The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Board of Directors announced the selection of Gary Dempsey as its new President. He succeeds Martin (Marty) H. Hiller, who assumed the role of NATA’s President in 2016, after 6 years of service on the association’s Board of Directors. Dempsey will start his duties on October 1, 2018.
“Marty stepped in to lead at a critical point for the association and did an outstanding job,” said Greg Schmidt, President & CEO of Pentastar Aviation and Past Board Chair of NATA. “He has helped put the association in a solid financial position for years to come and led the battle on many of the threats facing our industry, including ATC privatization, workforce shortages and illegal charter. Marty has consistently demonstrated the value of NATA to our members through the development of innovative products and services.”
Dempsey added, “NATA Members owe a debt of gratitude to Marty Hiller for bringing his extensive business experience to NATA, both at the board level and as President. Under Marty’s leadership, the association is on a good track for providing invaluable services to aviation businesses. I look forward to continuing his legacy of listening to our members and delivering on their needs in this vital aviation sector.”
The transition follows a succession plan set up by the Board to continue leveraging the valuable experience of its members in driving association policy and effecting meaningful change within the industry.
“The Board and executive team recognize the incomparable benefits that decades of industry experience and years of NATA board leadership affords in ensuring how to best direct the association and serve the unique needs of its membership. We welcome Gary and congratulate Marty on all his success while serving as NATA President,” stated Jeff Ross, President of Ross Aviation and NATA’s current Board Chair. “NATA’s future is bright. The Board is confident that Gary, along with the support of NATA’s EVP Tim Obitts, CFO Jason Miller and dedicated staff, will continue to advance safety and prosperity throughout our membership and the entire aviation business community.”
Dempsey most recently served as Jet Aviation’s Vice President of Sales Americas, where he was responsible for forming and leading the company’s aviation sales team. He was also a Member of NATA’s Board of Directors for the past 6 years, serving as Board Chair in 2014.
Dempsey first joined Jet Aviation in 2003 as Senior Vice President, Aircraft Maintenance & OEM Development. Prior to his extensive career at Jet Aviation, Gary served in various leadership positions at Gulfstream Savannah and General Dynamics Aviation Services, as well as top-rated FBOs and service centers for Raytheon Aviation Services and Beechcraft in the U.S. Additionally, Gary is an FAA licensed pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings, and he is also an A&P technician with FAA inspection authorization.
“We look forward to Gary’s leadership in the years to come. He is a long-standing pillar of our industry and his distinguished career will serve our members well. Rest assured the association is in excellent hands,“ added Schmidt.
