Steve Bruss

President/CEO

Graduate of Kent State University - B.S. in Aerospace Flight Technology

Steve Bruss began his aviation career in 1989 by serving as a primary, advanced, and instrument flight instructor for Kent State University’s flight program. After graduating with a B.S. degree in Aerospace Flight Technology, Steve obtained employment with Commercial Aviation Insurance (COMAV) as an aviation underwriter in their Chicago office.

Following his tenure at COMAV, Steve came to Wings Insurance and focused on overall account management and production. In 1998 Steve was promoted to Vice President, where his responsibilities encompassed overall company management and large account production.

In August 2006, Steve purchased the company from the former ownership. Under Steve’s leadership the company has undertaken an aggressive and comprehensive overhaul focused around the Independent Insurance Associations (IIA) Best Practices.

Steve is also the primary administrator of Wings computer network and paperless office systems. In 2004 Steve co­founded an agency software advocacy group, the Aviation Software Alliance. Through the direction provided by Steve, this group was successful in developing and obtaining approval of the first-ever standardized aviation insurance applications as well as XML electronic standards. This achievement has enabled electronic interface between brokers and insurance companies, streamlining application processing, claims handling, and policy issuance.

Steve has written several articles for trade publications and served as an expert witness in several court proceedings involving aviation insurance cases. In 2006, he testified in front of the Minnesota Senate on behalf of the Minnesota Business Aviation Association advocating against a bill regarding aviation insurance issues. He has also served on the Minnesota Senate sub-committee aviation insurance working group.

Steve continues to be an active pilot and flight instructor, possessing a Commercial and Certified Instrument Flight Instructor license with single and multi-engine land and instrument ratings. He is also a participant in the FAA Pilot Proficiency “Wings” program. Steve has logged over 2,000 hours of flight time and currently operates a Piper Saratoga II TC aircraft.