Team Members

Rebecca Ryan started Flyaway Farm and Kennels in 1999.  She is the owner and executive director of the company and she is in charge of all aspects of training our border collies.  She personally oversees every component of the company and its contracts.  She starts all new contracts, hires and trains new employees, and ensures a high level of commitment and professional service to all our clients. 

In 2001, Rebecca Ryan was nominated by the Women's Business Center of North Carolina for the National Small Businessperson of the Year Award for the Small Business Administration. With the support of PETA, the Humane Society and The Coalition to Prevent the Destruction of Canada Geese Rebecca has founded and is the acting President of Wildlife Unity Inc., a non-profit organization founded to promote the responsible use of trained dogs to solve bird and other wildlife problems through training and accrediting dog handlers.

Karen Voltura is a wildlife biologist and our Chief of BASH operations. She has been working with Flyaway Farm and Kennels since 2002. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma, where she specialized in the behavior and ecology of birds. Her post-doctoral research focused on the energetics of migratory birds, knowledge of which has allowed Flyaway to help our clients predict and mitigate birdstrike risks during migratory periods and modify habitat to discourage wildlife activity on the airfield. Karen is also the BASH Program Manager for Dover AFB and is responsible for bird control, habitat management and researching new strategies for bird control at the airbase. She has worked closely with the base as they initiated the first test of a bird detection radar system from DeTect, Inc for the USAF Safety Center. She also oversees our wildlife management contracts at Charleston AFB, Andrews AFB and MacDill AFB.  Karen provides initial site assessments, continued evaluation of the BASH programs, troubleshoots any developing concerns and offers expert advice on all wildlife issues. Karen’s unique ability to do in depth site assessments, wildlife hazard assessments, low level and phase II analysis allows Flyaway Farm and Kennels to make recommendations that maximize flying time while minimizing risk. Karen meets all the requirements for a Wildlife Hazard Management Biologist as required by the FAA and is responsible for all of our wildlife hazard assessments and management plans.

 

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