Miami

Chair Professor Issa S. Baluch is a prominent figure in the global Freight Forwarding industry, renowned for his thought leadership, innovation, and influential contributions. With close to 40 years of experience, he has revolutionized product and goods transportation worldwide, pioneering Sea-Air Combined Transport operations in the United Arab Emirates.

Starting as a Clerk at the Gulf Agency Company in Dubai in 1973, Issa swiftly climbed the ranks, holding significant positions like Shipping Supervisor, Deputy Manager, and General Manager of Freight Forwarding. In 1989, armed with industry knowledge and an entrepreneurial spirit, he founded the Swift Freight International Group in Dubai, which rapidly became a leading Freight Logistics provider in the UAE, with 40+ locations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Issa held prominent roles, including Chairman of Transport Logistics USA, Africa Atlantic Holding, Air Cargo Trader, and Africa West Cargo Airline. He also served as a Director at Wentworth Resources Limited, an East African oil and natural gas producer.

His commitment to guiding trade professionals’ success is evident through his role as President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Association (FIATA) and Chairman of the FIATA Logistics Academy.

As an advisor and mentor in global transportation and logistics, Issa authored several books and remains a sought-after expert.

Harvard University recognized his contributions, inviting him to become a Fellow in its Advanced Leadership Initiative program. He held positions as a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and as a Dean’s Council member at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

With three Lifetime Achievement awards, Issa’s reputation as an innovative leader is widely acknowledged. He actively supports technological innovation and economic transformation in developing countries, serving as an Advisory Board member of the Calestous Juma Legacy Foundation and chairing First Hectares Capital and the African Agribusiness Knowledge and Innovation Leadership Initiative (AKILI).

Issa’s relentless pursuit of refining strategies for global transportation and logistics, alongside his passion for promoting economic and community development in Africa, solidifies his position as a visionary leader who has shaped the industry with unparalleled success.

Hector is the Chief Pilot for 7Air. With more than 32 years of aviation experience, he has held various line, training and management positions including Instructor, Check Airman, OPT/EFB Manager, Director of Training and Chief Pilot.

Hector currently occupies the esteemed role of Chief Pilot at 7Air, where he presides over crucial flight operations and provides leadership within the aviation organization. His extensive aviation journey spans an impressive 32 years, during which he has amassed a wealth of experience across various facets of the industry. His professional trajectory includes the fulfillment of diverse roles, ranging from line positions to training and management responsibilities.

Within the realm of aviation instruction, Hector has taken on the roles of Instructor and Check Airman, imparting his knowledge and expertise to aspiring aviators while ensuring safety and competence. Additionally, he has overseen critical aspects of flight operations as an OPT/EFB Manager, demonstrating his proficiency in managing advanced systems and processes crucial for modern aviation.

Moreover, Hector’s career has seen him ascend to significant leadership positions, such as Director of Training and, most notably, Chief Pilot. These roles underscore his capacity to navigate the complexities of aviation management while upholding rigorous standards of safety and efficiency.

Hector’s career journey has taken him through an array of major airlines, both domestic and international. His invaluable contributions have graced esteemed carriers such as Avensa Airlines, Planet Airways, MaxJet Airways, Sky King, Ethiopian Airlines, Eastern Airlines, Amerijet Int’l and Global Crossing Airlines. His impressive qualifications include a current Airline Transport Pilot certificate, fortified by type ratings on a range of aircraft, including the A320, B727, B737, B757, B767, and DC9, reflecting his multifaceted expertise across various aircraft types.

Furthermore, Hector’s flight experience is nothing short of exceptional, with over 15,000 hours logged in the cockpit. This extensive flight time not only attests to his deep-seated dedication to aviation but also highlights his remarkable proficiency in safely navigating the skies.

Jacqueline Munroe is a seasoned professional known for her unwavering commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. She has a distinguished career spanning over 33 years in the aviation industry. Her multifaceted background, encompassing roles in passenger and cargo airlines and civil aviation authorities, serves as a testament to her extensive knowledge and expertise in aviation safety.

Jacqueline’s educational foundation is as impressive as her professional journey. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics, with a minor in Aviation Safety and Management, from the renowned Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Her commitment to ongoing education and professional development is evident through her multiple safety program certificates from the University of Southern California.

Her most outstanding achievements were certifying airports and implementing the Safety Management System for airlines. She has held pivotal roles that have solidified her reputation as a subject matter expert in the design, implementation, and management of Safety Management Systems (SMS). She served as Airline Director of Safety, Aerodrome Certification Manager, Aviation Safety Inspector, Senior Safety Auditor, Operations Control Manager, SMS Manager, and Aircraft Dispatcher.

Jacqueline’s illustrious career is an unswerving commitment to safety, epitomized by her invaluable contributions to enhancing safety management systems across the industry. Her wealth of experience and qualifications position her as a prominent figure in aviation safety. Today, she serves as the Director of Safety at 7AIR and is responsible for the SMS implementation and management.

Pablo’s journey in the aviation industry began with a strong academic foundation, graduating with honors from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2006. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics complemented by minors in Safety and Management, Pablo wasted no time in making his mark. Initially starting as a Crew Scheduler, he swiftly demonstrated his aptitude and dedication. In 2008, Pablo expanded his credentials by acquiring an Aircraft Dispatcher License from the FAA, a pivotal moment that propelled him into the realm of Flight Dispatch and Loadmaster roles across several prestigious airlines.

Over the years, Pablo’s career trajectory soared as he transitioned into various management positions. From 2014 onwards, he assumed pivotal roles such as Manager of SOC, Ramp Operations Manager, Shift Duty Manager, Dispatch Manager, and Regional Ramp Manager, each role adding layers to his expertise and leadership skills.

In January of the current year, Pablo embarked on a new chapter by joining 7AIR Cargo as the Manager of SOC, showcasing his commitment to continued growth and excellence within the industry. Alongside his FAA Aircraft Dispatcher License and Private Pilot License, Pablo holds certifications across a spectrum of aircraft types including the B767F, MD-80, B737, A330F, A300F, A332, and B757. Moreover, he also holds a IATA Air Cargo Management Certificate and a LIDO Expert User and Instructor Certificate, cementing his status as a seasoned aviation professional with a comprehensive skill set poised to drive success in any endeavor.