Arlington, Va. (Nov. 21, 22) – The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has elected Tom Gentile, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spirit AeroSystems, to serve as Chairman of the Board of Governors for 2023. Theodore “Ted” Colbert III, Executive Vice President, The Boeing Company and President/CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, will serve as Vice Chairman. Eric Fanning has been reelected as AIA President and Chief Executive Officer.
“It’s an exciting time to serve the aerospace and defense industry as chair of the Aerospace Industries Association,” said Gentile. “Our industry faces a new set of challenges – but also new and inspiring opportunities – that will stretch us all as we position our industry for continued leadership, innovation, and growth.”
“The U.S. aerospace and defense industry remains the bellwether of American innovation and leadership, even in trying times. This year, the 2022 CEO-led Executive Committee helped our industry navigate a perfect storm of challenges, and we are in a stronger position because of their guidance,” Fanning said. “Our work isn’t finished yet. With Tom at the helm, AIA will continue to champion our industry and promote the policy and investments needed for continued success. Tom follows in the exceptional footsteps of Mike Petters, who has been an asset to our mission. We thank him for his eight years of service to our organization.”
AIA represents more than 320 manufacturers and suppliers across every sector and tier of the aerospace and defense industry. Together, these world-class and high-technology companies support more than 2.1 million jobs across the United States, contributing $391 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) (1.7% of total GDP).
Direct involvement of CEO-level officers from the country’s major aerospace and defense companies helps guide and shape the policy goals for AIA and the entire industry. The association is led by a Board of Governors that meets twice a year and an Executive Committee that meets more frequently.
AIA’s Chairman, Vice Chairman, as well as the President and Chief Executive Officer, all serve on the Executive Committee. The members of the AIA Executive Committee for 2023 are:
Tom Arseneault, BAE Systems
Thomas Bell, Rolls-Royce North America, Inc.
Kathleen Boyle, Verify, Inc.
Heather Bulk, Special Aerospace Services, LLC
Theodore “Ted” Colbert III, The Boeing Company
Scott C. Donnelly, Textron Inc.
Eric Fanning, Aerospace Industries Association
Tom Gentile, Spirit AeroSystems
Gregory Hayes, Raytheon Technologies
Vern Heyer, LAI International, Associate Member Representative
Mike Kahn, CAES
Dr. Dave Kaufman, Ball Aerospace
Christopher D. Kastner, HII
Roger Krone, Leidos Corporation
Christopher E. Kubasik, L3Harris Technologies
Dr. Carmelo Lo Faro, Solvay
Mike Madsen, Honeywell Aerospace
Eric Mendelson, HEICO Corporation, Ex Officio
Phebe Novakovic, General Dynamics Corporation
Fatih Ozmen, Sierra Nevada Corporation
Anne Shybunko-Moore, GSE Dynamics
John Slattery, General Electric Aviation
Kathy Warden, Northrop Grumman Corporation
