Chris Dancy has been named HAI’s director of Communications and Public Relations. Prior to joining HAI, Chris served nine-and-a-half years as the media relations director for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

Chris joined AOPA in April 2002. During his time there, the AOPA Media Relations department responded to events such as the two-seat aircraft that caused a panic and forced the evacuation of the U.S. Capitol, the Cory Lidle accident, and the midair collision over the Hudson River involving an air tour helicopter and a light general aviation airplane. He coordinated AOPA’s external communications regarding the TSA’s Large Aircraft Security Program and the FAA’s notice of proposed rulemaking on Part 91 air tour operators.

Prior to joining AOPA, Chris spent more than 20 years in local and network television news. He coordinated coverage for three presidential inaugurations, the first Summit of the Americas, and the first Asia-Pacific Economic Conference.

At HAI, Chris will oversee the association’s relationships with aviation trade and general news media. He will also coordinate closely with newly named director of publications and media, Gina Kvitkovich, to develop content for rotor.com, ROTOR^® magazine, and RotorNews^®.