The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has promoted three long serving team members and has formed a new strategy and innovation division. Mike Nichols CAM, CAE will lead the new division as senior vice president, strategy and innovation; Joanne 'Jo' Damato CAM has been named vice president, educational strategy and workforce development; and Dina Green CMP has been promoted to vice president, events.

“We are pleased to recognise the outstanding contributions and forward-looking vision of three of our most dedicated veterans,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “Additionally, the formation of a new division, focused on providing NBAA with innovative strategies and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within the association, will further enhance the organisation's service to its members.”

In addition to heading up the new division, Nichols's responsibilities include overseeing NBAA's professional development initiatives, including the association's many educational offerings, as well as defining the vision and strategy for enhancing NBAA's conferences and seminars through an increase in attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and engagement.

Nichols joined the association in June 2003 as manager, tax and finance issues. Subsequent positions included director, tax, economics and operational services; vice president, operations, education and economics; and vice president, operational excellence and professional development. An active instrument-rated private pilot for land and seaplanes, Nichols owns a Grumman Tiger aircraft.

Damato's new responsibilities include leading the team for all of NBAA's professional development activities such as the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) programme, Professional Development Program (PDP) review committee, on-demand education, the NBAA Young Professionals (YoPro) Council and other committee initiatives, as well as overseeing the association's scholarship programme. In addition, she will be at the forefront of the association's efforts to address the industry's workforce challenges.

Damato previously served as senior director, educational development and strategy, and has also served as the association's director of operations and educational development. She joined NBAA in 2001 to manage the association's air traffic services function at the FAA ATC System Command Center until 2007, when she moved on to professional development roles within NBAA. A current Certified Flight Instructor, Damato holds a single and multi-engine land instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate.

Green's new responsibilities include event planning and budget oversight related to the association's three large annual trade shows, as well as its Regional Forums. She also leads the association's team responsible for registration and sponsorships. A private pilot, Green joined NBAA in 2003 and has served as director, registration and seminar exhibits; director, conferences and forums; and senior director, conferences and forums.