Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC) in Poughkeepsie announced that Heather Howley, owner of Independent Helicopters, has joined the HVEDC Board of Directors.
In 2008, owner and Chief Pilot Heather Howley started Independent Helicopters with only $25. After 15 years in business it is now located at Stewart Airport with the recent build of its own private heliport facility and a second location at the Saratoga County Airport. With nine helicopters and one flight simulator, the company offers charter, airport transfers, tours and scenic flights, flight instruction, aerial photography, and power line and pipeline patrols. Howley is an accomplished examiner, instructor and pilot flying both helicopters and airplanes with over 8,000 hours of flight time. In her recent venture, she loves helping others achieve their goals and uses her business and life experiences along with her problem-solving skills and creative thinking through consulting and mentoring. She appreciates the opportunity to help clients grow their businesses, develop new skills and reach personal and professional goals. Howley is constantly giving back to her community with interests in supporting the next generation of aviation, veterans and cancer organizations. She is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 small-business graduate, 40 under 40 recipient in Albany and Westchester County, an Orange County Rising Star, and a Hudson Valley Woman of Achievement among other accolades.
