A Legacy of Service and Dedication to the Fuelhandler
Mr. John F. “Jack” Lavin was the founder and Managing Director of the National Petroleum Management Association (NPMA), serving from its initiation in September 1997 until his passing in 2022.
Jack dedicated his life to supporting one of the most vital yet often overlooked roles in military aviation—fuelhandlers. With a deep respect for the mission-critical nature of their work, Jack made it his passion to ensure these service members were not only recognized for their contributions but also well-equipped for success beyond their time in uniform.
While still serving on active duty and in partnership with his wife, Ruth, he established a nonprofit organization that would go on to make a lasting impact in the aviation petroleum industry—a sector vital to both military and civilian aviation. Together, they laid the foundation of an organization committed to serving those who work tirelessly to ensure aviation fuel and services are available worldwide. The nonprofit grew under their leadership, becoming a beacon of support for those in the industry, offering resources, advocacy, education and community – the National Petroleum Management Association.
Through the NPMA, he worked to offer hands-on guidance and specialized training to enhance their technical skills, safety awareness, and professional development. Jack understood that fueling aircraft was more than a task—it was a lifeline that kept missions moving, and he made it his mission to empower those behind it. What set Jack apart was his unwavering commitment to the long-term success of these service members.
With the NPMA PETRO trade shows, mentorship programs, and industry partnerships, Jack created clear pathways for fuelhandlers to find meaningful careers in the commercial aviation, energy, and logistics sectors. His programs not only provided education and certification opportunities but also instilled confidence and purpose in those preparing to take the next step. Jack’s legacy is etched in the countless lives he helped transform—fuelhandlers who went on to become leaders, experts, and innovators in their fields, all carrying forward the excellence he inspired.
A Storied Federal Career
A senior logistician with multicultural experience, Jack served as a panel member on the National Academy of Sciences’ Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program, where he developed requirements and evaluated industry proposals for a “drop-in” alternative jet fuel production capability at commercial airports. He was a visionary leader, known for his personal character, business ethics, and remarkable insight into planning, programming, and budgeting processes.
Jack retired from federal service on 31 August 2009 as the Deputy Director, GS-15, at the U.S. Air Force Petroleum Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. As the Air Force’s top senior petroleum expert, he was responsible for developing, fielding, and enhancing petroleum, alternative fuels, missile propellants, chemical gases, and cryogenic support capabilities for USAF operational forces, NASA, and other organizations. He had extensive authority over program and budget execution, providing enterprise-level analytical, scientific, engineering, and operational technical support across air, space, and ground forces. He also led the efforts for the Air Force’s JP-8 to COM Jet-A conversion pilot program.
Earlier in his career, Jack held key positions such as Chief of the Air Force Energy Office and Senior Fuels Analyst at Headquarters United States Air Force, The Pentagon. In those roles, he managed a $6 billion fuel budget and was the senior technical advisor on fuel systems automation, financial management, operations, engineering, environmental issues, and global Air Force fuels support. He was also involved in Fuel Systems Safety Engineering Analysis Teams, Accident Investigation Boards, and served as an Expert Witness in fuel-related and environmental litigation cases.
Jack was a graduate of the Northwestern Executive Civilian Leadership Development Program, the U.S. Army Engineering Management Center’s Emerging Trends in Engineering Technology program, and the US Army Petroleum Quartermaster Laboratory School. He also served in key advisory roles to organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute (API), Coordinating Research Council (CRC), Energy Institute (EI), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and other DOD, DOE, DESC, and NATO organizations. His expertise was frequently sought by academia, government, and industry. A published author and recognized fuel systems expert, Jack was called upon to resolve fuel support issues globally, including in England, Germany, Belgium, France, Thailand, Singapore, Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
In his military career, Jack retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) after more than 30 years of service, with assignments in Alaska, Vietnam, Greenland, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Hawaii, Egypt, and Sudan. His entire military career was dedicated to petroleum logistics, where he held key managerial positions at air base, numbered air force, major air commands, and HQ USAF levels. He was a distinguished graduate of the USAF Senior NCO Academy, recipient of the Commandant’s Award, and was named the USAF Outstanding Fuels Manager of the Year in 1977. In 1982, he was selected for retention beyond 30 years in the highly selective 33 High Year Tenure program.
Jack created the Logistics Education Advancement Program (LEAP) and established the Petroleum Logistics Management Course (PLMC) to train and mentor fuel handlers. His work in improving the safety and efficiency of fuel operations worldwide was widely recognized. He was affectionately known as “The Godfather of Fuels,” an ICON possessing “Deep Smarts” in the petroleum business.
