Sherry EppersonDirector, International Programs

Sherry Epperson is the Director of International Programs at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), where she manages the operations related to AIA’s participation in international trade shows and addresses issues concerning potential foreign military sales. Epperson coordinates with AIA member companies through the International Exhibition Committee and collaborates with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to determine support requirements for each show. She negotiates with air show management and U.S. and foreign firms to secure the necessary support. Additionally, Epperson works with DSCA and Six Sigma advisors to develop efficient methods and processes for air and trade show participation.

She is also responsible for creating presentations for Tradeshow 101, where she instructs both AIA member companies and U.S. government (USG) agency employees on how to adhere to USG guidance on ethics and review new rules related to conference participation for USG employees. Epperson collaborates with DSCA general counsel and Combatant Command (COCOM) attorneys to request and secure approvals for trade show participation and acceptance of support from non-USG entities.

With over 25 years of experience in event management and coordination, Epperson was previously a co-owner of Cardinali’s Catering, a firm specializing in providing security-cleared waitstaff for high-end events in the Washington, D.C. area.

Epperson holds an associate’s degree in liberal arts with a focus on accounting and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis on organizational psychology and management from the University of Maryland.