Rick Gardner is a Professional Pilot and is the Director of CST Flight Services, an International Trip Support company with offices in the USA and Mexico. In addition to his role at CST, Rick has collaborated with both government and industry entities such as US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the CAA’s of foreign countries and is a member of National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), FAA Safety Team (FAAST) and type-specific owner/operator associations to promote the interests of international General Aviation operators.

Prior to his role at CST, Rick spent 16 years in the corporate arena as a senior level executive running complex international supply chains for various Fortune 100 and 500 companies with both manufacturing and global sourcing responsibilities. During that time, he made extensive use of corporate aircraft to oversee the international operations for which he had responsibility. This gives Rick a unique, hands-on perspective from both inside the cockpit as well as inside the corporate passenger cabin.

Rick holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Duke University and a Supply Chain Certification from the University of Tennessee Business School.