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Steven McDonald, President & CEO

Mr. McDonald co-founded M2 Transport in 2001. Under his guidance the company has expanded from an aircraft charter management company into a full-service international provider of creative logistics solutions utilizing all modes of transportation.

Prior to M2 Transport, Mr. McDonald was a co-founder and shareholder in Gemini Air Cargo. Mr. McDonald was instrumental in the company’s raising over $100 million in equity capital from Oaktree Capital to start the company in 1995 and the company’s $300 million re-capitalization with The Carlyle Group in 1999. At the time, Gemini was the second largest ACMI cargo airline in the world.

Mr. McDonald served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He developed Gemini’s long term ACMI & Aircraft Charter business plan and sourced its entire initial customer base prior to departing in 2000.

Mr. McDonald received his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Duquesne University and his MBA – Finance from Marymount University.

Naji Basma, Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Basma, previously serving as the Vice President of Sales and Operations, has been promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer at M2 Transport. Rejoining the company in 2020, he has extended his influence over international and domestic services, logistics services, and much more.

Mr. Basma’s journey with M2 Transport started back in 2008 as the Director of International Air Freight. His responsibilities included developing relationships with key third-party members, negotiating airline and inland freight carrier rates, and ensuring crucial timelines were met.

With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Mr. Basma is a seasoned expert. His areas of expertise include export compliance, global compliance, and sales. His passion for aviation fueled his interest in the business and led him towards airfreight at the onset of his career. Mr. Basma is trained in all facets of transportation, including warehousing and customs.

Mr. Basma is a West Georgia University alumnus and holds certifications in Security Threat Assessment, Transportation Security Administration, and Hazardous Materials – IATA. His recent promotion to Chief Operating Officer is a testament to his dedication and extensive knowledge in the field.

Sean Nix, Director Animal Transport

Mr. Nix is a lifelong racing enthusiast who became hooked on the sport through regular trips to Churchill Downs. Joining M2 Transport in 2012, Mr. Nix has served as a key piece in building out the Animal Transport division of the company which he currently spearheads.

During this span, Mr. Nix has developed key relationships with airlines, brokered and operated live animal charters and overseen ground operations for many of our live animal exports.

His time with M2 Transport followed three years with the U.S. Jockey Club during which he acted as a sales representative for Equineline products, including horse farm management software.

Mr. Nix is a graduate of the University of Louisville Business Program with a focus on Equine Business. In his degree program, he contributed to the Winners Federation Directory of Counseling and Addiction Services for Equine Industry Workers by providing key research prior to its publication.

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