National Aviation Hall of Fame Readies for its Next 60 Years

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF)—a Dayton, Ohio-based institution founded to inspire appreciation of the United States’ extraordinary aviation heritage—announced on 05 June 2023 that Aimee Maruyama had been named the organization’s new president and CEO.

Following a competitive national search conducted by the NAHF's board of trustees and facilitated by executive research and recruitment firm Korn Ferry, Ms. Maruyama emerged as the top candidate for the job.

Ms. Maruyama stated: "As an organization that has grown into a vital force over the span of sixty-years, the NAHF is dedicated to honoring our rich aviation heritage while inspiring and educating the next generation of aerospace pioneers. I am humbled and privileged to lead the NAHF, especially during a period of unprecedented evolution and growth in the aerospace industry.

Ms. Maruyama added: “The NAHF's unwavering commitment to honoring the bravery, determination, and innovative spirit of our nation's aerospace legends and disseminating their remarkable stories is truly admirable. I am excited to strengthen our support and propel our organization to unprecedented levels of success.”

Formerly, Ms. Maruyama served as a consultant to the NAHF on programs, strategy, and development. She has been leading the organization in an interim capacity since December 2022. With over 18-years of involvement in non-profit strategy development, management, philanthropy, marketing & communications, and event planning, Maruyama has contributed significantly to the growth and success of numerous organizations, including The Contemporary Dayton, Glen Helen, Wittenberg University, and The University of Dayton.

In collaboration with the institution’s former CEO, Maruyama co-founded Discovering Flight, a standards-aligned aviation and aerospace curriculum for pre-kindergarten through 6th grade students. By the end of 2023, Discovering Flight will have been seen by more than 180,000 students in upwards of six-thousand classrooms. Maruyama has also played a pivotal role in the ongoing transformation of the NAHF's Heritage Hall and Education Cen

NAHF's Board of Directors chair Jim Cooling set forth: "The board is confident that Maruyama's diverse skill set and extensive experience will continue to advance the NAHF's sixty-year legacy of honoring our nation's aviation and aerospace greatness while inspiring and nurturing the aerospace workforce of tomorrow.”

Mr. Cooling concluded: "Maruyama's extensive involvement with non-profit organizations and educational institutions has provided her with firsthand knowledge of the incredible opportunities we have to expand the NAHF's impact and reach. Additionally, her deep understanding of non-profit operations and finance, coupled with her awareness of the challenges and possibilities in building a thriving organization for future generations, will make her a tremendous advocate for both our enshrinees and our educational mission. We eagerly look forward to the positive contributions Maruyama will make to our organization."

FMI: www.nationalaviation.org