Joe McDonald’s passion for aviation began early. Growing up in Pontotoc, Mississippi, he earned his private pilot wings as a young man. He commissioned alongside Co-Founder Paul Nelson from the Ole Miss Air Force ROTC Detachment 430, forging a lifelong friendship.

After a distinguished Air Force career in command and service, Joe returned to Mississippi committed to giving back. As Co-Chair of Fly Mississippi and Chairman of the Mission-Next Foundation, he brings decades of leadership to inspiring the next generation. Rooted in values of service, education, and hard work, Joe believes that opening doors for today’s youth honors the sacrifices of those who came before — and secures a stronger future for Mississippi.