Gaining Airspeed

chris morin, managing Shareholder, Murray, Morin & Herman, P.A. aia president 2023–2025

Greetings AIA members and fellow aviation insurance professionals. I’m honored to be writing this, my first letter for The Binder, as your new president of the Aviation Insurance Association. I look forward to my continued service to an organization that has given me so much over the past several decades, both personally and professionally.

It’s only fitting to begin by first recognizing the tremendous service of our Immediate Past President, Greg Sterling. We should all take a moment to thank Greg for serving the AIA so faithfully as President over the last two years, and who formally “passed the gavel” to me during the General Session at the annual conference in Tucson. Greg was a formidable presence among the AIA’s leadership and an asset to the Board of Directors.

His knowledge of the industry, enthusiasm, and his steady hand on the controls helped pilot the AIA through turbulent times as we exited the COVID era, setting the AIA up for future growth.

I’m pleased he was able to close his tenure as president with a very successful conference in Tucson in May. On behalf of the AIA, thank you, Greg!

Speaking of Tucson, if you weren’t able to join us, let me be the first to proudly report that over 550 industry professionals descended upon the picturesque JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in the mountains of Tucson, Arizona, from May 5–8. The Marriott was a beautiful venue for the AIA but, despite our best efforts, yet another AIA conference hotel experienced a Pilsner shortage at the bar. In our defense, Tucson was hot and dry and Pilsner seemed to be the thirst quencher of choice at the bar, but perhaps it also serves as reminder that the AIA’s reputation of being able to drink a place dry is alive and well!

Despite that beverage crisis, the conference was a success and feedback was incredibly positive, including glowing reviews regarding the content and hours of continuing education, presentations by topnotch industry keynoters, and an abundance of networking opportunities. And of course, who could forget the Pinnacle Award, the AIA’s highest honor, being bestowed on David Sales during our General Session. David has selflessly dedicated countless years of service to the aviation insurance industry and continues to support the AIA with his talents and enthusiasm. Congratulations again, David!