PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

We ended our time together in Tucson with a closing party at the Pima Air & Space Museum, where guests were able to stroll the grounds of the museum and see military and civilian aircraft that spanned decades of aviation history. Not to worry, a full conference recap — with plenty of photos — begins on page 23 of this issue of The Binder, so be sure to check that out.

As I look ahead to my tenure as President, I’m committed to continuing — and building on — the momentum of the past few years. Our AIA membership base domestically continues to be strong, and our international contingent is growing and making an impact on programs and events coming to a location near you. Education and networking events in the U.S., London and Toronto are already planned with early registration data showing a strong appetite for these offerings. Of course, it takes a team to make these happen. I consider myself very fortunate to be surrounded by the most talented and dedicated volunteer leaders that an organization could ask for. Joining me in the 2023 officer transition on the AIA Board of Directors:

Luke Uithoven was elected Secretary after serving several years as Treasurer and helping to keep the organization on track through challenging years. Taking over the Treasurer position from Luke, I’m pleased to welcome Nicole Wolfe Stout to the Executive Committee. Nicole has served on the Board of Directors for a number of years as a director of the Attorney’s Division and, more recently, as a Director-at-Large. Nicole is active on the Education Committee and spearheads the Women’s Initiative. I’m also eager to serve in a closer capacity with Ian Wrigglesworth as he assumes the role of Vice President. Greg Sterling will continue to serve on the Board for one more year as our Immediate Past President.

Also in Tucson, elections were held in both the Agent/Broker and Claims Division meetings. I’d like to formally welcome these two members to the AIA Board of Directors.

Kristen Suarez – Director-Elect, Agent/Broker Division: Kristen is the Executive Manager of BWI Aviation Insurance Agency and brings her energy and enthusiasm to everything she does. Kristen is a volunteer on the Education Committee, engages in the AIA’s Women’s

Initiative, and was profiled in a recent issue of The Binder as one of the industry’s rising young professionals. If you missed it, here’s the link to read her story Kristen will shadow current Director David Hampson for the coming year, and then transition to a full director position at the 2024 conference in New Orleans.

Jeff Sheets – Director-Elect, Claims Division: Jeff is Vice President – Regional Claims Manager for Applied Underwriters Aviation. Jeff has over 28 years of claims experience with three organizations, 18 of those years in aviation. Jeff is a pilot and a musician; you may have seen him on stage at this year’s closing party as a proud member of the AIA Band, Smooth Limits. Jeff will shadow current Claims Director, Dave Gourgues, and then move into the director role in New Orleans.

I look forward to working alongside Kristen and Jeff, and all the dedicated volunteers who make the AIA such a successful organization, and one that continues to attract the best and brightest in our industry. Also in Tucson, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to continue the AIA’s partnership with our management company for another five years. Associations International (AI) assumed management of the organization in January 2021 and we have been delighted with their professionalism, commitment to learning the industry, and creativity as the AIA continues to grow and evolve. Executive Director Mary Gratzer, and Membership & Communications Manager Ellie Wnek, serve the AIA full time but are supported by an entire team at AI, including Kara Eaton in Member Services, Jennifer Mayhugh in Special Events, and Paul Carney and Ben Polk in Finance, just to name a few. It’s been a pleasure getting to know the AI team and, on behalf of the AIA, I can say we are enthusiastically looking forward to many more successful years ahead.

As I conclude my first message as AIA President, I cordially invite you to share your ideas, talents and to consider getting involved with the AIA, if you aren’t already Check out the website and see if a committee interests you. Sign up for an event. Author an insightful article for The Binder. Visit the Board of Directors page and feel free to reach out to me or your division director with ideas for future content, important issues, or educational programs. After all, this is your organization and we want to hear from you to make the AIA even better.

Best regards,

Chris Morin is the managing Shareholder at Murray, Morin & Herman, P.A., with offices in Tampa and Miami, Florida. Chris is Board Certified in Aviation Law by the Florida Bar and has defended aviation matters for over two decades, regularly counseling local, regional and international clients in the defense of aviation accidents and disputed civil matters. He has tried both civil and criminal cases, including numerous bench trials and jury trials. A licensed pilot, Chris has owned and operated several aircraft, the last being an A-36 Bonanza. He assumed the role of AIA President in May 2023.