After 55 years of public service, Jack Lavin left behind a record of unparalleled accomplishments. His dedication and contributions to the logistics fuels community and the United States Air Force were unprecedented, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. In recognition of his service, the Air Force Fuels Civilian Leader of the Year Award was renamed the John F. Lavin Air Force Fuels Civilian Leader of the Year Award in 2009. At this time, the leadership at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita, Texas is working on a package to officially name the 2F Petroleum Schoolhouse after Jack Lavin.
Jack Lavin passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at the age of 85. He leaves a legacy of excellence and leadership that continues to inspire the petroleum and logistics communities.
A New Chapter
When her husband, Jack, passed in 2022, Ruth was left with an immense task—to carry on the work they had started together. And carry it on, she did. With grace, vision, and a tireless work ethic, Ruth stepped into the role of leader, ensuring the nonprofit would continue its important mission. She worked to reorganize and strengthen the organization, building a robust board of directors, modernizing its structure, and positioning it for long-term sustainability. Ruth’s drive to ensure the nonprofit’s future was not just about preserving her husband’s legacy—it was about creating an enduring institution that would continue to support both the military and civilian aviation petroleum industries – the National Petroleum Management Corporation.
Ruth Lavin, a woman whose life was a testament to resilience, service, and a profound dedication to both her family and community. Ruth’s journey was one of unwavering commitment, a life spent not only supporting her husband, who served our nation with distinction, but also helping build a foundation that would serve the aviation petroleum industry for years to come.
As a military wife, Ruth understood sacrifice and the complexities of life in service to our country. Her husband Jack Lavin’s storied military career took them across the globe, yet through every challenge and every move, Ruth remained a steadfast support, a quiet but powerful pillar that allowed her family to thrive. Her love and devotion were constants in a world of change, providing both strength and stability in the most difficult of times.
Her efforts were not just professional; they were deeply personal. Ruth’s commitment to the community she served was rooted in the belief that helping others was the highest calling. She touched countless lives, offering guidance, mentorship, and a quiet but powerful example of what it means to serve others with dignity and integrity.
In all she did, Ruth embodied the values of perseverance, service, and loyalty. Her legacy is not just in the nonprofit she helped build, but in the hearts of all those who had the privilege to know her. Through her work, she has ensured that the impact of her efforts—and of her husband Jack’s vision—will endure far beyond her lifetime.
Ruth Lavin passed away on January 1, 2025. She leaves behind a world that is better for having known her—a stronger, more unified community in the aviation petroleum industry and a family that will continue to carry forward the values she instilled in them. She will be remembered not only as a loving wife and mother but as a fierce advocate for those who work in the shadows, ensuring the smooth operation of an industry that keeps the world flying.
Her legacy will live on, not only through the nonprofit she helped shape but through the countless lives she touched, the lessons she imparted, and the example she set of what it means to lead with heart, compassion, and purpose.
A Change in Leadership
In February of 2025, the board of directors looked to pass the leadership of the NPMC to Mr. Thomas McCartin.
Tom has worked in commercial aviation for more than 40 years. He began his career with Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) working in Maintenance, Station Operations and Fuel Management. In 1993, Tom was hired to become the first GM at the new Denver International Airport, managing the fuel system and into-plane operation at DIA. He moved to Southwest Airlines in 2002 and over the next 13 years directed fuel purchasing, operations, accounting and fuel quality/training. After retiring from SWA, Tom was hired by Spirit Airlines in March 2015 and has built a fuel department to in-source all fuel management and accounting functions.
Tom retired from Spirit Airlines in June of 2025 and officially took the helm at NPMC. He has the respect of the industry and was instrumental and led the airlines to start the (COG – Consortium Operations Group). He has been an innovator in the industry and has a service-oriented philosophy, the relationships and leadership to be a noteworthy board member.
Tom was inducted in the National Petroleum Management Corporation “Order of the SPR” in 2016 and was named Ground Support magazine “2014 Team Leader of the Year”. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Creighton University and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. Tom and his wife Pat live in Denver, Colorado and have four grown sons.
We are excited to have Tom steer this new chapter and help the NPMC to grow in the coming years.
A Note on the Future of the NPMC from Mr. Thomas McCartin
The Board of the National Petroleum Management Corporation is focused on continuing the work of Jack and Ruth Lavin. Recently the Board of the NPMC re-emphasized our vision to promote professionalism, pride and esprit de corps of the fuel handling industry in safe operations delivering quality products. Our Values continue to be Integrity, Safety, Inclusion and Pride. I look forward to working with all our military, commercial and industry partners as well as current and past students in our certification program to support this mission critical effort.
– Tom McCartin, President, NPMC
