of hot dogs and hamburgers. In 2017, Steve joined the FIAS Board of Directors and was responsible working with media companies across SW FL to market the Air Show. He has worn several hats throughout the various Air Shows – Media Marketing and Ticket Coordinator.  When asked why he worked hundreds of hours as a Volunteer – Steve replied – “The Florida International Air Show is a lot of work and working alongside the FIAS Board of Directors to ensure the best Air Show possible has been extremely gratifying. But most importantly, the FIAS Air Show gives back a portion of the net proceeds to over 30 working non-profits and it is an opportunity to make my corner of the world a little bit better.”

Ed Buns

Director of Logistics

Ed Buns, Director of Logistics is originally from the Cincinnati Ohio area, where he has spent over 40 years in law enforcement. He retired from the Hamilton Police Department having served there for over 32.5 years. During that time Ed in addition to his early years, he commanded the Training Section, oversaw patrol shifts, the Traffic, Public Affairs and Special Events Sections.

His affiliation with airshows grew out of his interest in flying when he took classes at Ohio State to work toward his private pilot's license. In the early 90's the Hamilton Ohio area was home to the Hamilton Air Show at HAO. Ed was a member of the air show board and oversaw the law enforcement and public safety aspects of the show.

His involvement with aviation continued with his family. His daughter is a US Air Force Pilot and her husband is a Navigator / Weapons Officer. They refer to themselves as "airplane geeks" and the family has attended many airshows, with the Dayton International Air Show being close to home.

Ed and his wife, Lori, have owned in the SW Florida area since 2008 and established permanent residency in the area in 2020. Ed became involved with the FIAS initially as a Team Lead for Entry and Exit, and also in training those volunteers who man those areas. In 2024 Ed was asked to take on the Directors Role for Logistics which oversees many areas of the air show. Logistics is an area that is not specifically seen, but is vital to the overall success of the FIAS.

Mike Smith

Director or Concessions & Vending

André Rosas

Director of Volunteers

My name is André Rosas. I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and raised in Weehawken, New Jersey. During my childhood, my father would take me to John F. Kennedy International Airport to observe aircraft takeoffs and landings. I particularly enjoyed watching the Concorde, which sparked my lifelong passion for aviation.

Volunteering was also a value instilled in me by my father. As a teenager, I volunteered at the local homeless shelter and contributed to fundraising efforts for the United Cerebral Palsy of Hudson County.

As an adult, these values remained integral to my life. At the age of 20, I secured a position as a ticket counter agent with Spirit Airlines. Subsequently, I transitioned to a role as a load controller with Alitalia Airlines. From 2006 to 2011, I volunteered with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in Miami, where I gained valuable experience in search and rescue operations. Notably, I had the opportunity to take part in search and rescue missions during Hurricane Katrina, using helicopters to aid in the recovery efforts. For my contributions and service, I was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation.

Last year, I volunteered at the Punta Gorda Airshow, where I distributed volunteer uniforms and assisted with check-in procedures. The experience was both enjoyable and rewarding.

As Abby White transitions into a new role, I am honored to assume the position of Director of Volunteers this year. I eagerly anticipate guiding our volunteers through another exciting and memorable Air Show. If you are interested in volunteering with the Air Show, I welcome any inquiries you may have. I am committed to ensuring that the 2026 Air Show will be the most successful yet.

Amy Huddleston

Director of Community Engagement & Public Events

Deelynn Bennett

Director of Education & STEM Programing

Deelynn Bennett, Director of Education and STEM is originally from Indiana. A graduate of Ball State University. She moved to Florida in 1983 and began her teaching career at Punta Gorda Middle School. She later earned a master’s degree in computer education and a specialist degree in administration and supervision. After 41 years of service with Charlotte County Public Schools, including 23 years as an administrator, she retired from a career dedicated to helping students learn, grow, and discover their future. Her career concluded at Charlotte Technical College, where her love for career and technical education continued to grow through programs that connected students with real opportunities beyond the classroom.

Today, she continues to pour her heart into the Charlotte County community. She serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Charlotte Community Foundation and co-chairs the Education Committee for the Florida International Air Show. She also serves part-time as Chief Operations Officer for Tradesman Place, a workforce training initiative that helps students explore careers after high school while supporting local businesses in building tomorrow’s workforce.

Her passion for aviation began through the development of the Aviation Maintenance Program at Charlotte Technical College, where she saw firsthand how career-focused education can open doors for students. That same belief continues to guide her work today: when students are given the right encouragement, training, and opportunity, they can find a meaningful path forward.

When she is not working in the community, she enjoys traveling with her spouse and spending time with their eight grandchildren. Whether through education, aviation, philanthropy, or workforce development, she remains committed to strengthening Charlotte County and helping young people see the possibilities ahead of them.

Terry McNinney

Team Lead For Red Caps