of Director’s Search Committee in January initiated the pro- cess for selecting his successor. We started by developing a comprehensive proposal that summarized the role’s respon- sibilities and the desired qualities of the winning candidate, and then selected a top-notch recruiting firm to assist in the process. We’re now interviewing outstanding candidates and are looking forward to having the right person in place in the near future. Once in place, the new president and CEO will be tasked
with continuing to drive our strategy to unite the industry and bring exceptional value to our members. The individual selected for this role will be ably assisted by VAI’s talented staff, all leaders in their respective positions but accus- tomed to working as one team, with efficiency and profi- ciency, to accomplish the association’s purpose. VAI continues to improve its value for members, launch-
ing new benefits and services and growing our list of education and networking opportunities. We now have six providers who can help you meet the FAA 2027 mandate for safety management systems, and we’re working diligently to create new workforce development programs, such as mentorship initiatives and expanded industry pipelines. As various groups come up with new tactics to limit our access to airspace, the VAI Government Affairs team ensures we stay informed and flying.
organization working to elevate the standards of flight. Looking ahead, we are more committed than ever to fos-
tering innovation, strengthening our community, and leading the way into a new era of vertical aviation. Here’s to a year well lived—and to an even more ambitious and inspired year to come. As I wrap up my last column for POWER UP as chair, I
VAI stands at the nexus of progress and industry evolution.
Perhaps most importantly, this year reminded us of the
resilience that defines the vertical aviation community. Whether responding to natural disasters, supporting wildfire suppression efforts, or delivering critical care via air ambu- lance services, we rose to the occasion time and time again. Behind every flight is a team of professionals—dispatchers, mechanics and engineers, and pilots—working tirelessly under pressure to ensure safety and success while providing enormous benefit to society. Although challenges remain, the future of vertical flight is
quite bright. VAI is proud to lead the global vertical avia- tion community—not only as an advocate, educator, and gathering place but as a champion for every individual and
JUN 2025 POWER UP 7
want to pass the torch to the incoming chairman of the VAI Board of Directors, Rick Kenin of Boston MedFlight. Rick was elected to the position, along with the rest of the board’s officers, at our board meeting during VERTICON 2025 (see “Jul. 1 Sees New Board, Officers” on p. 12). Our association will be in great hands with Rick, and I’m
excited to see him flourish in the role of guiding our strategy and furthering our initiatives in support of our membership. Thank you, Rick, for your willingness to serve and guide the Board of Directors, the association, and the industry. As for me, while I’ve been humbled by the experience of
leading the association, it was also a great joy to serve our community of vertical aviators. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity granted to me by you, the VAI members.
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