NBAA Volunteers: Essential to Association’s Mission

Sept. 3, 2024

The spirit of paying it forward is a hallmark of business aviation, illustrated every day through the essential work of the small army of NBAA volunteers working on issues ranging from regulatory concerns to grassroots advocacy, to tax policies and other priorities critical to fostering the industry’s success in the U.S. and around the world.

Nearly 600 active volunteers, on 17 standing committees, help NBAA in its mission to foster an environment that allows business aviation to thrive in the United States and around the world.

“It would be impossible to give coverage to all the things that we want to make sure we’re staying on top of. It could be regulatory, it could be leadership focused, it could be safety or security – anything that is important to our members’ ability to thrive in all of their specific areas – we need the subject-matter experts,” said Jo Damato, CAM, the association’s senior vice president of education, training and workforce development.

“We can’t be subject-matter experts in everything, but our volunteers are, added Damato, who serves as the staff liaison to NBAA’s Strategic Focus Team, which is comprised of members of the various subject-matter committees. “We’re not us without them.”

Why Get Involved?

Ryan DeMoor, CAM, chair of the NBAA Tax Committee and head of aviation tax at MySky, said he originally got involved when he worked many years ago at a large Part 91 company, which was an active association member. He attended events, worked toward his Certified Aviation Manager certification and began networking with people on the tax committee, eventually joining the group about 10 years ago.

DeMoor said having access to top industry professionals is invaluable to him in his work. When a law or policy comes out, he can immediately reach out to a subset of individuals who can help analyze it and what it means for business aviation.

“Having access to that knowledge base is substantial,” he said.

Networking opportunities also are a vital part of being part of NBAA committees.

Jessica Belcher, chair of the Local and Regional Group Committee and marketing manager for Exclusive Aircraft Sales, said the people she’s met while volunteering have become not only industry peers, but friends.

“It’s like-minded people doing the same work, but not geographically in the same place. What better network is there than friends around the country that you can work together with and collaborate and share ideas,” she said. “You know you’ve got people in your corner.”

“There is some peace of mind to know you have that network,” added Ashley Charnley, vice chair of the Local and Regional Group Committee and vice president of business integration at OGARAJETS. “I think that’s something cool about our industry. Yes, there’s competition among different companies, but at the end of the day, we all just want to grow and work together and see this industry thrive.’

How Do I Get Involved?

Belcher and Charnley both start their volunteer work at the regional level, with business aviation groups in their respective states. That opened the door for them to volunteer at the national level.

Taking that first step can be the hardest part said Belcher.

“The thing about this industry is everyone is so warm and welcoming. Everyone wants to help each other, and I think that stems from everyone’s new at some point,” she said. “Put yourself out there. You never know what you’re going to learn, what you’re going to experience. The industry is out there. People are very generous, very kind and always willing to help.”

Damato advised those who want to get started to volunteer at an event. For example, if you’re a scheduler, there are ample ways to get involved with the Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference and it can be a good way to get started.

For those who may not have a large industry network, she suggested reaching out to people on LinkedIn and asking for connections.

“Try on different hats and gain different skill sets,” Belcher added. “You could be making the decision that changes the whole scope of your career, so embrace it.”

And for anyone who may be hesitant to reach out, DeMoor said, “There are so many benefits. Just put yourself out there and do it.”

View a list of NBAA standing committees and learn how to get involved.