The Women in Aviation International board of directors has appointed Allison McKay as CEO. She will be responsible for the future strategic vision of the 14,500 member-strong organisation while overseeing the board of directors, professional staff and daily operations. She previously served as vice president of the Helicopter Association International Foundation since 2015, commissioning the first academic study of staffing projections for the rotorcraft industry as well as creating a workforce development initiative. McKay will draw from more than 20 years of experience in the development and implementation of highly strategic initiatives with other aviation companies including Safran USA and B/E Aerospace.

“The WAI board of directors formed an executive search committee to conduct an extensive search for a new leader to continue the organisation's critical role in encouraging more women to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace,” says board chair Marci Veronie. “Allison's substantial experience in corporate philanthropy, event management and government relations, plus her strategic thinking and long-term relationships with key industry stakeholders established her as the best candidate to lead WAI into a strong future while inspiring the next generation as they enter our industry.”

“I am thrilled to work for this great organisation, to meet many members at our conference next month and to move WAI in a direction that will construct programmes and initiatives to propel women of all ages and backgrounds to follow their own personal aviation dreams,” adds McKay. “Thanks to Dr Peggy Chabrian's dedication to this industry and her vision to create the annual conference and the organisation, I am honoured to carry on this work and direct the future of this organisation.”

WAI founder and former president/CEO Chabrian announced her retirement from the organisation last fall, and plans to attend the 31st Annual International Women in Aviation Conference. She says: “It's been my pleasure and honour to serve as WAI president for the last 25 years since the organisation was founded. I wish Allison all the best for continued growth and new opportunities for WAI in the next 25 years.”