The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has named former secretary of the Army Eric Fanning to become its next president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2018. Fanning steps into the role currently held by David Melcher, who in recent months informed the association that he plans to leave on December 31.

“Eric is an accomplished, respected leader whose broad government and national security experience will serve AIA and its member companies well,” said AIA chairman Dennis Muilenburg, who also is Boeing's president, chairman and CEO. “Building on the significant progress made under Dave Melcher’s leadership, Eric will strengthen AIA’s position as the voice of the aerospace and defense industry, bringing continued attention and advocacy to key issues affecting civil aviation, space and defense.”

“Fanning is well known in Washington, D.C., and to AIA member companies,” AIA noted. He has held numerous senior positions, including with three military departments and with the office of the secretary of defense. In addition to serving as the 22nd secretary of the Army, he has served as chief of staff of the secretary of defense; acting secretary and under-secretary of the Air Force; and deputy under-secretary and deputy chief management officer of the Navy. He is the only person to have held senior appointments in all three military services and the office of the secretary of defense.