Will Move To New Role In November

Aero-News has learned Marion C. Blakey has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aerospace Industries Association, the trade association representing the nation's manufacturers of aerospace equipment, effective November 12, 2007. The announcement was made Tuesday by William H. Swanson, 2007 Chairman of the AIA Board of Governors and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Raytheon Company.

Blakey is the 15th Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, a position she has held since September of 2002. Her term as FAA Administrator ends September 13, 2007. As FAA Administrator, Blakey is responsible for regulating and advancing the safety of the nation's airways, as well as operating the world's largest air traffic control system. Prior to being named FAA Administrator, Blakey served as Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board.

Blakey succeeds John W. Douglass as AIA President and CEO. Douglass has been President and CEO of AIA since September 1998, and will remain with AIA through December 31, 2007 to provide counsel and ensure a smooth transition.

AIA Board of Governors Chairman Swanson said Douglass showed exceptional leadership through an important period in the aerospace and defense industry. "John has provided a steady hand at the controls for almost a decade," Swanson said. "We wish him well in his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated service to AIA."

Swanson added, "We are very pleased to name Marion Blakey to the role of AIA President and CEO. Her exceptional experience in the executive branch of government, as well her deep expertise in public affairs and government relations, will greatly benefit all the members of AIA as she represents the industry in the years ahead."

As FAA Administrator, Blakey has overseen the safest period for air travel in the United States' history and is a tireless safety advocate internationally. According to the AIA, Blakey has instituted solid business practices at the agency with more than 97 percent of the agency's major programs coming in on time and on budget. Under her leadership, the Next Generation Air Transportation System was launched and significant progress made toward its implementation.

Prior to her leadership roles at FAA and NTSB, Blakey held five previous Presidential appointments, four of which required Senate confirmation. From 1992 to 1993, Blakey served as Administrator of the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As the nation's leading highway safety official, she was charged with reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. Prior to her service at NHTSA, she held key positions at the Department of Commerce, the Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the White House and the Department of Transportation.

From 1993 to 2001, Blakey was the principal of Blakey & Associates -- now Blakey & Agnew -- a Washington, DC public affairs consulting firm with a particular focus on transportation issues and traffic safety.

Blakey was born in Gadsden, AL and received her bachelor's degree with honors in international studies from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia. She also attended John Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies for graduate work in Middle East Affairs.

Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, space systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information technology.

FMI: www.aia-aerospace.org