Aerospace Industries Association announces selection of Eric K. Fanning as next President and CEO

The Aerospace Industries Association announced today that Eric K. Fanning will become its president and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2018.
 
“Eric is an accomplished, respected leader whose broad government and national security experience will serve AIA and its member companies well,” said AIA Chairman Dennis A. Muilenburg, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. “Building on the significant progress made under Dave Melcher’s leadership, Eric will strengthen AIA’s position as the voice of the aerospace and defense industry, bringing continued attention and advocacy to key issues affecting civil aviation, space and defense. We owe Dave our enduring gratitude for his tireless advocacy and many contributions to our industry.”
 
Fanning is well known in Washington, D.C., and to AIA member companies for his ability to deliver results at the strategic level. Most recently, Fanning served as the 22nd Secretary of the Army where he provided leadership and oversight of our nation’s largest military service, the United States Army. Fanning previously served as Chief of Staff of the Secretary of Defense, Acting Secretary of the Air Force and Under Secretary of the Air Force, and Deputy Under Secretary and Deputy Chief Management Officer of the Navy. He is the only person to have held senior appointments in all three military departments and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
 
During his more than 25 years of distinguished government service, Fanning worked on the staff of the House Armed Services Committee, and was a special assistant to the Secretary of Defense and associate director of political affairs at the White House.
 
“The aerospace and defense industry is at the forefront of some of America’s greatest challenges and opportunities. For us to continue leading the world demands strong leadership in foreign policy and national security, stable budgets, a vibrant economy where everyone has the opportunity to live the American dream, and the prosperity to create a skilled workforce capable of taking advantage of good-paying jobs that support families and communities. As we navigate this dynamic environment, our nation expects that we will properly equip our forces and allies, ensure safety in commercial aviation, and build an environment that inspires space travel and the minds that create it,” Fanning said.
 
“The aerospace and defense industry represents more than 2.4 million proud workers, representing over 13 percent of the nation’s manufacturing force from all 50 states, who passionately understand the gravity of their contribution to our economy and national security,” Fanning continued. “With $872 billion in sales in 2016, defense and aerospace companies rank as the nation’s second largest net exporter and one of the biggest contributors to the annual U.S. Gross Domestic Product. Additionally, the innovative companies of our industry are American leaders in research and development with products and technology that benefit all of society. This is an exciting time, and I am proud to lead AIA in its role as the voice of American aerospace and defense.”