Allen McReynolds, COO of US MRO specialist West Star Aviation, has been elected to serve on the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) board of directors.

"The current NATA board is one of the association's most entrepreneurial leadership groups to date, and Allen McReynolds adds to that dynamic. Allen is a strong voice for the maintenance community with broad industry and operational experience that will be invaluable as we continue to address workforce and supply chain challenges, SMS implementation and safety oversight interaction," says president and CEO Curt Castagna.

"On behalf of the NATA board of directors and members we warmly welcome Allen. NATA is excited to add his perspective to the board, which helps to provide a well-rounded representation of the many facets of the general aviation community and contributes greatly to NATA's success in responding proactively to aircraft maintenance legislative and regulatory issues," adds board chair and COO of Sheltair Aviation Todd Anderson.

McReynolds is currently COO of West Star Aviation, a business aviation MRO provider headquartered in East Alton, Illinois. Following the recent acquisition of Jet East, West Star and its 3,000 team members deliver service and repair expertise across all business aviation product lines in over 20 locations and through a vast mobile repair network.

Previously McReynolds was a managing partner with SeaTec Consulting, a provider of consulting, engineering and digital solutions in the aerospace and defence industry. There he was responsible for all strategic initiatives, client-facing relationships and delivery, as well as commercial and operations related activities.

Before joining SeaTec, McReynolds served as vice president of global aftermarket sales for Textron Aviation, led aftermarket operations as EVP of operations for the Hawker Beechcraft Services segment and spent a combined 10 years in the airline industry with both a tier 1 legacy airline as well as a regional carrier.

Starting as an aircraft technician, McReynolds has held roles spanning planning, programmes, finance, line and base maintenance, FAA Part 119 DOM, and supply chain. He holds an MBA from Robert Morris University and graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a BS in management of technical operations. He is also an FAA licensed A&P mechanic.