Women in Aviation International has a new CEO starting this month. Allison McKay, formerly the VP at the Helicopter Association International Foundation, will join WAI and will be responsible for “the future strategic vision of the 14,500-member strong organization while overseeing the board of directors, professional staff, and daily operations.” McKay takes over for WAI founder and former President/CEO Dr. Peggy Chabrian, who says, “It’s been my pleasure and honor to serve as WAI president for the last 25 years since the organization was founded. I wish Allison all the best for continued growth and new opportunities for WAI in the next 25 years.” Chabrian will attend WAI’s next conference, scheduled for March 5-7 in Orlando.
“The WAI board of directors formed an executive search committee to conduct an extensive search for a new leader to continue our organization’s critical role in encouraging more women to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace,” said Marci Veronie, board chair. “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 Allison as the best candidate to lead WAI into a strong future while inspiring the next generation as they enter our industry,” she added.
“I am thrilled to work for this great organization, to meet many members at our conference next month, and to move WAI in a direction that will construct programs and initiatives to propel women of all ages and backgrounds to follow their own personal aviation dreams,” Allison McKay said. “Thanks to Dr. Peggy Chabrian’s dedication to this industry and her vision to create the annual conference and the organization, I am honored to carry on this work and direct the future of this organization.” McKay says that fundraising, strategic planning and workforce development are her priorities as she begins as WAI’s new CEO.
