Jessica Reed is a writer and editor with AIN. She joined the team in the fall of 2023 after two years covering the aviation industry at Avionics International. She earned her bachelor&#039;s degree in English (Writing &amp; Rhetoric) from Pepperdine University. Her hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, and she since has resided in Santa Barbara, California, and Brooklyn, New York, among others. She is currently based in Philadelphia.

Writer & Editor

Jessica Reed

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) announced five new hires and five promotions today as part of its new five-year strategic plan. The industry group said its priorities now include&nbsp;advancing safety leadership, strengthening advocacy, expanding workforce development, and increasing international engagement.
“These promotions are about matching people, roles, and resources to the work ahead," said VAI president and CEO François Lassale. "They are about building the association our members need between now and 2031. VAI must help the industry operate more safely, advocate more effectively, develop its workforce, and shape its future with evidence and credibility.”
Raffaele Vitelli, who has 20-plus years of association experience in program growth and non-dues revenue development, was named v-p of business development. His prior experience includes working for the American Public Human Services Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and America’s Health Insurance Plans. 
&nbsp; 
VAI appointed Jim McClay senior director of regulatory affairs. McClay most recently was employed at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, working on airspace, air traffic, and National Airspace System topics for general aviation, and he was previously part of the air traffic services team at the National Business Aviation Association for 13 years. 
&nbsp; 
Katia Veraza was promoted to director of state government affairs and regional relations after almost four years at the association. VAI veteran Jay Clark also has a new role as technical director and will lead the association’s data project. 
&nbsp; 
Tanya Kirchner moved into the role of senior director of conventions, in which she will lead events including Verticon, the Air Tour Safety Conference, and the Aerial Work Safety Conference. Recently, she directed VAI’s first Southeast Asia Aviation Safety Conference in Indonesia. Nine-year VAI veteran Emily Monahan was chosen for the position of assistant director of exhibits and experience. Meanwhile, Alyssa Vasquez was promoted from the conventions department to executive assistant to the chief of staff.
VAI hired Shawnna Kerns as creative director, who will manage marketing for events and membership and oversee social media outreach. Joining the safety and data operations team is Safae Assli, who brings expertise in data workflows, performance metrics, process documentation, and statistical analysis. Ubaid Tariq, formerly a data analyst with NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the FAA, is now VAI’s database administration manager.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

VAI Makes Ten Staffing Changes in Support of Five-year Strategic Plan

“These promotions are about matching people, roles, and resources to the work ahead”

Vertical Aviation International announced five new hires and five promotions on Tuesday, made in alignment with the association’s 5-year strategic plan.

VAI Makes Staffing Changes in Support of Strategic Plan

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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In this article

Vertical Aviation International (VAI)

More In Training and Workforce

Embry-Riddle Grads Leaders in Wage Earnings

College Scoreboard data showed ERAU grads as top earners in Florida, Arizona

AINsight: The Blind Spot Called ‘Experience’

Business aviation leaders must keep growing while developing others along the way

Aviation Workforce Grant Application Deadline Approaches

FAA is furnishing $1,000 grants for pilot and maintenance workforce development

Safety Training Provider Seeks Input for New Approach

Courses will combine artificial intelligence with other teaching methods

ACA’s Charter Interns Prepare to Start Training

15 young men and women will receive training and career opportunities

Nicholas Air Launches Pilot Loyalty Jet Card Program

First recipient is Embraer Phenom 300 captain Robert Milner

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Instructor controls the opacity to replicate flying in clouds

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