GOLDSBORO, NC, February 06, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Wade Leatham has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Leatham's distinguished career reflects a commitment to public service, aviation and education. In 2025, he was appointed by State Senator Berger to the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission, where he continues to advocate for military families and veterans. In addition to this role, he has also served as chairman of the Wayne County Board of Education for Wayne County Public Schools since 2020. In this capacity, he has worked to improve educational standards and support both students and teachers throughout the district.

Prior to his current leadership roles in education and military affairs, Mr. Leatham built an extensive aviation career. From 2003 to 2022, he was a commercial airline pilot with JetBlue Airways. His tenure at JetBlue followed his retirement from active military service and allowed him to apply his expertise in aviation safety and operations in the private sector. Before joining the commercial airline, he served as an academic instructor and instructor pilot in the F-15E upon returning to North Carolina to finish his active duty service.

Mr. Leatham's military career began after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in aviation sciences. He completed pilot training and was selected as an Air Force fighter pilot, fulfilling a lifelong dream inspired by his father, who was also an Air Force fighter pilot and personal hero. Over 23 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Leatham achieved many roles, including one assignment as an operational test pilot, which he considers his most notable accomplishment. In this role, he was entrusted with evaluating the F-15E before it was deployed to the field, ensuring its readiness and safety for operational use. He also spent three years on the Air Combat Command Inspector General team, ensuring bases were prepared for their real-world missions.

Throughout his career, Mr. Leatham has been recognized for his excellence and dedication. He is a recipient of multiple Instructor of the Year Awards as well as several military honors, including meritorious service medals and commendation from the U.S. Air Force. His early achievements include being named Athlete of the Year in high school and playing baseball for the United States Air Force Academy. He was also listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students.

Mr. Leatham is an active member of several professional organizations that reflect his expertise in the military and aviation fields. These include the Order of Daedalians, Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, Military Officers Association of America and the Military Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Commerce.

Academically, Mr. Leatham's background laid a strong foundation for his accomplishments. After completing high school in South Carolina in 1975—having attended two years in Virginia before relocating—he pursued higher education at the United States Air Force Academy, graduating in 1979. He later completed coursework toward a master's degree, further enhancing his knowledge base.

Reflecting on his career, Mr. Leatham attributes much of his success to the guidance of his father and mother, who provided him with strong values and support throughout his upbringing. He also credits his wife for her unwavering encouragement during every stage of his career.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Mr. Leatham is an entrepreneur who opened Chase-N-Bombs, a sports card and sports memorabilia shop that showcases his expertise beyond aviation and military service. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, cruising, visiting his sons and playing golf. He is dedicated to his family, which includes four sons and two stepsons, as well as six grandchildren.

Looking ahead, Mr. Leatham plans to continue serving on the school board with a focus on ensuring children receive quality education while supporting teachers' needs. He is also committed to advocating for veterans' health care and working to keep their bases operational.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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