The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) named aviation veteran Shelly Simi president and CEO. Simi, who currently directs corporate communications and public affairs for Aurora Flight Sciences Corp., will step into her new role in 2019, working with the NASAO Board of Directors to steer the mission, vision, and goals of the association. NASAO represents the interests of the states and the public, supporting their efforts to organize, promote, and fund aviation programs across the nation.

Simi, well known in Washington, D.C. aviation circles, has worked with numerous aviation officials and government leaders during her more-than-25-year aviation career.  She has a strong association background, including serving as vice president of communications for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and as a founding board member of Women in Aviation International. In addition, she is a former president of the Aero Club of Washington. Simi also brings substantial industry experience, working with companies Adam Aircraft, Jeppesen, and FedEx, in addition to Aurora.

“We are pleased and excited to welcome Shelly Simi as our new president and CEO,” said Cassandra Isackson, chair of the NASAO Board of Directors. “Shelly’s extensive industry experience, as well as her deep and abiding passion for aviation, will ensure NASAO’s continued success in serving the public interest to sustain, advance, and promote aviation in our respective states.”

NASAO used association management company Interel Group US in the search.

"These are exciting times to be in aviation and aerospace with new emerging technologies and a solid five-year [FAA] funding stream,” Simi said. “I look forward to working with the states where important initiatives like airport and infrastructure development, technology implementation, and enhancing STEM education and workforce development are top priorities."