Email:  jheining@wingsinsurance.com Joel brings 2 decades of aviation experience to the Agency as both a helicopter and fixed wing pilot and currently serves as Wings’ Director of Operations. Upon graduating from the University of North Dakota, Joel served 12 years in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer and helicopter pilot.  In those years he served in several leadership and senior staff capacities around the globe.  He culminated his career in a  27-nation, multi-national forces assignment as the Chief of Security and Operations Officer for NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina where he commanded security forces from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and The Netherlands.  Joel recently resigned and was honorably discharged from the Minnesota National Guard as a Major.  In late 2000, he pursued a career in the corporate world which eventually brought him back to the aviation industry with Wings Insurance.   Joel holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies with military schooling to include the Aviation Officers Basic and Advanced courses, the Command and General Staff College Combined Arms Services Staff School, initial rotary and Blackhawk helicopter training and a host of army specialty schools.  Upon his departure from Active duty, he was recognized for significant contributions to Army Aviation and received the distinguished Order of St. Michael Award.  He has logged over 1300 hours of total flight time, primarily helicopter, and is rated in the Army OH-58 Kiowa and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.  He is also experienced in the Hughes/MD 500, Bell 206 series and Schweizer 300. Joel’s responsibilities within the Agency lie in managing and producing it's helicopter accounts, as well as managing and directing the daily operations and employment of enhanced service initiatives for our clients.  His aviation and military background give him a unique ability to manage core accounts while demonstrating ingenuity in assisting the agency as it redefines it’s dynamic and complex insurance solutions to our clients.  He further enjoys networking and promoting ties within the industry to not only develop customer insurability, but to also help preserve the aviation programs of our valued clients.  He holds professional memberships in the Helicopter Association International (HAI) where he serves on the insurance committee, the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) and Army Aviation Association of America (Quad-A). Joel is married with three wonderful children, and enjoys his time off spent with his family, traveling, or doing anything outdoors. He and his family currently reside in Chaska, MN.

• Steve Bruss, President • Twyla Bredy, Controller Director of Operations • Joel Heining Director of Sales/Marketing • Tom Hauge