Meet the Executive Team

Stepping into the role of Curator on May 2024, Bailey previously held positions as Exhibits Manager and Collections Manager at Wings Over the Rockies since his arrival in 2020. With a life-long passion for aviation and spaceflight he has over 36 years of experience working in aviation, space and science museums in Michigan, Oregon, Texas and Colorado. His degree in Graphic Design from the University of Michigan School of Art & Design has been influential in his design and creation of exhibits and programs in the museum environment, including Wing’s internally developed exhibits such as “World War II and YOU,” and “Berlin Airlift: Supplies From the Sky.”

As Bailey says, “Air and space museums are incredible places to explore and get inspired by the efforts of larger-than-life people who’ve sought to break free of the bounds of gravity. Flight has always been a dream of humanity, and it’s only in the past couple centuries that the dream has become reality. Wings is a great place to learn about that legacy and dream of what the future might hold.”

In addition to his museum work, Bailey has written one book about the Evergreen Air & Space Museum’s collection, as well as numerous articles for aviation and space magazines. A passionate model builder, he also has interests in astronomy, rocketry and the naval battles of the American Civil War.

As the museum’s Director of Guest Experience, Amanda Morton oversees Wings Over the Rockies store retail operations, admissions, and flight simulation experiences. These experiences focus on our vision, mission and values as an organization and how we educate, inspire and excite guests through our many touch points from front of house staff. As the leader of the Guest Experience team, we strive to meet and exceed guest expectations and are always looking for ways to improve.

Before joining the Wings team in 2024, Morton started with 22 years in the customer service field through food services, sales and non-profit work. Non-profit museum work has been a focus of hers since 2012, where she has held leading Guest Experience roles at The Dallas Heritage Village, The Amon Carter Museum of American Art and Denver Botanic Gardens. These experiences are in concert with her Bachelor of Art History from the University of Texas and her Master of Art History from Texas Christian University, where her focus was on 20th-century American art, specifically performance art from the 1970s. Her own personal mission is to make sure that every guest is heard and acknowledged, and to improve the overall guest experience.

As Director of Corporate Sales and Events, Dawn Heaton contributes to an organization that inspires exploration and ignites a passion for aerospace and aviation. Her work aligns deeply with the museum’s mission to educate and engage the community, creating meaningful connections to drive impactful experiences.

Dawn’s professional journey has been guided by a passion for building relationships and delivering exceptional results. She started her career at Wings Over the Rockies in 2017 and held every position in the Events Department, giving her the unique ability to appreciate and manage all aspects of her department. With over seven years of experience in sales, events and organizational leadership, she has successfully led teams and initiatives that have fostered growth, strengthened partnerships and elevated brand presence. Her experiences have shaped her collaborative, creative and community-focused approach to leadership.

Since joining Wings Over the Rockies, Dawn has become a highly respected member of Venuhub, a Metro-Denver based organization that delivers networking and promotional services within the local events industry. She reaches out to the local community to inform them of events that may affect the area and is a member of the Lowry Business Community. Additionally, Dawn works with charitable organizations as part of Wings strategic planning initiatives. Collaborating with the dedicated team, corporate partners and community stakeholders fuels her passion for advancing Wings’ vision and ensuring its continued success.

Michelle McMahon is the Director of Education at Wings Over the Rockies. In this role, McMahon oversees education, community outreach/engagement and the Wings Aerospace Education (WAE) programming. McMahon spent over 20 years as a public-school educator and administrator in Southern California. After COVID, McMahon brought her love of flight and science to Wings where she has helped to develop and define the museum’s educational programming to inspire students of all ages.

During her tenure at Wings, McMahon helped to increase participation in the Wings Aerospace Exploration pathway by nearly 300%. McMahon has been instrumental in helping to expand Wings’ educational programming to include a comprehensive summer camp program at both of Wings’ locations. McMahon has a passion for making a difference and having students experience Wings’ programming by increasing community engagement to schools and family events across the Denver Metro area.

McMahon graduated with a degree in Journalism from California State Polytechnic University and holds a Masters in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. McMahon also spent 10 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff Search and Rescue team and was a former Customer Service Representative for America West Airlines. McMahon enjoys camping, hiking, fishing and taking her dogs on Colorado adventures.