Retired Lieutenant General David F. Melcher, president and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), recently informed the organization that his tenure will end effective Dec. 31, 2017 in order to pursue other interests.
Melcher will continue his leadership duties until his departure date and will participate in the selection process for the organization’s new leader.
“Dave’s extraordinary vision, leadership, and attention to member value enabled AIA to superbly represent our industry to the many constituencies we serve, and increased AIA’s worldwide brand recognition with a new Administration, Congress and our global counterparts,” Dennis A. Muilenburg, AIA’s executive committee chairman, said. “Thanks to Dave and his team’s efforts, AIA is well positioned for continued growth and influence in the future.”
Prior to leading AIA, Melcher served as a member of the organization’s executive and finance committees. He has also served as President and CEO of Exelis, Inc., an aerospace, defense and information solutions company based in McLean, Virginia, since 2011.
A 32- year Army veteran, Melcher served in various capacities within the ITT Corporation and ITT Defense and Information Solutions prior to becoming Exelis’ inaugural chief executive.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team and I am convinced that AIA will continue its growth as a strong force in our industry globally,” Melcher said. “It has also been my great privilege to work with the amazingly dedicated and skilled employees at AIA and with our member company CEOs as we advocated for a strong national defense, robust civil aviation and space programs, a level playing field for international trade, and the creation of a vibrant and capable future workforce.”
According to AIA, the organization’s Executive Committee has already begun the process of searching for Melcher’s successor.