NATA Names New Board of Directors Members and Acting President

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announces the reelection of Andy Priester, president and CEO, Priester Aviation in Wheeling, IL, as chair of the NATA board of directors. Greg Schmidt, president and CEO, Pentastar Aviation in Waterford, MI, is elected to serve as board vice chair.

Also reelected to serve an additional term are Clara Bennett, Boca Raton Airport Authority; Gary Dempsey, Jet Aviation; Andy Priester, Priester Aviation; and Greg Schmidt, Pentastar Aviation. Additionally, NATA elected two new members to its board of directors: Clive Lowe, senior vice president, Atlantic Aviation Services, and Christian Sasfai, vice president and COO, TAC Air. 

NATA board chairman Andy Priester briefs the membership on changes to the association’s management structure necessitated by the upcoming departure of current president and CEO, Thomas L. Hendricks, who is stepping down on August 31st. “Though Tom Hendricks is departing at the end of August, he has in place a senior management team in whom the board has full faith and confidence. As we have previously mentioned, NATA senior vice presidents, Bill Deere and Tim Obitts, have agreed to stay on and oversee the association’s daily activities. This provides the board of directors with the luxury of time to decide how it will proceed in filling Tom’s important position.”  

Priester continues, “Effective September 1st, our board colleague, Marty Hiller (owner and partner, Marathon Jet Center, Marathon, FL) has agreed to serve as NATA's acting president.”

In closing, Priester expresses appreciation for Tom Hendricks’ work and to Marty Hiller for assuming the position of acting president. “We are deeply appreciative of Tom’s leadership. Under his steady hand the association has moved forward on a number of fronts, particularly enhancing its reputation with policymakers and expanding benefits for NATA’s membership.  The growth in this year’s Aviation Business Conference is a testament to his vision.” Hiller, notes Priester, has served on the NATA board for over five years. “We appreciate his going above and beyond the call of duty and agreeing to take on this important role on behalf of the members. NATA has in place a solid team and a long-term vision and will continue to help its members succeed in the aviation marketplace.”