Title: Chairman of Wayne County Board of Education
Company: Wayne County Public Schools
Location: Goldsboro, North Carolina, United States
Wade Leatham, Chair of Wayne County Public Schools at the Wayne County Board of Education, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in Aerospace and Defense.
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. Accepting the opportunity has allowed Mr. Leatham not only to advocate on their behalf but also to support health care initiatives and ensure the viability of military bases, which are vital to communities.
Since 2020, Mr. Leatham has also served as the chair of the Wayne County Public Schools, Wayne County Board of Education, guiding policy and supporting educational initiatives in his community. His leadership on the board is informed by his extensive experience in both military and civilian sectors.
Before his current roles, Mr. Leatham built a notable career in aviation. From 2003 to 2022, he was a commercial airline pilot with JetBlue Airways, where he demonstrated professionalism and expertise over nearly two decades. Mr. Leatham’s tenure at JetBlue followed a period as an academic pilot instructor in South Carolina, where he trained aspiring pilots and helped develop future aviators.
Mr. Leatham’s foundational experience stems from his service in the U.S. Air Force. For nearly a decade, he excelled as a U.S. Air Force pilot, achieving the distinction of test operational pilot, a role he considers his most significant professional accomplishment. In this capacity, he was responsible for testing new aircraft before deployment to operational units, ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards. He also served several years in a combat command role, preparing his team for critical missions while upholding the highest standards of readiness. Throughout his military and civilian career, Mr. Leatham notably accumulated approximately 14,000 flying hours.
Mr. Leatham’s academic journey began with two years of high school in Virginia, followed by his junior and senior years in South Carolina, where he graduated in 1975. He then attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he played collegiate baseball and earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation sciences in 1979. Mr. Leatham also completed coursework toward a master’s degree, further enhancing his knowledge base and leadership skills.
Active in his community, Mr. Leatham is a member of the Order of Daedalians, the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, the Military Officers Association of America and the Military Affairs Committee of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. These associations reflect his ongoing commitment to advancing military and aviation interests at both local and national levels.
Mr. Leatham has received multiple Instructor of the Year awards and several military awards and commendations for meritorious service from the U.S. Air Force. Throughout his life, he has credited his success to several key influences, including his faith, his father, a private pilot who provided consistent mentorship and inspiration, his mother for her steadfast support, and his wife for her unwavering encouragement throughout their marriage. Looking ahead, Mr. Leatham is committed to continuing his work on the school board, with a focus on delivering high-quality education for children and supporting teachers. He also intends to advocate for veterans’ health care needs and to work to maintain open military bases for service members and their families.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Mr. Leatham:
Your message has been sent
