321-676-3200
office@sami-aeromedical.com
office@sami-aeromedical.com
Meet the Flight Crew
Get to know the passionate professionals behind every safe and smooth journey. From seasoned pilots to attentive cabin crew, our team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional in-flight experience with precision, care, and a smile.
Dr. Tyler Sexton
President, SAMI
Led by the President of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, Dr. Tyler Sexton, MD MAPWCA.
His interest in Hyperbarics and Wound Care was initially due to his diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. Dr. Sexton was told that he would never walk, talk or even see. Defying these odds and undergoing 18 surgeries, he pursued his passion for scuba diving, climbed the ranks of recreational scuba diving, and turned his passion into his career as a Hyperbaric physician. Dr. Sexton has published many papers focused on Hyperbaric Medicine and its medicinal effects in many clinical applications.
Dr. Sexton mentors children with disabilities and works with many special interest groups educating them in the field of Hyperbaric Medicine. He uses this knowledge as a physician by treating countless individuals suffering from decompression illness and other hyperbaric clinical applications in the United States and abroad for anyone in need of it.
Gary Seidel
Chamber Supervisor
Gary Seidel is the Safety Director at SAMI, bringing extensive experience in emergency response, technical rescue, and risk assessment. A former fire lieutenant and paramedic, Gary has dedicated his career to protecting lives through rapid response and strategic safety planning. As a technical rescue specialist, he has led high-risk operations in complex environments, ensuring the safety of both personnel and civilians.
Prior to his work in the fire service, Gary served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, where he honed his leadership skills and expertise in crisis management. His military background, combined with his fire service experience, makes him a critical asset in SAMI Extreme Assessment program, which enhances pilot safety through rigorous evaluation and risk mitigation.
Committed to operational excellence, Gary plays a key role in advancing SAMI safety protocols, ensuring that pilots and personnel operate in the most secure conditions possible. His leadership and dedication make him a trusted authority in the field of aviation safety.
Catherine Balavender
Vice President
Catherine serves as the Executive Director of SAMI and is widely regarded as the backbone of the organization’s operations. Guided by a relentless commitment to customer service and exceptional outcomes, she brings a wealth of experience, energy, and precision to her role. With a strong operational mindset and a passion for people, Catherine ensures that every detail aligns with SAMI’s mission to deliver excellence. Outside of work, she enjoys photography and, most importantly, spending quality time with her husband and two kids.
