The only way I could see a $45k/yr figure coming in to play is maybe chief pilot. I know they haven't been able to get anyone to fill that position for a year or so.
Without a Chief Pilot, you can't have a 135 certificate.
The Chief Pilot is the person they want to be D.O. so he's technically still the Chief Pilot until they find someone else. Although I think he's kind of a fool since the person they REALLY want to be D.O. is a couple years away from having the 3 in 6.