Arlington, Va. – The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the leading voice of the American aerospace and defense industry, has elected Chris Kubasik, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of L3Harris Technologies, to serve as Chair of the Board of Governors, effective immediately and lasting through 2025. Phebe Novakovic, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Dynamics Corporation, will serve as Vice Chair for the same term. Eric Fanning has been reelected as AIA President and Chief Executive Officer.
“It’s a privilege to serve as AIA chair,” Kubasik said. “In an increasingly challenging global environment, America needs a modern ‘Arsenal of Democracy’ capable of preserving our technological advantage. The aerospace and defense industry is the center of our nation’s arsenal, and our mission to deliver the most advanced solutions is more important than ever. I look forward to partnering with my industry colleagues, the incoming administration and Congress to harness the ingenuity of our U.S.-based, world-class talent and unleash our industry’s innovative spirit.”
“The aerospace and defense industry is an increasingly important component of America’s national and economic security,” Novakovic said. “As the voice of our industry, AIA helps communicate our role in the nation’s economy and defense, providing a forum for industry to share opportunities, best practices and joint challenges. I am very pleased to serve AIA and its leadership as we continue our important work together on behalf of the industry.”
“The U.S. aerospace and defense industry faces unprecedented demands in a challenging economic and security landscape. As the voice of our industry, AIA needs visionary leadership at the helm, and I am grateful to Chris and Phebe for their willingness to serve,” Fanning said. “Chris’ commitment to innovation and excellence coupled with his grasp of the industry’s complexities will drive our mission forward. Under his stewardship, AIA will successfully navigate these dynamic times and continue to advocate for the policies and investments that ensure the industry’s resilience, security, and prosperity.”
AIA represents more than 300 manufacturers and suppliers across every sector and tier of the aerospace and defense industry. 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. Together, these world-class and high-technology companies support more than 2.2 million jobs across the United States, contributing $425 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) (1.6% of total GDP).
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