Meet the Team

Tommy A. Ellett

President

B.S. Agricultural Science, Auburn University

Tommy, a second-generation farmer, was born and raised in South Alabama and attended college at Auburn University where he pursued a degree in Agriculture. After college, Tommy became the Manager of Ladner Farms, the largest row crop farm in South Mississippi at the time. After many years there, he took a job as a Certified Crop Consultant and Salesman with Terra in Magnolia, MS and later went on to become the managing partner of Angelina Plantation in Monterey, LA. In 2006, he and wife Cathy purchased Ferriday Flying Service, Inc in Ferriday, LA turning it into one of the largest operations in that part of Louisiana.

In 2014 he and wife Cathy purchased Nor-Wes, Inc. Tommy and Cathy have a son, Sam, and a daughter, Laura. They have 6 grandchildren and enjoy spending time with them as often as possible. Tommy and Cathy attend church in Natchez, MS where Tommy is a leader in the church.

Cathy M. Ellett

Vice President / Treasurer

PhD Educational Leadership, Mississippi State University

Cathy is the wife of Tommy Ellett and Vice President of Nor-Wes, Inc. Cathy was born in Pascagoula, MS and raised in South Alabama. Cathy attended the University of Southern Mississippi and pursued a degree in business. After that she attended Mississippi College and attained a Masters degree in Education, and finally attended Mississippi State University where she was awarded a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. Cathy retired from Copiah Lincoln Community College in Wesson, MS in 2009, where she worked for many years. Don’t let all the degrees fool you, before attending college, Cathy was actively helping Tommy on the farm and has run everything from tractors to 18 wheelers. Cathy is actively involved in the church that she and Tommy attend.

Thomas S. “Sam” Ellett

Secretary / General Manager

B.S. Commercial Aviation, Delta State University

Sam is the son of Tommy and Cathy Ellett and is the General Manager and Chief Pilot for Nor-Wes, Inc.  Sam attended Delta State University in Cleveland, MS and attained a degree in Commercial Aviation in Flight Operations. Sam’s early life consisted of growing up the son of a farmer. Sam worked on the farm at an early age and credits his work ethic to his father and mother and his experience growing up on the farm. At the age of 14 an agricultural pilot named Owen Holland took Sam flying and after that he knew what he wanted to do in life. Sam is a 16-year veteran of the Mississippi Air National Guard, serving as a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft mechanic, an Air Battle Manager, and now as a mission pilot and Aircraft Commander on the KC-135R Stratotanker. Sam has experience as an agricultural pilot, FAA Part 135 Charter Jet Captain, military pilot, and is a certified flight instructor with over 1,000 hours of instruction given. Sam has amassed over 8,000 hours of flying time and now leads Nor-Wes, Inc’s day to day operations and serves as the Chief Pilot. Sam is married to his wife Jessica, who is a nurse, and together they have 4 children, Cam, Duke, Maverick, and Emilia Kate.

Cherie Salvucci

corporate controller

Cherie serves as the Corporate Controller at Nor-Wes, Inc. Cherie’s knowledge and abilities were gained almost entirely from working nearly 25 years as the bookkeeper for J&M Aircraft Supply, Inc in
Shreveport, LA. Cherie’s knowledge and experience in the aviation industry has earned her the ability to adapt to the everchanging environment of Agricultural Aviation. Cherie is happily married to her husband Greg, who is the manager of a large retail store. Cherie brings her amazing personality, hard work ethic, and expertise in finance to the table to help Nor-Wes stay successful.

Justin Foshee

location manager

B.S. Business, Louisiana State University

Justin Foshee serves as Location Manager in Natchitoches, LA. Justin has a long and rich heritage in the Agricultural Aviation Industry. Justin’s grandfather Paul Foshee started Foshee Dusting Co. in Natchitoches, LA in 1951. Eventually, Justin’s father Paul Lee Foshee took over the family business and Justin began to gain his life-long experience in Agricultural Aviation. Prior to working with Nor-Wes, Justin spent several years after college in various managerial positions. Justin is a Graduate of Louisiana State University and is happily married to his wife Mandy, and they have two children.

Justin Kennedy

lead pilot

B.S. Aviation Management, Auburn University

Justin is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Aviation Management. He grew up in a military family and has had the opportunity to live in many different areas, but most of his time was in Northern Alabama and in Eastern Colorado where he spent many years working on the family farm. Justin’s experience working on the farm and helping with harvest has given him a unique perspective, strong work ethic, and has led to his interest in agricultural aviation. Justin is experienced in ground handling and coordinating of agricultural aircraft and has attained a commercial pilot rating.

Brian West

Director of operations

B.S. Computer Engineering, Iowa State University

Brian serves as Nor-Wes, Inc’s Director of Operations in Iowa and is the Airport Manager of the Creston Municipal Airport in Creston, IA. Brian is a private pilot and is a certified Aircraft Mechanic. Brian was born and raised in Creston, IA and grew up working on airplanes with his dad Larry, as well as being heavily involved in Larry’s aerial application business. Brian attended Iowa State University and attained a degree in Computer Engineering. After working at a few other jobs, Brian returned to help his dad Larry as an aircraft mechanic. Brian joined the Nor-Wes, Inc team in January of 2020. Brian enjoys flying in his Bellanca Citabria which he owns with his brother Tyler.

Tyler West

location manager

Tyler serves as Location Manager for Nor-Wes, Inc. Tyler is a certified Aircraft Mechanic and a certified Welder. Tyler grew up working on airplanes with his dad Larry and brother Brian. Tyler grew up in Creston, IA and was immersed in the agriculture life at an early age. Tyler enjoys the outdoors and is an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoys off roading and snowmobiling. Tyler is a private pilot and like to fly his Bellanca Citabria which he owns with his brother Brian.

Alberto Lozano

Location Manager

B.S. General Agriculture, New Mexico State University

Alberto Lozano is the Aerial Coordinator and Lead Ground Support for Nor-Wes, Inc in West Texas and New Mexico. Alberto grew up near Ascension, Mexico and attained citizenship in the United States through his service to the New Mexico Army National Guard. After his outstanding military service, Alberto attended New Mexico State University and attained a degree in agriculture. Alberto has a pilot’s license and uses his skills as an aviator with his experience in agriculture to help make Nor-Wes the best aerial application service in the industry. 

Vicki Ivey

administrative assistant

Vicki Ivey serves as the administrative assistant for Nor-Wes, Inc’s southwestern operations. She was born and raised in El Paso, Texas and has been a bookkeeper for 45 years. Her employment started in 1976, her last year in high school. A farmer came to my high school, interviewed and hired her. At one point, part of the farm was subdivided. The farm bookkeeping also consisted of selling cabbage and onions locally and out of town. She took on extra work in 2016 doing the receivables for an aerial application businesses. In 2019 that business was sold to Nor-Wes Inc. Vicki loves learning new programs and working for Nor-Wes Inc where she is an extremely valued team member.