Peter is President and CEO of Burwell Enterprises, Inc., based in Minneapolis. Burwell’s holdings include the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club, a 367-room hotel adjacent to Wisconsin’s Capitol building; Country Springs Hotel and Water Park in Waukesha, WI; Echo Mountain ski area just outside of Denver in Idaho Springs, CO; and C & B Operations, a chain of thirty-seven John Deere dealerships through the Midwest.
A licensed and avid pilot, Peter flies both airplanes and helicopters. “I am enthusiastic about the mission of the RAF,” Peter said. “In a fast-paced world, the RAF allows an opportunity for all pilots to slow down and enjoy the beauty of this country. What better way to showcase aviation, with the freedom and community of backcountry flying?”
He is a member of Angel Flight, a nonprofit organization that arranges volunteer flights for individuals who are financially distressed and in need of transportation for medical treatment. He is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, Minneapolis Chapter.
Peter graduated from the University of Denver in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. His other interests are boating, fishing, hunting, and snow skiing.
JOHN J. MCKENNA, JR.
Chairman
A series of airplanes have served the McKenna family pleasure trips as well as John’s New York Life Insurance practice that has spanned 37 years. John’s wife Trish also flies and enjoys her Cub. They have three children who consider the airplane the family station wagon-it’s just “how you get there.”
The McKenna’s have enjoyed living in Bozeman since 1972, where a person can own their own airstrip in Big Sky Country and truly live the aviation dream. John and Trish characterize the backcountry pilot-they will pass on the fancy lunch, pressed slacks and shined shoes at the country club for the backcountry with tent, sleeping bags, well-worn hiking boots and a few groceries… and the dog.
John’s family also characterizes the spirit of volunteerism. In addition to serving long hours for no monetary reward as chairman of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, John and his family are passionate supporters of Special Olympics. His involvement with that organization provided relevant background for the formation of the RAF. It was this match of this passion for aviation-and his inability to wait for someone else to do it-that provided the momentum to form the RAF.
With a full tank of energy John looks forward to seeing where this flight will take him.
“It is the best journey I’ve experienced so far,” John says.
A series of airplanes have served the McKenna family pleasure trips as well as John’s New York Life Insurance practice that has spanned 37 years. John’s wife Trish also flies and enjoys her Cub. They have three children who consider the airplane the family station wagon-it’s just “how you get there.”
The McKenna’s have enjoyed living in Bozeman since 1972, where a person can own their own airstrip in Big Sky Country and truly live the aviation dream. John and Trish characterize the backcountry pilot-they will pass on the fancy lunch, pressed slacks and shined shoes at the country club for the backcountry with tent, sleeping bags, well-worn hiking boots and a few groceries… and the dog.
John’s family also characterizes the spirit of volunteerism. In addition to serving long hours for no monetary reward as chairman of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, John and his family are passionate supporters of Special Olympics. His involvement with that organization provided relevant background for the formation of the RAF. It was this match of this passion for aviation-and his inability to wait for someone else to do it-that provided the momentum to form the RAF.
With a full tank of energy John looks forward to seeing where this flight will take him.
“It is the best journey I’ve experienced so far,” John says.
