NATA Promotes Alexandra Brendel to Associate Vice President

NATA (National Air Transportation Association) has announced that Alexandra Brendel has been promoted to Associate Vice President of Member Services and Engagement. In this role, Brendel will lead NATA’s strategic direction of member recruitment, retention, and benefits, while growing initiatives that inspire and shape the next generation of aviation professionals.

Alexandra Brendel

“Alexandra’s profound understanding of the power of community and her connection to NATA’s members are vital to fulfilling our mission,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “This new role recognizes her skill, dedication, and enthusiasm for advancing NATA, its members, and the aviation business ecosystem as a whole.”

Brendel has served NATA members for the past 6 years as a member of the Safety 1st and membership teams. During this time, Brendel established and developed NATA’s member community platform, streamlining the member experience and creating efficiencies for the NATA team. She has also fostered the efforts of the National Air Transportation Foundation (NATF) and created resources for educating and inspiring new industry entrants.

Additionally, Brendel has played key roles in delivering renowned customer service, initiating workforce development programs, evolving the NATA brand, supporting Association events, and promoting NATA member initiatives.

NATA COO Keith DeBerry said, “Alexandra is a talented leader who demonstrates her drive and care for the success of the membership and NATA team every day. I have no doubt that the opportunities for NATA’s continued growth are boundless under her guidance.”

“I look forward to expanding the Association’s influence and membership footprint by fostering new partnerships and exploring novel ways NATA can better serve and elevate our community,” stated Brendel. “In addition to being a resource for our members, I am committed to connecting emerging professionals with the infinitive leadership and advancement opportunities that business aviation offers.”

Brendel is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and Women in Aviation International. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from George Mason University and is a Certified Fonteva Administrator.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.