Aviation Partners Inc. (API) promoted Gary Dunn to president, permanently naming him to the position he has held in an interim capacity since the unexpected passing of company co-founder Joe Clark.

Dunn brings nearly 30 years of experience to the role, more than 20 of which have been spent at the Seattle-based blended winglet developer. He joined API as director of engineering in 1996, supporting the company’s winglet for the Gulfstream II. In 2001, he moved into sales and then added marketing to his responsibilities, recently holding the role of v-p of sales and marketing. During his time there, he oversaw products for business aircraft along with Boeing 737s, 757s, and 767s. Before joining API, he had an apprenticeship at Monarch Aircraft Engineering at London Luton Airport, providing MRO support for a fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

“Gary continues the tradition of innovation and excellence established by Joe,” said Kyle Washington, a member of the board of directors for API parent organization, The Washington Companies. “Gary’s strategic thinking and quiet leadership have earned the trust of our clients, our board, and the aviation industry.”

“I’ve had the great privilege of working alongside and learning from the industry’s best; it’s a privilege to carry their vision forward,” Dunn added. Acknowledging he is taking the reins during a difficult time amid the Covid-19 crisis, he said, “I experienced the downturns of 9/11 and 2008. Business aviation is a resilient industry, and the world will fly again.”