JSSI: Soaring for a Better Tomorrow

December 3, 2024

Elevating Communities, Inspiring Futures | CSR 2024

As we look back on the past year, we are proud to share the strides we have made in our corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. As JSSI continues to grow and evolve, we believe in our ability to do good while doing well through a positive impact on the community. Over the past year, we have gotten involved in a variety of projects and partnerships with various organizations to reflect our commitment to community empowerment and to the future of business aviation. From supporting impactful charities and foundations to honoring our heroes and building programs that inspire the next generation of aviation leaders, our efforts have been driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to make a meaningful difference.

As a global leader in business aviation with a steadfast commitment to CSR, JSSI is dedicated to positively impact the world around us. This special feature highlights key achievements and milestones of our CSR journey in 2024, divided into pillars of action: community empowerment, nurturing young minds, honoring our heroes, and shaping the future of business aviation.

Join us in our mission as we turn the page to 2025 and continue this important work in the year ahead; whether you choose to do so individually or as a company, we encourage you to find your path to be a part of this meaningful journey.

Community Empowerment

At the heart of JSSI’s CSR initiatives lies a strong belief in empowering communities and inspirational organizations around us. By partnering with local organizations that share our values, we support various programs that address critical social issues. From providing essential supplies to sponsoring educational initiatives, JSSI strives to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. The organization promotes advocacy, provides services, and supports research and innovation in care for autistic individuals and their families. JSSI was proud to support Autism Speaks’ 8^th annual event in Chicago.

Rides to Remember is a local Atlanta based initiative, in support of children suffering from cancer and their families, and focuses on raising funds for the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House, Camp Sunshine, and Cure Childhood Cancer. In August, the organization hosted its 2^nd annual gala dinner, and the JSSI Atlanta-based team attended the event.

DELTA AIRLINES’ Atlanta Hope Ball is an annual event in support of the American Cancer Society, whose mission is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support – ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. JSSI and our Atlanta-based team joined the event, in support of the Hope Lodge communities who offer a ‘home away from home’ for people facing cancer and their caregivers when treatment is far away.

Corporate Angel Network’s (CAN) mission is to help cancer patients access the best treatment centers in the United States by arranging free travel on corporate aircraft. Whether a patient is traveling for surgery, clinical trial, or a second opinion, CAN aims to reduce a patient’s physical, emotional, and financial stress by providing a seat on a corporate flight. CAN has coordinated more than 69,000 flights since its founding in 1981. The program offers an invaluable service to cancer patients and their caregivers, while also giving companies with corporate jets the ability to couple business activities with corporate social responsibility. JSSI supported CAN’s annual event, which took place in conjunction with NBAA-BACE. JSSI also participated in a charity golf tournament in support of Hope Air / Canada, which similarly to CAN, is a nonprofit providing families in need with free travel to access specialty medical care far from home. CAN and Hope Air demonstrate the importance of general and business aviation infrastructure, reaching over ~5,000 airports in the U.S., while airlines have access to only ~500 airports (statistics from NBAA Climbing Fast).

JSSI took part in the 5K run/family walk to raise funds for Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago Hyde Park campus. The funds are raised for groundbreaking research to tackle childhood illnesses and patient care programs for kids in the hospital. Examples of supported research projects include studies on improving outcomes of cardiovascular disease, cataracts, health disparities among children of color, and liver disease.

It Takes a Village (ITAV) Chicago provides better physical education facilities and guidance to students at Chicago’s inner city schools. The organization provides resources and tools to these children and prides itself on engaging in hands-on assistance and mentorship. JSSI proudly supports ITAV’s efforts to provide these lifelong benefits to students. The energetic and passionate individuals of ITAV instill into Chicago youth the value of hard work, discipline and achieving goals.

Nurturing Young Minds

Investing in the future generation is a cornerstone of JSSI’s CSR philosophy, as we actively support programs that inspire and educate young minds, from kindergarten to college. In addition, JSSI supports scholarships to aspiring business aviation professionals, as we join our industry community in helping to cultivate the next generation of talent and leadership.

America Needs You (ANY) is another JSSI grantee and we were proud to support its annual fundraiser. The organization was founded in 2009 and aims to fight for economic mobility for ambitious, first-generation college students by providing them with transformative mentorship and career development. ANY was founded on the belief that socio-economic status should not be a barrier to college persistence and career success. The organization mobilizes a movement of young, professional volunteers to assist these students in rising above their circumstances. After successful and sustained results in New York, ANY expanded to New Jersey in 2012, Illinois in 2015, and California in 2016.

Invest For Kids (IFK) is dedicated to supporting highly impactful nonprofit organizations that serve Chicago area youth from disadvantaged communities. IFK hosts an annual investment conference, gathering the most highly regarded investment managers to present their best investable ideas. The event brings the Chicago investment community together in support of not-for-profits that serve Chicago youth with an emphasis on smaller organizations where IFK’s funding will have the most impact. JSSI was proud to partake in its annual conference and we are looking forward to taking part in devising its support for local charities in need.

Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago is dedicated to removing barriers that stand in the way of student success. CIS’ programs support student achievements in school and graduating from high school. This year, the organization partnered with 239 Chicago Public Schools, positively impacting over 80,000 students. CIS also embeds trained volunteers in schools who provide intensive support for students who need extra help with attendance, behavior, grades, or social-emotional learning. In addition to supporting CIS’ annual gala event, JSSI strives to establish a long-term relationship with CIS, including school visits to our corporate offices and beyond.

JSSI’s involvement with the San Miguel School is a special community initiative. The school was established in 1995, with a mission to transform the lives of the underserved youth of the ‘Back of the Yards’ community in the city of Chicago. With over 600 alumni, the school’s graduates earn high school degrees at twice the rate of their neighborhood peers, and many continue on to college. Many students are the first in their families to realize the dream of a higher education. San Miguel is also a community hub, which supports parents and their neighbors achieve their educational goals: offering free ESL (English as a Second Language), GED (General Educational Development), and financial literacy courses. JSSI welcomed the 2024 8^th grade class from San Miguel School Chicago to our headquarters. The students spent the day connecting with the JSSI team and summer interns – gaining valuable life and career advice while learning about everyone’s paths into the aviation industry. Beyond supporting the school’s annual fundraiser, we seek to engage with the school on a deeper level, maximizing their community outreach program and providing it with more growth opportunities.

Genesys Works prides itself on providing pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities by focusing on skills training, meaningful work experiences, and impactful long-term relationships. Genesys Works’ yearlong program creates a supportive environment for growth and success: empowering students to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals through a comprehensive program that prepares them for a successful future. The program is comprised of skills training, professional internships experiences, college and career coaching, and alumni support. JSSI took part in the organization’s traditional golf tournament fund raiser in support of their mission.

JSSI was proud to join Kareem Wells in his Brilliance and Excellence March in Chicago. We support the organization’s mission to showcase the Brilliance and Excellence of Boys and Young Men of Color and to promote safe and peaceful communities. Kareem’s organization gathered over 1,000 people from across Chicago to call for “No More Violence” in the city. This campaign’s focus is on saving lives, promoting non-violence, and inspiring youth engagement in alternative activities.

Viewing Our Children as Emerging Leaders’ (VOCEL) mission is to help ensure every child has the foundation to learn, grow, and lead. VOCEL’s founders went on a journey to reimagine early childhood education by harnessing the power of human connection, conversation, and language. With a commitment to strategic innovation and outcomes-focused programming, VOCEL’s latest initiatives include school-based coaching for principals and educators, community-led early learning, and parent support classes. JSSI was proud to support VOCEL’s annual benefit dinner and contribute to the organization’s growth campaign.

During JSSI Parts & Leasing 7^th annual Vendor Summit, attendees and JSSI team members joined forces to pack care packages for children at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. The group created over 100 aviation-themed kits that were delivered to the patients.

Honoring Our Heroes

JSSI recognizes the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes and their families, and we are proud to support organizations that provide vital services to veterans and their loved ones. Through these initiatives, we honor their service and ensure they receive the support they deserve.

Kristensen Boxing Smoker is a special boxing event, which took place at JSSI’s corporate HQ office building in Chicago in support of education for children of active Chicago firefighters and police officers. The event was held in memory and honor of the late Erik S. Kristensen – a lieutenant commander of the United States Navy SEALs who was killed in action in 2005 when he and several other SEALs set off as part of a search and rescue mission to assist a four-man SEAL team that was engaged in a firefight with Taliban fighters. His heroic story became the Lone Survivor story (As featured on CBS Erik – Short CBS ).

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) provides need-based scholarships for military children, and it is one of the oldest and largest providers of such programs in the U.S. JSSI supported MCSF’s dinner in Chicago, primarily funding the Chicago Committee’s Heroes Tribute Scholarship Program for Children of the Severely Injured. This life-changing initiative provides $40,000 scholarships for higher education or career/technical education.
JSSI is proud to support the work and mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation, upholding the memory and continuing to spread Pat Tillman’s inspiration. In high school, Pat was a star athlete who later became an NFL star but never let success change his values. Following 9/11, he decided to place his NFL career on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army with his brother, Kevin. On the evening of April 22, 2004, Pat’s unit was ambushed in Afghanistan. He died in battle, providing cover for his fellow soldiers. JSSI co-sponsored the 20^thAnniversary of the Tillman Honors Gala Event; we were especially proud to have some of our wonderful JSSI veteran team members join us. Pat’s family and friends started the Pat Tillman Foundation to carry forward his legacy by giving military service members, veterans, and spouses who embody those principles the educational tools and support to reach their fullest potential as leaders – no matter how they choose to serve. The Tillman Scholars continue to make an impact, solving problems and discovering solutions that support progress and build leadership on a local and global scale.

Shaping the Future of Business Aviation

As a global leader in business aviation, JSSI is committed to fostering innovation and sustainability in our industry. By supporting research and development initiatives, the company drives advancements in aviation technology, promoting safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Additionally, JSSI actively participates in industry forums and conferences, sharing knowledge and expertise to shape the future together.

