National Aeronautic Association Selects Amy Spowart as Present and CE0
Spowart brings a record of achievement to the nation’s most historic aviation association
WASHINGTON, DC March 22, 2023 — The Board of Directors of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Spowart as its new President and CEO. Spowart brings considerable association leadership experience and a track-record of developing proactive initiatives.
“Amy comes to the NAA with a background of visionary leadership and the ability to cultivate and strengthen strategic alliances. We have no doubt she will take the NAA to a new level of national relevance,” said board chair Jim Albaugh.
In her most recent role as President and CEO of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF), Spowart successfully led the effort to significantly expand the reach of the not-for-profit from a regional focus to a national level. Over her seven years asthe NAHF leader, Spowart brought the organization current by developing processes and policies, and providing agile change management. She oversaw the formation of critical partnerships, including with PBS, to develop the STEAM-based educational and workforce program, Discovering Flight with the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
“The opportunity to continue celebrating aviation’s most impactful people and their accomplishments is really exciting,” said Spowart. “I look forward to combining the knowledge I gained at the hall of fame with the worthy mission of the nation’s oldest and most historically relevant aviation association. The NAA is the established leader
in celebrating aviation achievements. It’s an honor to be chosen to ensure that the NAA remains the leading voice in recognizing the past and future of this innovative industry.”
Spowart will replace Greg Principato, who has served as the NAA President and CEO since 2016. Principato announced his retirement from the association in early March and will vacate the position this fall. Spowart will serve as the 33rd President of the NAA and the first female in the position in the organization’s history.
“Amy has already impressed the board’s Executive Committee with her ideas and vision for the NAA. We are excited by her energy and have no doubt she will build on our current momentum as our new President and CEO”, said Albaugh.
About the NAA – Since 1905 the NAA has been the formal recognition of aviation achievement in the United States. In 1922, the entity was incorporated with the mission of advancing the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight by fostering opportunities to participate fully in aviation activities and by promoting public understanding of the importance of aviation and space flight to the United States. The NAA is the official record-keeper for United States aviation and the administrator of the nation’s most prestigious aviation awards including the Collier Trophy and the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.
