Three new board members were voted in by WAI members at the association’s annual membership meeting held during its annual conference. Voting included reelecting two current board members for another three-year term.The newly-elected board members include:

Deborah Hecker is a 737-800 first officer for American Airlines. She began her aviation career in 1994 flying freight. She then flew for Piedmont Airlines, before being hired by American Airlines in 1999. Deborah has flown the B757/767 and as flight engineer on the B727. She also completed training to become a certified American Airlines flight attendant on the B777-200, B757/767, B737, and MD80, becoming the first person in the history of American Airlines to be dual qualified as a pilot and flight attendant.

Marci Veronie has spent 28 years in the aviation insurance industry, rising from an administrative position to vice president of sales and marketing at Avemco Insurance Company in Frederick,Maryland. She is a leader of Avemco’s efforts to promote aviation safety and is a frequent speaker at air shows around the country, including conducting educational seminars at the annual International Women in Aviation Conference.

Abingdon Welch is founder and CEO of The Abingdon Co. which specializes in high-end traveling timepieces and paper airplane jewelry for female adventurers like herself. She also serves as the driving force behind The Abingdon Crew, a group of high-flying and talented female pilots that includes acrobatic performers Melissa Pemberton and Jacquie Warda. She earned her private pilot certificate after just 34 days of training.

Brian Bolt, manager of fleet common programs and new hire indoctrination for Delta Air Lines was re-elected for an additional three-year term as was Karen Gebhart, vice president of business development for Helicopter Association International. Both Brian and Karen have already served one three-year term.

“We have an incredible board of directors who bring vast talent and expertise to helping guide WAI, and we welcome our new board members and are certain they will provide valuable input in the years ahead,” says WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian.

Women in Aviation, International is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to providing networking, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women and men who are striving for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, contact WAI at 3647 State Route 503 South, West Alexandria, OH 45381, Phone (937) 839-4647; Fax (937) 839-4645 or through www.wai.org.