JSSI Internship Program

JSSI’s investment in the next generation of industry talent and innovation includes a renowned internship program, launched in 2009 through partnerships with aviation schools and universities such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Over the years, the program has grown to include non-aviation schools as well, with the goal to encourage students of diverse majors and concentrations to explore a career in business aviation.

Today, close to 100 interns have graduated from the JSSI internship; over 20 of whom have been hired into full-time positions, grown with the evolution of JSSI, and some hold leadership positions today. This force joins our organization with a young, fresh perspective and furthers the intrapreneurial drive of JSSI in many ways.

Every year, our interns choose a social cause they would like to support and spend a day volunteering with their chosen project. In 2024, our summer interns spent time with kids through Intentional Sports to inspire Chicago’s youth through the power of sports.

Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) / South Florida

JSSI supported the Girls in Aviation Day events in South Florida. The goal of these events is to inspire and empower young girls to pursue careers in aviation through hands-on activities, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.

JSSI Scholarships / Awards

NBAA Al Conklin and Bill de Decker– Business Aviation Management Scholarship
- The Al Conklin and Bill de Decker Business Aviation Management Scholarship is an annual program established in 2007 by Conklin & de Decker in coordination with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) to benefit students pursuing careers in aviation management. The award honors the memory of Al Conklin, a U.S Air Force veteran and business aviation leader for more than 60 years, and Bill de Decker, who remains dedicated to business aviation education and active with JSSI as Chairman Emeritus, Conklin & de Decker. Each recipient is selected on the merit of their passion for aviation, leadership qualities, and vision.

Robert J. Kleros Endowed – Aviation Science/Mechanics Scholarship
- The Robert John Kleros Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established by JSSI to benefit students pursuing careers in aircraft maintenance. Each recipient is selected on the merit of their passion for aviation, leadership qualities, and sense of determination. The scholarship provides funding for tuition fees, textbooks, and other items included in the cost of education. The fund was founded to celebrate the life of Robert, son of George and Catherine Kleros, and commemorate his exuberance for life and love for his family and friends.

JSSI Donations & Professional Funding / Support

West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA)
- WMAA is an innovative, academically rigorous charter high school with a focus on hands-on aviation and STEM education. JSSI funded the school’s Aero-Design & Robotics Lab.
Tri-State Warbird Museum
- The Tri-State Warbird Museum is a historic aviation museum in Ohio dedicated to remembering those who fought for our freedom, and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. JSSI is a major sponsor of the Museum’s Taking Flight Gala, an event that draws the attention of corporate and philanthropic leaders across the Tri-State area.
JSSI Team Engagement Highlights
- JSSI’s Sean McGeough, EVP of business development, is an adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle University in aviation and sustainability. In November, McGeough and JSSI Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Lou Seno, were guest speakers on the diverse career opportunities that exist in our industry and led a discussion on finding your own path in aviation.

A special look at an Oklahoma local initiative spearheaded by JSSI’s Chad Mansfield, Advisory Services.

Our very own JSSI’s Chad Mansfield is on the advisory board for two schools in Oklahoma and has coordinated JSSI’s donation of parts, components, and engines to special programs in local schools. Working closely with vendors and partners to procure scrap and core parts for programs as training aids, Chad facilitated meetings to assist with student preparation into the business aviation field. Chad continues to provide guidance to Southern Tech’s Part 147 process (FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School Program) as well as assisting to procure industry guest speakers for the students.

Chad is well-established within the area communities, where he and the team ask themselves “How can I help your program grow” and put a lot of time into educating and promoting young ‘aviators’. Or in Chad’s own words: “You must enjoy what you’re doing to really make an impact, it’s not just a name on the Advisory Board plaque in the school hallways.”

Through our unwavering dedication to corporate social responsibility, JSSI is making a lasting impact on communities worldwide. By empowering individuals, supporting education, honoring heroes, and driving innovation, the company is not only elevating the business aviation industry but also inspiring a brighter future for all. If you would like to learn more or get involved, please email JSSI’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Shahar Azani, at [email protected].

Soaring for a Better Tomorrow. #JSSIForGood

About JSSI
For more than 35 years, Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) has been the leading independent provider of maintenance support, advisory services, software, and financial tools to the business aviation industry. With 6,000+ aircraft supported by maintenance programs and software platforms, JSSI leverages this wealth of data, scale, and innovation to drive cost savings and provide custom solutions that align to the interests of each client, regardless of make or model. Learn more at jetsupport.com.

JSSI products and services include:

Maintenance Programs. Hourly Cost Maintenance Programs to stabilize maintenance budgets, maximize aircraft availability and enhance residual value.

Parts & Leasing. Experienced product line specialized team who leverages our All-OEM inventory and global vendor relationships and go beyond parts sourcing to find optimal customer solutions.

Software: Traxxall and Conklin & de Decker. Powerful data platforms to help you make more informed decisions, from choosing the right aircraft to tracking your maintenance, inventory, and MRO projects.

Advisory Services. Objective insights and independent technical advice from a global team of technical advisors and ASA-accredited appraisers for virtually any business jet, turboprop or helicopter.

Aviation Capital. Customized asset-based finance solutions for business aviation.

Contact I JSSI Communications
Isabella Rimton [email protected]