President and CEO of Aviation Personnel International Sheryl Barden has named Jennifer Pickerel as VP. Pickerel was previously director of client and candidate services, and will now serve as Barden's ‘chief of staff’, taking on management of the firm's day-to-day operations as well as many of API's strategic initiatives. Pickerel will continue to serve as a senior aviation recruiter, working directly with API's clients, most of whom are Part 91 aviation directors, reporting executives and their corporate HR partners. In this capacity, she identifies each client's cultural and technical needs in order to match them with highly vetted API-registered professionals.

“Since Jennifer joined our team, we've benefited from her vision, creativity and communication skills as well as her unique ability to build relationships, inspire confidence and unite teams,” Barden comments. “Importantly, she and I have built a very transparent, honest relationship and have extreme trust in one other. That trust is based in our mutual candour and our drive toward excellence.”

Pickerel is equally enthusiastic: “I'm incredibly humbled and honoured to represent API and work alongside Sheryl. When people are able to pursue their passions and flex their expertise, it really serves to generate more momentum and creativity. By entrusting me with operations and staff leadership, Sheryl can pursue even more strategic, forward-thinking projects to further API's growth as well as continue to serve as one of business aviation's top thought leaders.”

Prior to joining API in 2015, Pickerel had roles at MedAire, an International SOS company, including the positions of client services manager and senior account manager. During her 10-year tenure, she gained significant leadership experience, developed key aviation industry relationships and honed her exceptional communication skills.

Pickerel is a member of NBAA's maintenance committee and its diversity and inclusion working group. She is also a member of the Minnesota Business Aviation Association, the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association and Women in Corporate Aviation.