AAR Executive Cheryle R. Jackson Elected to AIA Board of Governors

VP is 1st African American woman to serve in this role at key aerospace advocacy group

WOOD DALE, Illinois – AAR (NYSE:AIR) announces Cheryle R. Jackson, Vice President, Government Affairs and Corporate Development, has been elected to the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Board of Governors. The AIA is regarded as the most authoritative and influential advocate for U.S. aerospace and defense manufacturers, weighing in on public policy and homeland security issues so its members can compete successfully in the global marketplace.

When Jackson joins in January, she will be the first African American woman to serve on the Board in its 93-year history, according to AIA records.

“It is an honor to be elected to serve on the Board of Governors of AIA and to represent one of the fastest-growing aerospace and defense companies, AAR,” Jackson said. “This is a critical time for the aerospace industry as federal budget cuts loom, but there is no better advocate than AIA.”

The Board of Governors is comprised of senior representatives (mostly presidents and CEOs) of member companies who meet twice a year; an Executive Committee meets more frequently. Jackson will replace board member and AAR colleague Terry Stinson, Technology Products Group Vice President.

“Cheryle is collaborative in her approach to leadership and she understands the importance of maintaining good relationships,” said Marion Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer of AIA, based in Arlington, VA. “I am confident that Cheryle will be a strong and informed advocate for the industry and will stay on top of emerging trends and opportunities for new business.”

Jackson’s career has been distinguished by firsts. She joined AAR in March 2010 after serving three years as the first female president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, a civil rights and economic development organization. She also was the first woman and African American to serve as a chief spokesperson for the Illinois governor’s office.

In 2009, Jackson was a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama, her first run for public office. A career that began in communications, including a stint as vice president of communications and brand management for National Public Radio, expanded to state and government relations for Amtrak, and then again to aerospace, has afforded Jackson the unique opportunity to work with and identify synergies among various stakeholders.

“AIA will inherit Cheryle’s passion and the unique perspective she brings from her diverse experience, attributes that have made her an invaluable asset to AAR,” said David P. Storch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AAR CORP. “Cheryle is a visionary whose ability to work across traditional boundaries has been instrumental as we continue to grow and diversify our business domestically and internationally.”

Through her work, Jackson has emerged as an enthusiastic champion of STEM education, applied STEM careers, and aligning curriculum to business needs to fill skills gaps in aviation and manufacturing. She is also an active member of Chicago’s philanthropic community, serving as the Illinois chair of the White House Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to advance women in business, politics and media, and on the boards of Northwestern University and The Field Museum.