The Aerospace Industries Association announces today that after her successful seven-year tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer, Marion C. Blakey will be leaving to take the position of President and CEO of Rolls Royce North America.

AIA has been very fortunate to have Marions leadership over the last seven years, said AIA Chairman and President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Aviation, David L. Joyce. Under Marions guidance, AIA has elevated its role advocating in the best interests of the nation and the aerospace and defense industry.

Beginning in November of 2007, Blakeys tenure saw the achievement of numerous milestones for the industry. AIAs advocacy played a key role in changing the classification of commercial satellites in 2014, enabling American manufacturers to better compete in the global market. AIAs work in support of the Next Generation Air Transportation System has been widely recognized by industry and government.

In defense, Blakey led the establishment of a broad-ranging campaign to alert elected officials and the general public of the significant impact to our nation and the aerospace and defense industry of sequestration and budget cuts imposed under the Budget Control Act of 2011. The Association has also developed very creative uses of social media to increase the publics appreciation of the importance of a strong aerospace industry, including NASAs achievements.

Im very proud of AIAs record of achievement these last seven years, Blakey said. Id like to thank AIAs Executive Committee, Board of Governors and the entire staff for their guidance, hard work and commitment. I strongly believe weve strengthened AIA and better positioned the organization and our member companies to inform and influence the debate on key issues facing our country and our industry in the coming years.

While were quickly moving forward to identify Marions successor, Joyce said, AIA hasoutstanding and dedicated staff who play a key role in AIAs mission of driving the aerospace industrys agenda and priorities. And those priorities remain clear: to advocate strongly for sound policy, sensible regulation and adequate budgets that support the necessary investments in our defense, civil aviation and space sectors to ensure that Americas aerospace and defense industry remains second to none.

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Marion Blakey Departs the Aerospace Industries Association