Massachusetts Airport Management Association’s (MAMA) newly organized Emerging Leaders Committee has quickly developed into an active force within the 50-year-old organization that advocates for Massachusetts’ 38 public-use airports.
With a mission to cultivate future MAMA leaders through knowledge sharing, educational opportunities, networking, and mentorship, the committee serves to support and develop leaders under the age of 35 or those with less than 10 years’ experience in the aviation industry.
Committee Leadership
Natalie Pavelock chairs the committee which now boasts eighteen members. She is an aviation planner for Jacobs and is based Bedford, NH. She has worked on projects throughout New England and beyond, but her background originates in airport operations while employed at PSM. Natalie obtained her private pilot license and associates degree in aviation science then attended Daniel Webster College/SNHU where she earned her bachelor’s degree in aviation management. Natalie also served as the first chair of the Young Professionals Committee of the Northeast Chapter of AAAE.
Samantha Smithies co-chairs the committee and has been named recently as a Civil Engineer with the Safety and Standards Branch of the FAA New England Regional Office. Previously she served as a civil designer and resident inspector for Stantec, based in Burlington MA. Samantha holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Wentworth Institute and says she believes each airport is unique and deserves its own special attention and consideration during design and construction. Samantha holds a high value on the impact the aviation industry has on communities.
Off and Running
Smithies said their direction is clear, “The Emerging Leaders Committee was created with the goal to support the people who are the future of our industry, and to support the missions of MAMA as an organization. It’s important to get motivated minds involved to better understand the ways we can uplift and support the aviation industry, as airports are a critical part of all our communities. Aviation is ever-growing, and so is the Emerging Leaders Committee – we welcome anyone interested in joining to get involved with the group, as it will make our impacts and our future stronger.”
After organizing in February, Pavelock said the group dug right in, “After receiving an overwhelming amount of support from MAMA, we held our first member-led meeting in March. Topics discussed included legislative updates, upcoming MAMA events, and a passionate guest speaker who discussed the challenges currently facing the industry and how emerging leaders can help. Up next was a one-on-one with STEM staff from the FAA New England Region. Now, we are planning our first in-person meeting which will be hosted at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport on May 12.”
Following the first two well-attended meetings, MAMA President Matt Ellia said, “The MAMA Board of Directors is thrilled with the exciting start of our Emerging Leaders group. Natalie and Sam have gone above and beyond to drive this effort which is already exceeding expectations!”
