Bernadette Cooney

Bernadette is New Mexico-born and West Texas-raised.  After receiving an Associate’s Degree in Aviation Technology in Texas, she joined the United States Army as a Warrant Officer, flying UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. Bookending a tour in Alaska, Bernadette served two tours as a MEDEVAC pilot in Korea and a Blackhawk Instructor Pilot. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics while on active duty. Bernadette met her husband, Regan Plath, while they were flying for the Army in Alaska. After leaving the service, they married and both landed jobs as airline pilots. Bernadette’s career included posts as an airline captain in India and Kazakhstan before her current assignment as a D.C.-based pilot for American Airlines.

Bernadette and Regan live in Warrenton with their son Grayson (’29). They have served the School as parent buddy readers, Auction volunteers, and presented a “Project Approach” aviation program for Grayson’s second grade class. Bernadette has also volunteered in the Lower School Resource Center, the Highland School Book Fair and Highland for the Holidays, and served as a Parent Association grade representative and Chair of the PA Lunch Program.