The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is delighted to announce the appointment of Aimee Maruyama as its President & CEO. Ms. Maruyama emerged as the top candidate after a competitive and inclusive national search conducted by the NAHF’s Board of Trustees and facilitated by Korn Ferry, a leading global executive research and recruitment firm. She will assume her new role on June 5, 2023.
“As an organization that has grown into a vital force over the span of 60 years, the NAHF is dedicated to honoring our rich aviation heritage while inspiring and educating the next generation of aerospace pioneers,” Maruyama said. “I am humbled and privileged to lead the NAHF, especially during a period of unprecedented evolution and growth in the aerospace industry. The NAHF’s unwavering commitment to honoring the bravery, determination, and innovative spirit of our nation’s aerospace legends and disseminating their remarkable stories is truly admirable. I am excited to strengthen our support and propel our organization to unprecedented levels of success.
Maruyama brings extensive non-profit experience to the role. She has served as a consultant to the NAHF on programs, strategy, and development since 2019 and has been leading the organization in an interim capacity since December 2022. With over 18 years of involvement in nonprofit strategy development, management, philanthropy, marketing & communications, and event planning, Maruyama has contributed significantly to the growth and success of numerous organizations, including The Contemporary Dayton, Glen Helen, Wittenberg University, and The University of Dayton.
In collaboration with the former CEO, Maruyama co-founded the NAHF’s educational initiative, Discovering Flight. The standards-aligned aviation and aerospace curriculum for pre-K through 6th grade will reach more than 6,000 classrooms (and 180,000 students) by the end of 2023. She has also played a pivotal role in the ongoing transformation of the NAHF’s Heritage Hall and Education Center.
“The board is confident that Maruyama’s diverse skill set and extensive experience will continue to advance the NAHF’s 60-year legacy of honoring our nation’s aviation and aerospace greatness while inspiring and nurturing the aerospace workforce of tomorrow,” said Jim Cooling, Chair of the NAHF’s Board of Directors. “Maruyama’s extensive involvement with nonprofit organizations and educational institutions has provided her with firsthand knowledge of the incredible opportunities we have to expand the NAHF’s impact and reach. Additionally, her deep understanding of nonprofit operations and finance, coupled with her awareness of the challenges and possibilities in building a thriving organization for future generations, will make her a tremendous advocate for both our Enshrinees and our educational mission.” Cooling added, “We eagerly look forward to the positive contributions Maruyama will make to our organization.”
