‘Behind-the-Scenes’ Influence of NBAA’s Ivey Felt Throughout the Northwest

Sept. 15, 2015

When Kristi Ivey was in third grade, a visit by the Concorde supersonic aircraft to her then hometown airport – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – cemented her budding interest in aviation. Now, in her ninth year as NBAA’s Northwest regional representative, Ivey appreciates the importance of reaching out to students about aviation in general and careers in business aviation in particular.

“I don’t know anybody in business aviation who doesn’t get excited about talking about their job and this industry,” said Ivey. “I want to pass on that excitement and those opportunities to our young people.” So, in addition to her myriad duties representing NBAA and supporting members in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, Ivey takes time to make presentations to high school and college students, and helps sponsor internships and mentor young people about business aviation.

From regular interaction with students at Seattle’s Raisbeck Aviation High School, to her annual fall presentation to undergraduates at Montana’s Rocky Mountain College (where she sits on the Industry Advisory Board), Ivey’s enthusiasm for business aviation is infectious. A proud graduate of Auburn University’s aviation program, Ivey has heard from a number of students over the years who attribute her encouragement with their interest in entering business aviation.

“Kristi provides an invaluable connection between our students, their careers, NBAA and business aviation,” said Dan Hargrove, director of aviation at Rocky Mountain College. “She has arranged numerous internships for our students and speaks to them about important topics, including safety and professionalism. We are fortunate to have her so involved with our students.”

As a former Home Depot flight operations supervisor and a former chairperson of NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee, Ivey’s experience makes her well suited to understanding the needs of and challenges facing NBAA Members. “I’m constantly learning and listening, and an important part of my job is being able to provide our members with the resources to grow and succeed,” said Ivey. “There isn’t a single day that goes by where I don’t learn something new from a Member, regional group or other aviation stakeholder.”

Ivey is a non-voting board member of the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA) and provides extensive support to the group, including helping with its website and newsletter. “Kristi is always available to help via phone, email or just pitching in and rolling her sleeves up to do the dirty work,” said PNBAA’s Wayne Werner.

Ivey often works behind the scenes, but her influence is pervasive, from collaborating with PNBAA, the Idaho Business Aviation Association and Utah Business Aviation Association (UBAA) to working with state aeronautics departments in her region. She also has supported North Dakota Aviation Day, the formation of the Washington State Legislative Aviation Caucus and creation of a recent safety day in Anchorage, AK.

Debbie Alke, administrator of the Montana Aeronautics Division, described Ivey as “influential and engaged in many issues important to the state,” a sentiment echoed by many who have worked with her.

“Kristi is vital to the success of UBAA,” said the group’s chairman, Jeff Hansen. “I could not do my job as chair without Kristi being involved on a weekly basis. She is available 24/7 and is always willing to support us as needed.”