Baldwin Addresses Concern Over "Abrupt" Changes

What's going on at the NBAA?

Last week, we reported the recently-appointed CEO for the business aviation group, Shelley Longmuir, abruptly left that organization, along with several other officers. What's going on? Below is a letter from board chairman Daniel Baldwin:

Dear NBAA Member Representative:

Last week, following several days of intense deliberations, NBAA’s Board of Directors decided to seek new leadership for the Association, resulting in the departure of Shelley Longmuir and Bob Warren’s resignation from the Association’s staff. This obviously was not an easy or simple decision, but a bold one in my view, consistent with the Board’s responsibility to manage the affairs of the Association in the best interest of the Membership.

The Board has asked that I serve as Interim President until a new President is appointed. For this role, I intend to be on site at NBAA’s Washington office and readily available to Association management. As I write this, I have just completed a morning of meetings with the Association’s senior staff and Operations Department personnel. Despite my six years on the Board as preparation, it is remarkable to learn at this level of the extraordinary range of activities your Association is involved in on your behalf. Much good and necessary work is ongoing, and the staff is positively engaged and passionate.

Perhaps understandably, the staff is concerned that the Membership is concerned – both with how NBAA is weathering abrupt change, as well as for NBAA’s future.

You should know that this is a resilient group of professionals, most with very long service to the Association. In part because of that experience, the business of NBAA continues uninterrupted, with some shifting of responsibilities. It’s a new week, and the mood is positive and hopeful. As somebody said this morning, "We just don’t have a lot of time to stand around. There’s a lot to do."

As for the future, a Search Committee headed by NBAA Vice Chairman Ken Emerick already has begun working to identify a new NBAA President. Until that appointment is made, please know that the important work of NBAA goes forward. Leadership transitions present opportunities along with challenges. I ask for your consideration and patience as we focus our efforts to best serve you, and if you do have questions or concerns, please contact us. Although this is only my first day in this role, I know that the Board and staff are certain that NBAA’s best days are yet to come.

With best regards,

Donald E. Baldwin Chairman of the Board Interim President

FMI: www.nbaa.org