WNCPA Educational Foundation
WNCPA Educational Foundation
Nancy Marstal
Nancy is a native of Atlanta, GA and has lived in Asheville since 1992. Prior to Asheville, she resided in Boston for 12 years, working for an international executive suite organization, Headquarters Companies, and was instrumental in the opening of their six locations in the Boston area and Providence, RI.
During that time, she trained for and received her Private Pilot certificate. She was an active member of the Eastern New England Chapter of the Ninety-Nines (International Organization of Women Pilots) and was deeply involved in their volunteer projects that funded their annual aviation scholarship programs. In Asheville, she continues to be an active pilot and aircraft owner.
Nancy has been on the WNCPA Educational Foundation board since 2016 serving on various committees including the Selection Committee of its annual Aviation Grant Program.
Her community volunteer involvements also include WNC Pilots Association, WNC Air Museum and local Chapter 1016 of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Nancy also enjoys gardening, hiking, and most any outdoor activity.
Nancy Marstal
Nancy is a native of Atlanta, GA and has lived in Asheville since 1992. Prior to Asheville, she resided in Boston for 12 years, working for an international executive suite organization, Headquarters Companies, and was instrumental in the opening of their six locations in the Boston area and Providence, RI.
During that time, she trained for and received her Private Pilot certificate. She was an active member of the Eastern New England Chapter of the Ninety-Nines (International Organization of Women Pilots) and was deeply involved in their volunteer projects that funded their annual aviation scholarship programs. In Asheville, she continues to be an active pilot and aircraft owner.
Nancy has been on the WNCPA Educational Foundation board since 2016 serving on various committees including the Selection Committee of its annual Aviation Grant Program.
Her community volunteer involvements also include WNC Pilots Association, WNC Air Museum and local Chapter 1016 of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Nancy also enjoys gardening, hiking, and most any outdoor activity.
Annual presentation and recognition of the Educational Foundation's 2026-2027 Grant Recipients held on August 18, 2026.
10 of 15 of this year's grant recipients receiving their Grant Certificates on August 18, 2026.
Back Row-L-R: Michael Holland, Patrick White, Lucy Taylor, Jazmin Acevedo, Max Fulton, Jackson Klein, Cameron Johnson.
Front Row-L-R: Lisa Zaid, Shira Zaid, Jeanette Meleen.
Shira Zaid is the recipient of the 2026 prestigeous Mal Bekham Jr. Memorial Grant. Presenting the award to Shira is David Beckham, son of the late Mal Beckham Jr. Shira is using her grant to complete her Commercial Certificate.
Pat White is the recipient of the 2026 Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA) Grant. Presenting the award to Pat are l-R: Lew Bleiweis, President and CEO of GARAA and Tina Kinsey, Chief Administrative Officer of GARAA. This is Pat's 2nd grant year.
Lucy Taylor is the recipient of a "Program A" grant for 2026. Presenting the award is Bob Herlin, Grant Coordinator for WNCPAEF. This is Lucy's 3rd grant and she is using this year's grant to complete her Instrument rating.
Lisa Zaid is the recipient of a "Program A" grant for 2026. Presenting the award is Bob Herlin, Grant Coordinator for WNCPAEF. Lisa is already a Flight Instructor and she plans to use this year's grant to obtain advanced ratings. PS:
Jeanette Meleen is the recipient of a "Program A" grant for 2026. Presenting the award is Bob Herlin, Grant Coordinator for the WNCPAEF. This is Jeanette 1st grant and she is using this year's grant to complete her private certificate.
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Max Fulton is the recipient of a "Program A" grant for 2026. Presenting the award is Bob Herlin, Grant Coordinator for the WNCPAEF. This is Max's 1st grant and she is using this year's grant to complete his private certificate.
Michael Holland is a recipient of a "Program A" grant for 2026. Presenting the award is Bob Herlin, Grant Coordinator for the WNCPAEF. This is Michael's 2nd grant and he is using this year's grant to complete his Instrument Rating.
Jackson Klein is a recipient of a "Program A" grant for 2026. Presenting the award is Bob Herlin, Grant Coordinator for the WNCPAEF. This is Jackson's 1st grant and he will be pursuing his training at Liberty University in the fall.
Jazmin Acevedo is a recipient of a "Program B" grant for 2026. Presenting the award is Bob Herlin, Grant Coordinator for the WNCPAEF. Jazmin is also a student of the AB Tech Aviation Program. She will be using her grant to introduce herself to flight.
Cameron Johnson is a recipient of a "Program B" grant for 2026. Presenting the award is Bob Herlin, Grant Coordinator for the WNCPAEF. Cameron will also be using his grant award to introduce himself to the wonders of flight.