Washington, D.C.— The Regional Airline Association, an industry trade organization representing 28 North American regional airlines and 150 associate members, announced today the appointment of Faye Malarkey Black as President. Ms. Black has served as the RAA’s interim President since February 2015 while the Board of Directors formed a search committee to select the new President. While serving as interim President, Ms. Black dedicated additional resources to the sharing of safety information and pursuit of best practices and prioritized a new, collaborative approach to attracting the next generation of aviation professionals.
With over two decades experience in policy, strategic leadership, and management, Ms. Black has served the RAA since 1998 and was formerly Senior Vice President, Government Affairs. In that role, she provided policy guidance and insight to the RAA Board of Directors, built cross-industry coalitions, and worked with policymakers to protect safe air service to communities of all sizes. Before that, Ms. Black was an executive at SmithBucklin, where she provided management consulting and strategic planning services to trade associations and helped develop business support networks in emerging democracies under a USAID subcontract.
A native of Pittsburgh, Ms. Black began her career in Western Pennsylvania politics working on “Get out the Vote,” field, and communications strategy teams during the 1994 and 1996 Democratic coordinated campaigns. She currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Aero Club of Washington and is co-liaison to its Foundation. She is also a member of the NextGen Institute Management Council, the RTCA Policy Board, and participates in the U.S. Transportation Board’s Regional Aviation Subcommittee.
“Faye certainly rose to the occasion as interim President and her strong leadership skills were especially evident during the RAA Convention. Her impeccable work ethic, coupled with a keen understanding of the issues affecting the regional airline industry has earned her the respect and support of the RAA Board and staff. We look forward to working with Faye, the RAA team, and policymakers as we work together on workable solutions to the issues affecting our industry,” says Linda Markham, RAA Board Chairman and Cape Air President.
"I am delighted to take on this new role with the RAA," notes Ms. Black. “Over the years, I have seen regional airlines meet considerable challenges with remarkable resilience and an enduring entrepreneurial spirit. I admire our Board's commitment to a robust and safe regional airline industry and the dedication of the RAA's associate members, who have been true industry partners. I'm honored to lead the RAA’s excellent staff team – a group of driven, safety-focused, and forward-thinking professionals. Together, we are committed to giving voice to the industry's collective experience and expertise as we greet the challenges and opportunities ahead."
Ms. Black holds a Communications / Philosophy degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She and her husband, Daniel, have two children and reside in Washington, D.C.
