The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the premier association representing the Aerospace and Defense industry, today announced that LTG (Ret.) David F. Melcher, AIA's President and CEO, has informed the association that he is departing to pursue other interests effective December 31, 2017. Mr. Melcher will continue to serve as CEO of AIA until that time, and will participate in the selection and onboarding process leading to the appointment of his successor. AIA's Executive Committee, chaired by Dennis A. Muilenburg, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of The Boeing Company, has begun the search for the association's next CEO and is committed to a seamless transition.

Mr. Muilenburg, AIA's Chairman, commented, "On behalf of the Executive Committee and AIA's over 340 members, I would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dave Melcher for his and AIA's many notable achievements since his appointment as CEO in June 2015. Dave's extraordinary vision, leadership, and attention to member value enabled AIA to superbly represent our industry to the many constituencies we serve, and increased AIA's worldwide brand recognition with a new Administration, Congress and our global counterparts. Thanks to Dave and his team's efforts, AIA is well positioned for continued growth and influence in the future."

Mr. Melcher said, "It has been an incredible honor to lead AIA and represent our great Aerospace and Defense industry. I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team and I am convinced that AIA will continue its growth as a strong force in our industry globally. It has also been my great privilege to work with the amazingly dedicated and skilled employees at AIA and with our member company CEOs as we advocated for a strong national defense, robust civil aviation and space programs, a level playing field for international trade, and the creation of a vibrant and capable future workforce."

Facebook | Flickr | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube

Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association is the most authoritative and influential trade association representing the U.S. aerospace and defense industry on Capitol Hill, within the administration and internationally. As the voice of American aerospace and defense, representing manufacturers and suppliers across every high-technology manufacturing sector, AIA's strong advocacy is essential to protecting the interests of our nation and our industry.