A Message to the Institute from AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher
By Dan Dumbacher|September 2024
I write this with very mixed emotions. The tremendous opportunity to further the mission of AIAA, to help AIAA address the current and coming challenges across the aerospace ecosystem, and (importantly) to help the next generation of aerospace leaders with a vibrant professional society has been a dream come true. Now, after nearly seven years as the AIAA CEO, it is time for a new leader with a fresh perspective for the Institute of the future.
Together, we have reinvented AIAA to more clearly address the needs and speed of today’s aerospace marketplace. We have introduced the three Domains (Aeronautics, Aerospace R&D, and Space). We have grown the communities who participate at our events. We have emphasized diversity across the industry and the Institute. We have increased our relevance to the broader aerospace community, including across the branches of the U.S. government.
We have continued refining the value the Institute provides our members to best meet the expectations around what it means to belong to an aerospace technical society. Individual membership numbers have begun ticking upward following years of moving the other direction. We’re welcoming many more organizations joining as corporate members. Since 2020, the Institute has weathered the impacts of the pandemic, continuing our financial recovery with resilence and new views on how we engage our audiences and serve our community. Your dedication and perseverance has made this happen.
We are looking toward a future with tremendous potential ahead. AIAA is an essential voice in aerospace. AIAA is a beacon for our community. We have a vital role to play, identifying the ecosystem needs, convening the community, and developing the talent for our industry to thrive. It is a great responsibility and AIAA continues to deliver. AIAA is unique with its long-standing, world-renowned technical expertise. Based on this firm technical foundation, the Institute’s thought leadership on technical, policy, economic, and operational issues is solidly informed and objective. AIAA is leading the aerospace community to embrace the cross-discipline application of our technical expertise that will unleash the talent for even greater success.
AIAA can and should be the place for inspiring and supporting those who will continue making this progress and who will address the growing global competition. Our efforts to be purpose driven, more inclusive, reach into those communities who are underserved, underrepresented and economically disadvantaged, have begun making an impact and they must grow exponentially. Society needs all the talent we can harness – from the hands-on artisans who make the hardware a reality, to the engineers, scientists, and inventors who imagine what’s possible, to the business people, legal talent, policy experts, communications professionals, and more who deliver the programs and missions. The growth of aerospace now and in the future can serve as a catalyst to help others reach their highest potential of success.
It has been an honor of a lifetime to be part of the remarkable team propelling AIAA forward as a strong platform for the future. This is a team sport and there are many people I would like to thank.
First, to the AIAA professional staff – You are all amazing, tireless, and the highest caliber professionals. It has been a privilege to be part of your team. All of you make it happen on a daily basis.
To the AIAA Board of Trustees and AIAA presidents over the years, including Jim Maser, John Langford, Basil Hassan, Laura McGill, and Dan Hastings – You guided us through challenging times and purposely chose to build for the future. AIAA is great because of your leadership, thank you.
To the generous volunteer members, especially the Council of Directors – Thank you for caring so deeply about the Institute and our community. Your support and input have been invaluable.
The Dumbacher family is my rock-solid foundation. Lee is the stalwart companion, advisor, and supporter across our 43+ years together. It has been quite a journey. Thank you is the best I have, yet it is not enough. To my children and their families: Erin, Dana, Brad, David, Chris, Jude, Ada, Bowie, and Louis – Thank you for always being there with advice and counsel. It may not seem like it at times, but your thoughts and input have shaped things more than you know.
To my parents, John and Rita – Even though you have gone to a higher level, you instilled the love of aerospace with flying Mooney 201s and Cessnas and being part of establishing the Patriot missile system. You allowed me to follow my passion for all things space. You taught your sons integrity, love, and why we should do our best every day.
To my many mentors, supervisors, and teachers over the years – There are too many to name. I will mention a few. Otto Goetz, Joe Lombardo, and Bob Ryan were three of the absolute best people and engineers you will ever find. They set an extremely high bar. To J. Wayne Littles, Jim Odom, and many others – Thank you for all you have taught our generation. I only hope we have lived up to your expectations in some small way.
It’s time for Lee and I to move on to more family time, a little more fun time. It’s also time for the next phase of growth and influence with a new face. I am confident that AIAA is in fantastic hands and the opportunities are endless!
I look forward to seeing AIAA continue to be the shining beacon of aerospace, now and long into the future. For now … goodbye, farewell, and see you around the bend ….
Dan
