The WAI Board of Directors is pleased to announce Allison McKay will join Women in Aviation International as CEO on February 18, 2020, and is responsible for the future strategic vision of the 14,500-member strong organization while overseeing the board of directors, professional staff, and daily operations. She previously served as vice president of the Helicopter Association International Foundation since 2015 commissioning the first academic study of staffing projections for the rotorcraft industry as well as creating a workforce development initiative. Allison will draw from more than 20 years of experience in the development and implementation of highly strategic initiatives with other aviation companies including Safran USA and B/E Aerospace.

“The WAI board of directors formed an executive search committee to conduct an extensive search for a new leader to continue our organization’s critical role in encouraging more women to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace,” Marci Veronie, board chair, said. “Allison’s substantial experience in corporate philanthropy, event management, and government relations, plus her strategic thinking and long-term relationships with key industry stakeholders established Allison as the best candidate to lead WAI into a strong future while inspiring the next generation as they enter our industry,” she added.

“I am thrilled to work for this great organization, to meet many members at our conference next month, and to move WAI in a direction that will construct programs and initiatives to propel women of all ages and backgrounds to follow their own personal aviation dreams,” Allison McKay said. “Thanks to Dr. Peggy Chabrian’s dedication to this industry and her vision to create the annual conference and the organization, I am honored to carry on this work and direct the future of this organization.”

Dr. Peggy Chabrian, WAI founder and former president/CEO, announced her retirement from the organization last fall and plans to attend the 31st Annual International Women in Aviation Conference. “It’s been my pleasure and honor to serve as WAI president for the last 25 years since the organization was founded. I wish Allison all the best for continued growth and new opportunities for WAI in the next 25 years,” Peggy said.