About Us
Meet the Team Behind Phoenix Spark
Major Byron Doan, Director
Major Byron Doan is on loan to Phoenix Spark from the 21st Air Refueling Squadron. A C-17A pilot by trade, Major Doan has served for ten years in the USAF and is a graduate of both the Citadel and the University of Florida with Baccalaureates in Electrical and Computer Engineering from both schools. Major Doan's concentration at Phoenix Spark is as the Director of Operations.
Captain Justin Niquette, Digital Initiatives
Captain Justin Niquette is on loan to Phoenix Spark from the 6th Air Refueling Squadron. A KC-10A pilot by trade, Captain Niquette has served for six years in the USAF, and is a graduate from both the United States Air Force Academy and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Captain Niquette's concentration at Phoenix Spark is serving as the Deputy Director of Software Innovation.
MSgt Sean McKinney, Superintendent
Master Sergeant Sean McKinney is on loan to Phoenix Spark from the 60th Maintenance Squadron (MXS). An Electrical & Environmental aircraft maintainer by trade, he has been in the USAF for fifteen years and has been stationed at Luke AFB, AZ, McGuire AFB, NJ, and Travis AFB, CA. MSgt McKinney has a Baccalaureate in Computer Science from the University of Maryland Global Campus and is pursuing a Masters in Cyber Security from Georgia Institute of Technology. MSgt McKinney's concentration at Phoenix Spark is as the Superintendent.
John Dickerson, Innovation & Chief Operations Officer
Mr. John Dickerson is on loan to Phoenix Spark from Manpower. A retired veteran, having served 26 years in the USAF, John has been working for Phoenix Spark for the last five years. John was previously stationed at Altus AFB, OK, Loring AFB, ME, Travis AFB, CA, and Dover AFB, DE. John has a Baccalaureate in Computer Engineering and an MBA in Program Management. John's concentration here at Phoenix Spark is Operations Management, Procurement, Budget Management, Facilities, and Lab Operations. Having worked at Phoenix Spark for several changeovers in command and personnel, Mr. Dickerson also acts as the Chief Operations Officer for Phoenix Spark.
TSgt James Andrews, Digital Initiatives
Technical Sergeant James Andrews is the Lead Digital Initiatives for Phoenix Spark, with a focus on Microsoft Power Platform & Product Management. Using his Baccalaureate in Computer Science, he has created numerous successful apps that has saved hundreds to thousands of man hours annually. From FTAC signup to Fuel Systems Tracking; his ditigal initiatives ensures the everyday officer worker duties is streamlined. He is originally from the 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS). As a Fuels Airman, he has been in the USAF for fifteen years and has been stationed at Travis AFB, Ramstein AB, Yokota AB, Moron AB, and Kunsan AB.
SSgt Joshua James Gogue, Marketing & Outreach Lead
Staff Sergeant Joshua James Gogue is the Lead for Marketing & Outreach the first full-time position in Phoenix Spark. He leads all ventures that correlates to networking, outreach, community relations, & social media. From managing the social media posts to creating Phoenix Spark Booths at conferences, his work assures buy-in from leadership and enhances knowledge of Phoenix Spark on a daily basis. He is originally a Training Manager from 60 Maintanence Operations and has been in the Air Force for 9 years. He has served at Creech AFB, Kadena AFB, and now Travis AFB.
TSgt Johnathan Middleton, Digital Initiatives
Technical Sergeant Johnathan Middleton is part of the Digital Initiatives team here in Phoenix Spark. His work on Spark Connect will allow numerous spark cells across the world be able to connect and share their innovative ideas together! He is a maintainer from the 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He has been in the Air Froce for 14 years and has served in McConnel & Travis AFB base
SSgt Jefferies Saajadeen, Digital Initiatives
Staff Sergeant Jefferies Saajadeen is part of the Digital Initiatives team here in Phoenix Spark. His concentration in Phoenix Spark is network development. His main focus has been the network within Phoenix Spark and the capabilities outside such as Mesh ++. When the device is configuered it shows promise to bring secure WiFi capabilties within the flightline of Travis AFB. He is originally from 60 Maintenence Squadron and an AR mechanic by Trade.
SrA Kyle Sunderman, Additive Manufacturing
Senior Airman Kyle Sunderman is a part-time member of Phoenix Spark, currently he is the lead technician for all tasks that relate to additive manufacturing. From making small parts to improve quality of life to engineering material within Fusion 360 he does it all! Furthermore, he is our current instructor for our additive manufacturing classes and has taught numerious classes that empowered and inspired Airmen across Travis AFB. While he is not working at Phoenix Spark he is at 60 Aerial Port Squadron performing his daily duties as a Ramp Technician loading & unloading aircrafts. He has been in the Air Force 3 years and Travis AFB is his first home within his career.
Phoenix Spark Success Stories
The Travis AFB Phoenix Spark innovation cell has had a hand in creating many innovative solutions to both common, and uncommon, problems at the 60th Air Mobility Wing. Below, you'll find some of the most recent success stories from Phoenix Spark.