AEA Appoints New Information Services Director, Promotes Two Staff Members

Jan. 14, 2008
Aaron Ward recently joined the Aircraft Electronics Association staff at its headquarters in Missouri as the information services director for the AEA.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Aaron Ward recently joined the Aircraft Electronics Association staff at its headquarters in Missouri as the information services director for the AEA.

Ward will work with all AEA departments and members to service their information needs via the AEA website and through other emerging technologies. He also will be in charge of EEDirect.

For the past seven years, Ward was the digital products engineer for Penton Media in Overland Park, Kan., where he twice received the CEO Award of Excellence for increasing revenue and reducing costs. Among Ward’s clients were several associations and aviation companies, including AC-U-KWIK, Jet Appraisals and Aircraft Bluebook.

Ward also served as a computer instructor for the Raytown, Mo., school district and as an IT support analyst for Applebee’s International. In addition, he has worked as a private consultant designing and developing websites for small businesses for the past 10 years.

“Aaron’s combined background in information services, aviation and association businesses will be vital in maintaining and developing member programs and services,” said Mike Adamson of the AEA, to whom Ward will report. “His experience will allow the Association to move forward in deploying leading-edge business and Internet solutions for our growing membership.”

Ward was born in Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he lived until moving to Kansas City in 1992 to attend college. Ward and his wife, Sherry, who is employed with a mortgage servicing company, have three daughters.

“After being exposed to the aircraft industry with my previous position, I felt like the AEA was a perfect fit for my skills and where I want my career to continue to grow,” Ward said. “The entire staff has impressed me, and from the first day have made me feel a part of a great team. I look forward to the opportunities to work with them. I am looking forward to meeting and working with AEA members and working on opportunities to enhance their business.”

AEA Staff Promotions

Because of the continued growth of the AEA, two staff members were promoted in January.

Mike Adamson was named vice president of member programs and education. Adamson has been with the AEA since 1999, during which time he was instrumental in the success and growth of the Association’s training and education programs and partnerships.

Linda Adams was named director of member services. She is now in charge of the recruitment of new members, retention of members, and related initiatives. Coming to work for the AEA in March 1993, Adams celebrates 15 years with the Association next month.

“As the AEA prepares to move into a larger headquarters office in late spring to better serve our members’ needs, I am pleased to announce the promotions of these two long-time AEA employees,” said Paula Derks, president of AEA.

“Both Mike and Linda work tirelessly on behalf of the AEA, and both are eager to tackle new challenges in their new positions,” she said.