Meet The Board of Directors
Board President
Paula
Shope
Paula Urbom-Shope was born in Los Angeles on April 17, 1953. She grew up in San Pedro and graduated from San Pedro High School in June 1970. She attended California State University Dominguez Hills, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration on 14 June 1986. She married Dan Shope on May 1, 1976 and has two children, Matthew Paul Shope and Mariah Danielle Shope. She worked for the Employment Development Department for 13 years and for the State Compensation Insurance Fund for 27 years.
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Paula joined the Civil Air Patrol with her son, Matthew in 2008. She has held a number of positions and is currently Squadron 56 Finance Officer, Recruiting and Retention Officer and Activities Officer. She has staffed six California Wing Encampments and staffed numerous Cadet events as Finance and Administration Officer. She is currently the Wing Cadet Programs Finance Manager.
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In her spare time, she volunteers with Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines as a puppy raiser/sitter, enjoys playing with her dog, walking, yoga classes and needlepoint.
Board Secretary
Morgan Edwards
Hi, I’m Morgan! I’m the daughter of two skydivers and definitely inherited their love of aviation. I enrolled in the Civil Air Patrol when I was 12. I rose to the rank of C/LtCol and completed my first solo flight in the cadet program before leaving my hometown of Annapolis, MD to pursue a degree in Aerospace Safety. After graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University I went on to work in the Flight Safety department for American Airlines, where I still am today! My favorite part about my career is knowing I contribute to finding answers for safety-critical questions, and that I play a part in upholding the safety record of the airline. Outside of work and aviation my passions include art, photography, the occasional hike, and traveling wherever I can. I live in Dallas, TX with my fiancé Devin, and our home is full of four-legged friends!"
Board Treasurer
Ken
Benner
Hi, My name is Ken Benner. I am a long time resident of So Cal. I have high expectations of myself and others. I think service to others in not just a good idea, but a personal obligation that everyone should have. The most rewarding thing I have ever done has been working with teens in various military programs for the last 16 years. I really love guiding and mentoring teens to help make them the most amazing adults they can possibly be.
