Success, Growth Necessitate Professional Staff

The Board of Directors of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) recently accepted Doug Stewart’s resignation from the Board of Directors and voted unanimously to appoint him as the organization’s first Executive Director. According to one Board member, Stewart “was a logical choice to become our first Executive Director. He had ably chaired the Board since our founding in 2009, and he has the credentials, administrative experience, and industry contacts necessary to successfully fulfill the job requirements.”

The following decisions were also made by the SAFE Board: Vice-Chair Mark Adams will serve as SAFE’s Chair while the Vice-Chair seat will remain unfilled until the next election of officers scheduled in July 2012. The Board’s focus between now and the July election will be on strategic planning and organizational development, including a review of current strengths and needs, operational procedures, fundraising strategies, member recruitment, public relations, and short- and long-term organizational objectives.

SAFE’s stated purpose is “to develop, promote, assist, and advance aviation education, flight instruction, career choices, and professional development. SAFE seeks to create a safer aviation environment through enhanced education of its members.” Moreover, SAFE is currently the only such organization where members democratically elect the entire Board of Directors. The currently elected Board annually appoints the positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.  

SAFE represents nearly 700 of the industry's top aviation educators in 49 states and nine foreign countries. The organization offers a needs-based mentoring program as well as a premier CFI Liability Insurance program, and is leading the Pilot Training Reform Initiative. SAFE is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

FMI: www.safepilots.org