Arlington, Va. (April 18, 2022) – Today, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) announced enhancements to its International Division through two key staff updates. Dak Hardwick has been promoted to Vice President of International Affairs and MaryLee Pollitt will join the team as Director of International Affairs.
“As we have seen with recent global events, national security and foreign policy must remain top priorities for the United States. One of AIA’s greatest assets is our International Affairs Division, which plays a critical role in advocating for our more than 320 member companies and our industry’s more than 2 million employees,” said Eric Fanning, President and CEO of AIA. “Dak and MaryLee’s expertise complement a strong, effective International Affairs team and will help bolster AIA’s leadership and impact on public policy.”
Hardwick has been with AIA for over 8 years and most recently served as Assistant Vice President of International Affairs. Before joining AIA, Hardwick worked at Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company. A former Presidential Management Fellow, Hardwick began his career at Headquarters, Marine Corps as an appropriations budget analyst. He later transitioned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense where he helped establish the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense after September 11, 2001, and later held a variety of critical national security positions. Hardwick serves on a number of boards and committees including the Department of Commerce’s Industry Trade Advisory Committee for Aerospace Equipment, the Virginia Aviation Board, and the Alexandria Industrial Development Authority.
Pollitt joins the team as Director of International Affairs where she will focus on export controls, trade, and regulatory issues. Pollitt began her career with Sierra Nevada Corporation where she focused on export licensing, compliance, and technology transfer and release policy. Most recently, Pollitt worked on General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) Government Affairs team, predominantly supporting the international business portfolio.
The International Division at AIA is responsible for promoting domestic and international policies and practices that help American companies compete in the global marketplace and cooperate with our allies and foreign partners. With both defined and undefined barriers that can limit business growth, AIA’s International Council works to promote free and fair trade for U.S. aerospace and national security products as a means to enhance national and economic security. This helps maintain the vitality of the aerospace and national security industrial base and workforce.
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