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Washington, D.C. January 3, 2024- The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce the election of six new members to its Board of Directors. From commercial aviation, aerospace, and visionary aeronautics, the newest members bring extensive experience and enhanced direction to round out the Board.
The new board members are:
Darby Becker, G.E.
Lauren Haertlein, Joby Aviation
Joan Higginbotham, Ad Astra, LLC
Billy Nolen, Archer Aviation
James Viola, Helicopter Association International
Claudia Zapata-Cardone, United Airlines
“Our current Board of Directors comprises a dedicated team of industry leaders, and the new members bring visionary leadership and guidance to our organization,” said Amy Spowart, President and CEO of the NAA. With a breadth of aerospace expertise and relationships from throughout the industry, the new directors will further guide our role in the future of aviation.”
Darby Becker serves as an Executive, Government Policy at G.E.. As Immediate Past President of the Aero Club of Washington and with her role at G.E., Darby has a vast network and brings solid organizational insight to the NAA. Her skills in relationship building will aid the NAA’s growth.
Lauren Haertlein is the Deputy General Counsel, Policy & Regulatory at Joby Aviation. She has a strong background in policy work, and with previous roles at Zipline and GAMA, Lauren has a firm footing in supporting the NAA’s advocacy for members and strategic goals.
Joan Higginbotham currently serves as the President of Joan Higginbothm Ad Astra, LLC. As a rocket scientist and retired NASA astronaut, Joan embodies a dedicated team mentality and focused organizational goals to further STEM opportunities for youth and all future leaders.
Billy Nolen is the Chief Safety Officer of Archer Aviation. With experience in commercial, general, and business aviation combined with his former Acting FAA Administrator role, Billy provides a visionary mindset to support NAA’s desire to drive aeronautics’ next chapter.
James Viola is the President of Helicopter Association International (HAI). Jim’s passion for his association and extensive experience in multiple industry sectors will profoundly augment the NAA’s plan for enhanced membership experience and growth.
Claudia Zapata-Cardone is a Captain at United Airlines and the Latino Pilots Association (LPA) President. Claudia’s desire to build aviation’s workforce and empower through outreach and programming will enhance the NAA’s mission to foster the future of aeronautics.
Rounding out the newly elected Board Members is the appointment of new Directors from long-serving NAA Corporate Members. Welcome to Mark Miklos, Senior Vice President, Spirit AeroSystems, and Liana Sucar-Hamel, Vice President, Communications, Airbus Americas.
“The NAA represents the roots of aeronautics and is a perfect launching point for the groundbreaking future of aerospace,” Spowart added. “Aviation’s future depends on allowing ourselves to build on our foundation with visionary and challenging goals. With the election of new members and the appointment of Mark and Liana, the NAA Board is showing growth, and we recognize that all industry sectors are connected. They all unite for the future of aeronautics.”
The 2024 National Aeronautic Board of Directors are:
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