About AEA

The Aircraft Electronics Association is an international membership organization with nearly 1,300 companies representing thousands of employees located in more than 40 countries around the world.

Membership includes government-certified international repair stations, manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Aircraft Electronics Association is to be a worldwide, self-sustaining organization committed to enhancing the profitability of its members by...

• providing effective leadership to its members,
• facilitating the communications between members,
• encouraging members to establish quality processes,
• furthering the education of its members and their various constituent groups,
• influencing the applicable legislative and regulatory processes.

The AEA offers its members a wide range of benefits and services, including technical training opportunities, conferences and annual convention and trade show, advocacy, regulatory representation, educational opportunities, and various publications including the monthly magazine, Avionics News, the annual AEA Pilot’s Guide, WIRED e-newsletter and regular communications through email and various social media outlets.

The AEA is headquartered in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City; with a regulatory and legislative office in Washington, D.C., and an international satellite office in Cologne, Germany.

The AEA is governed by an international board of directors, elected by and from the membership.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRONICS ASSOCIATION
3570 NE Ralph Powell Road
Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64064
816-347-8400
www.aea.net

The Position

Position Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

Headquarters: Lee’s Summit, Missouri (The President must work from the headquarters office.)

Reporting to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President / CEO is responsible for providing leadership in the planning, development and implementation of all programs, publications and activities of the organization, under the policy guidance of the International Officers and Board of Directors. S/he is accountable for the AEA’s operations and staff, within the overall limits defined by the AEA Bylaws and AEA Operations & Procedures Handbook as well as within the annual operating budget as approved by the Board.

It is likely that the successful candidate will have strong prior experience leading a significant trade association or other business. Qualified candidates will likely possess a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with at least eight years in executive positions. A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required, and a graduate level degree is preferred.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership, direction and administration of all AEA activities including advocacy, education, communications and membership, under the overall policy guidance as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Support the operations and administration of the AEA staff and volunteer committees in general.
• Lead the AEA’s day-to-day management operations, including personnel, finance and budget.
• Provide sound financial management to the AEA, ensuring the budget is balanced and that investments return good value while remaining within spending guidelines.
• Enhance and strengthen the AEA’s relationships with the general aviation industry.
• Represent the AEA to various constituencies including members, legislators, regulators, press, sponsors and the public.
• Represent the AEA at various industry events and functions.
• Participate in various industry working groups and committees as needed.
• Provide direction and guidance for the advocacy efforts of the AEA, personally engaging with legislators and regulators as needed.
• Promote, build and broaden the AEA membership.
• Communicate with the media, media interviews & press conferences
• Represent the AEA with government regulatory agencies, i.e., FAA, EASA,
• Testify before Committees & Congress
• Maintain and grow the services and benefits provided to the membership, while growing both dues and non-dues streams of revenue for the association.
• Ensure a Strategic Plan is created and implemented to meet the needs of the AEA membership.
• Requires extensive international & domestic travel.
• Interaction & communications with various cultures.

The Candidate

• The Search Committee is seeking a passionate and dedicated leader to serve as the AEA’s next President / CEO. This person must have in-depth knowledge of the AEA’s mission, its membership and the general aviation industry.
• Understanding the general aviation electronics industry is key. The candidate must also grasp the challenges and opportunities facing the general aviation industry in the coming decade.
• The candidate must have outstanding public speaking and presentation skills. S/he must have extensive background experience behind a podium and in front of audiences, both small and large.
• The candidate must have a good command of speaking and writing the English language.
• The candidate will be comfortable in any professional setting representing the AEA.
• The candidate must understand the dynamics of a trade association and how it differs from a for-profit corporation.

Traits/Talents we are seeking:

• Organizational leadership
• Enthusiastic, energetic, self-starter with initiative
• People management and the ability to lead a team
• Financial management experience
• Government Affairs experience
• Managing multiple tasks at once
• Meeting planning
• Marketing experience
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Ability to work with all levels within the organization and willingness to perform any duties, when needed, of the organization