AEA's Paula Derks Plans 2019 Retirement

Paula Derks, who has led the Aircraft Electronics Association for 22 years, is planning to retire after the association’s next convention in March 2019. She stepped in as president of the association in 1996, taking the reins from her father, Monte Mitchell, who had previously led AEA for almost 20 years.

"I have worked for this great organization since the day I graduated from college nearly 40 years ago," Derks told AEA attendees during its recent annual convention. "As you might imagine, the AEA is my passion. Aside from my family and my faith, the AEA is a huge part of my life.”

Noting plans for a year-long transition, Derks added, “This may seem unusual to announce 12 months out, but I want this succession to be as smooth as possible for the AEA.” This will give the board enough time for a strategic search for the next president, she said. “It is the right time for me, and it's the right time for the next generation of executive leadership."

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen praised Derks’s leadership as president. “Paula Derks has been an effective leader for the general aviation community for more than two decades,” Bolen said. “Her passion, dedication, and expertise are recognized in Washington and around the country. She is a great colleague and friend.”

In addition to serving as president, Derks has been director of communications for the association and also has served as chairman of the board of trustees for the Aviation Accreditation Board International, and is a charter member of Women in Aviation, International and a member of the National Aeronautics Association.