As president of the Aircraft Electronics Association, Paula Derks presides over the international trade organization that provides regulatory representation, training and member services to more than 1,300 general aviation electronics entities in 43 countries around the globe.

In coordination with the AEA board of directors, Derks’ position includes long-range planning and budgeting, representing the AEA at industry events, and ensuring the strategic objectives of the association are realized. She is the publisher of Avionics News, the association’s monthly magazine.

Derks received a Bachelor of Science in public relations and a minor in journalism from the University of Central Missouri. She began her career with the AEA as managing editor of Avionics News, and became AEA’s director of communications in 1990, before being named president in 1996.

Derks is chairman of the board of trustees of the Aviation Accreditation Board International. She is a charter member of Women in Aviation International and a member of the National Aeronautics Association. She is a member of the Aviation Advisory Council for the University of Central Missouri; chairman of the Friends of Lee’s Summit community activist group to promote the continued development of the municipal airport; and a board member of the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council. She was named the 2004 Distinguished Alumna of the Year for her college alma mater, UCM.

Derks resides in Lee’s Summit, Mo., with her husband, Bruce, and they have two grown children.