Background from Wikipedia.
Raised in San Diego, Elwell graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs from the United States Air Force Academy in 1983.[1] He moved on to Williams Air Force Base where he earned his pilot wings.[3]
Elwell was a Command Pilot for the U.S Air Force and U.S Air Force Reserve. Elwell fought in the Operation Desert Storm[4] in a combat capacity.[3] Elwell eventually reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He retired soon after.
For 16 years, Elwell was a commercial pilot for American Airlines. Elwell also had a role of American Airlines's Managing Director for International and Government Affairs.[3] He also served served as a legislative fellow for the late Senator Ted Stevens.[3] While working for Senator Stevens, Elwell was part of other aviation safety programs in Alaska, including the Capstone Program in the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, as well as the installation of real-time weather cameras at remote airfields and mountain passes.[5]
Elwell was named Vice President of the Aerospace Industries Association[6] in 2008 where he stayed until 2013. Elwell was a civil aerospace manufacturer representative in this capacity where he was an advocate for various companies.[3]
Elwell joined Airlines for America (A4A) in 2013[4] where he was the Senior Vice President for Safety, Security, and Operations. Elwell left this role in 2015.[3]
Elwell also served as the Senior Advisor on Aviation to Secretary Elaine Chao.[7]
