Doug Stewart's Contract Expiring, Search On For New ED

The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) announced on November 28 that Executive Director Doug Stewart (pictured) will retire when his contract expires in February 2015. Stewart was instrumental in the formation of SAFE and has served in key leadership roles since the organization’s founding. He was elected as SAFE’s first Chair in 2009, transitioning into the role of Executive Director in November 2011.

“It is due in large part to Doug Stewart’s vision and commitment to excellence in aviation education that SAFE is well positioned for growth in the coming years,” said SAFE’s current Board of Directors Chair Donna Wilt.  “Doug is looking forward to some well-deserved time off and the Board wishes him all the best. He will be greatly missed by everyone at SAFE.”

A few of Stewart’s accomplishments while with SAFE include organizing SAFE’s Pilot Training Reform Symposium held in 2011, administering the Flight Instructor Open Forum series of presentations created by SAFE members for use by the FAA, spearheading SAFE’s Pilot Proficiency Project, and establishing the online quarterly SAFE – The Magazine. Stewart commented, “I fully expect to remain connected to all the wonderful people who have been involved with and supported SAFE over the last five-and-a-half years.  I also intend to remain active as a flight instructor and active in SAFE.”

A search committee for a new Executive Director has been convened and a solicitation for applicants for the position of Executive Director will be forthcoming.  Former Board Chair John Dorcey has accepted the position of Interim Executive Director until the new Executive Director is in place.

(Image provided by SAFE)

FMI: www.safepilots.org