Flight Safety Foundation names new CEO

© Flight Safety Foundation
Hassan Shahidi

Dr. Hassan Shahidi will become the Flight Safety Foundation’s president and CEO in January, the foundation recently announced.

Shahidi is an aviation safety and air traffic management leader and is director of aviation safety and new entrant integration at MITRE Corp. MITRE is a nonprofit organization that manages development centers for several U.S. government agencies and federally funded research.

At MITRE, Shahidi played a leading role in many projects, including the development of the highly regarded Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing capability. The system allows government and industry to identify safety issues proactively.

Shahidi has been in aviation leadership for more than 35 years and has a private pilot license and several advanced degrees in engineering and economics.

“Dr. Shahidi brings unique and deep experience in evidence-based approaches to safety, which is critical to maintain and improve our stellar record in all aspects of aviation,” John Hamilton, Foundation Board of Governors chairman, said. “We’re confident Hassan will take us to the next level and help us confront the challenges of explosive growth and disruptive technology around the globe.”

Shahidi replaces Jon L. Beatty who held the position for four years.

The Flight Safety Foundation is an international, nonprofit organization with the goal of improving aviation safety.