Caitlin Hayden named AIA Vice President of Communications

In this role she will lead the organisation’s outreach and communications functions and work closely with AIA member companies to tell the aerospace and defense industry’s story in the United States and around the world. She will report to AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning.

“I’m thrilled that Caitlin will be joining our team to support an industry that has inspired Americans to dream bigger and reach farther for over a century. Our member companies are inspiring the next generation of American innovators and strengthening our economic and national security. Caitlin’s talent and experience make her the ideal person to ensure this story is told effectively and to take AIA’s advocacy to the next level,” said Fanning.

Prior to joining AIA, Hayden (right) was Executive Vice President and Director of the Media Group in Edelman’s DC Office, working with a broad range of clients to develop comprehensive communications strategies to meet their business objectives, including protecting and promoting their brands and navigating regulatory, policy and crisis issues.

She also served as one of Edelman’s senior media and speech trainers, working with CEOs and spokespeople globally to refine and strengthen their message.

“As a national security wonk and professional communicator, I can’t think of a more exciting prospect than telling the story of an industry that is keeping America safe, creating American jobs, leading the world in innovation, and inspiring people to dream,” said Hayden.

Before joining Edelman, Hayden served as a Special Assistant to President Obama, the National Security Council Senior Director for Strategic Communications and Press, and the National Security Council (NSC) Spokesperson. In that position, she led White House messaging around foreign policy, development and global health, defense, intelligence, cybersecurity and counterterrorism. Prior to the White House, Caitlin was a career civil servant at the Department of State. She joined the State Department on September 10, 2001 and spent her career there focused on public outreach, press, speechwriting and South and Central Asia policy.