Press Release

Issued by National Business Aviation Association.

January 24, 2023

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is pleased to announce that its senior manager for government affairs Sierra Grimes has been named to the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) board of directors.

NAA is dedicated to the advancement of the art, sport and science of aviation in the United States, and encompasses all areas of flight from skydiving and models to commercial airlines, business aviation, military aircraft and spaceflight.

“Sierra is a proven industry leader, and we know she will represent business aviation's interests well on the NAA board of directors,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “Her knowledge of the industry, professionalism and enthusiasm make her an ideal selection for the NAA board.”

Grimes has been with NBAA since 2012. She is the founder of the NBAA Young Professionals (YoPro) programme, a leading initiative promoting diversity and development within the business aviation industry globally.

She serves on the executive team for the Runway Program, a young professionals group for the Aero Club of Washington; the diversity, equity and inclusion committee for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, the Red Tail Flight Academy board of directors and is past chair of the Young Professionals board for Women In Aviation International.

“I am honoured to have been selected to join the NAA board of directors,” said Grimes. “I look forward to working with leaders from all corners of our diverse industry on the association's important work to promote aviation and advance its interests.”

In addition to Grimes, other new board members include: Nicole Alexander, Wichita Aero Club president and former vice president of marketing and communications for AGH CPAs & Advisors; Matt Byrd, former Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration pilot; Jana Denning, immediate past president of the AeroClub of Washington and director of government affairs with Professional Aviation Safety Specialists; Ted Ellett, nationally recognised leader in aviation law; Ben Kowalski, Cirrus Aircraft senior vice president, sales and marketing; Martiqua Post, U.S. Air Force Academy professor; Stacey Rudser, from the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance and Patty Wagstaff, famed air show pilot, film stunt pilot, flight instructor and National Aviation Hall of Fame member.

“The executive committee and I are proud to welcome Sierra among the nine distinguished new board members selected to elevate NAA to the next level,” said Greg Principato, NAA CEO and president. “These individuals, as well as the board as a whole, bring tremendous value to the organisation with experts including government officials, aviation industry leaders, executives of air sport organisations, representatives from higher-education and representatives of leading aviation organisations.”