The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has promoted Ken Thompson to full-time managing director of regulatory affairs and industry expert Paige Kroner has joined the NATA team as senior advisor, industry relations.

In his new role, Thompson will lead NATA's efforts to ensure efficient and effective safety management system (SMS) implementation across the industry, address security concerns as new technology emerges, support workforce recruitment efforts and educate the industry on efforts to combat illegal charter activities, among other priorities.

Thompson previously served as NATA's senior advisor, industry relations (maintenance), where he acted as staff liaison for NATA's Aircraft Maintenance and Systems Technology (AMST) Committee and as a recognised observer on the Part 145 Aviation Rule making Advisory Committee (ARAC) Working Group. He is a certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic and has served as an aircraft mechanic/inspector (A&P/IA), quality control inspector, quality assurance manager, chief inspector, designated manufacturing inspection representative (DMIR) and senior manager in manufacturing and maintenance facilities.

“Ken's more than 49 years of aviation experience, including nearly three decades as an FAA aviation safety inspector, are invaluable to NATA's efforts to find solutions, address challenges and leverage opportunities related to aviation safety, security, operational efficiencies and workforce acquisition and development,” says NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna.

Paige Kroner will assist the NATA team with industry outreach, event execution and member relations. Kroner has worked for noted aviation companies Piedmont-Hawthorne Aviation, Chantilly Air and Signature Flight Support, as well as trade associations American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). As NBAA's Central Eastern regional representative, she oversaw outreach to the business aviation community and grassroots programmes in her nine state territory to ensure the safety, efficiency and acceptance of business aviation. Kroner has also served as FBO duty manager at Washington Dulles International airport.

“Paige's extensive experience with business aviation public policy initiatives, airports, transportation programmes and community education projects, as well as her broad industry network, will greatly enhance the NATA team's work to expand our event portfolio, implement new industry technologies, engage new business aviation workforce entrants and grow our membership,” adds Castagna. “With the addition of Ken and Paige, the NATA team is poised to advance the association and its members on all fronts as we move toward FAA reauthorisation and a new era in aviation.”