Marion Blakey moves from AIA to Rolls-Royce
"AIA has been very fortunate to have Marion's leadership over the last seven years," said AIA Chairman and President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Aviation, David L. Joyce. "Under Marion's guidance, AIA has elevated its role advocating in the best interests of the nation and the aerospace and defence industry."
Beginning in November of 2007, Blakey's tenure saw the achievement of numerous milestones for the industry. AIA's advocacy played a key role in changing the classification of commercial satellites in 2014, enabling American manufacturers to better compete in the global market. AIA's work in support of the Next Generation Air Transportation System has been widely recognised by industry and government.
In defence, Blakey (right) led the establishment of a broad-ranging campaign to alert elected officials and the general public of the significant impact to the US and the aerospace and defence industry of sequestration and budget cuts imposed under the Budget Control Act of 2011. The Association also developed very creative uses of social media to increase the public's appreciation of the importance of a strong aerospace industry, including NASA's achievements.
"I'm very proud of AIA's record of achievement these last seven years," Blakey said. "I'd like to thank AIA's Executive Committee, Board of Governors and the entire staff for their guidance, hard work and commitment. I strongly believe we've strengthened AIA and better positioned the organisation and our member companies to inform and influence the debate on key issues facing our country and our industry in the coming years."
"While we're quickly moving forward to identify Marion's successor," Joyce said, "AIA has outstanding and dedicated staff who play a key role in AIA's mission of driving the aerospace industry's agenda and priorities. And those priorities remain clear: to advocate strongly for sound policy, sensible regulation and adequate budgets that support the necessary investments in our defence, civil aviation and space sectors to ensure that America's aerospace and defence industry remains second to none."
“We are extremely pleased to have Ms. Blakey leading the North American region because she brings deep industry perspective and is a well-respected voice in Washington. These markets are critical to our Aerospace and Land & Sea Divisions and I am delighted to have a person of her calibre to join us in this role,” said John Rishton, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Plc.
“I couldn’t be any more pleased to have Marion take my place as the leader of Rolls-Royce North America. I’ve known her for many years, serving together on the AIA Board of Governors and other very important industry initiatives. She is a valued and trusted voice in our industry, and a wonderful friend. This experience – with AIA and previously with the FAA and NTSB – will be extremely valuable to Rolls-Royce and our 8,000 employees located in the region,” said James M. Guyette, retiring President and CEO, Rolls-Royce North America.
Born in Gadsden, Ala., Ms. Blakey received her bachelor’s degree with honors in international studies from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia. She also attended Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies for graduate work in Middle East Affairs. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a fellow in the Royal Aeronautical Society and has received numerous honorary degrees and awards, including the National Aeronautic Association’s 2011 Henderson Trophy for making “a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation and aerospace in the United States,” Aviation Week & Space Technology’s 2013 Laureate award for AIA’s contributions to workforce development through STEM education activities, and the National Aeronautic Association’s 2013 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, recognizing her “significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States.”
Rolls-Royce has been present in North America for over 100 years and today it employs more than 8,000 people across the North America region in 26 US states, six Canadian provinces and three Mexican states. Its regional headquarters are located in Reston, Va., with major operations in: Indianapolis, Ind.; Prince George Co., Va.; Walpole, Mass.; Oakland, Ca.; Montreal, Canada; and, the NASA John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss.
Founded in 1919 shortly after the birth of flight, the Aerospace Industries Association is a trade association representing America's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, homeland and cybersecurity systems, materiel and related components, equipment services and information technology.
