HAI is pleased to announce the hiring of Cade Clark as vice president of government affairs. In that role, Clark is responsible for researching and tracking all legislative developments at the regional, state, and federal levels related to the helicopter industry. Additionally, he will meet with U.S. congressional staff regarding all helicopter and general aviation issues and will serve as an advocate for HAI members.
“I am very excited about Cade joining the HAI team in his capacity as vice president of government affairs,” says Matt Zuccaro, president and CEO of HAI. “His extensive background, training, and experience in federal, state and local advocacy initiatives, coupled with his aviation background, will serve HAI members well.”

“My great-grandfather was a pilot in World War I; my grandfather was a pilot, as is my father,” says Clark. “I’m excited to be here with HAI. I grew up at the FBO my dad managed, working as a lineman and listening to all the old-timers tell their war stories. I loved everything about aviation and earned my pilot’s license when I turned 17. Aviation gets in your DNA, so I naturally jumped at this great opportunity to join HAI working on government affairs and returning to my roots. I look forward to working with all our members and allies to advance the position of our industry.”

Clark comes to HAI after most recently working as vice president for government affairs with the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute for five years. Clark has more than 15 years of experience in advocacy and promoting institutional objectives before policy makers, as well as working to limit regulatory burdens.

Clark’s experience includes developing policy and strategic objectives for the association’s directors and management. He has also led the successful introduction of multiple bills in the U.S. Senate and House and in state assemblies. He has headed multiple departments, developed annual operating budgets, and turned underperforming departments into effective programs to better serve the association members.