VAI Board selects Gray Talent Advisors to lead search for new CEO
Association’s leadership opens search process for James Viola’s replacement.
Alexandria, VA (March 5, 2025) – The Board of Directors of Vertical Aviation International (VAI) announced today that Gray Talent Advisors (GTA) will lead the search for the association’s next president and CEO. The incumbent in that position, James Viola, will leave the organization on March 15, following VERTICON 2025, to assume the role of president and CEO at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
“Finding the right leader for VAI is critical to ensuring the continued success and growth of the vertical aviation industry,” says Mark Schlaefli, VAI chairman and president of Dakota Rotors. “Gray Talent Advisors brings the industry knowledge and executive search expertise needed to identify a leader who will champion our mission, strengthen our advocacy, and guide us into the future of both traditional rotorcraft and emerging powered-lift technologies.”
Gray Talent Advisors consists of Patrick Gray, co-founder and CEO; Megan Gray, co-founder and COO; and Luis Beruff, managing director. Together, they bring more than 34 years of experience in the aviation, aerospace, and defense industries. Their professional backgrounds span the military, investment, intelligence, project management, client services, and technology sectors.
GTA will work with the VAI Search Committee, comprised of VAI’s Executive Committee members, to revise the president and CEO position description to best serve industry, identify and engage highly qualified candidates, assess candidates, and conduct both virtual and in-person interviews.
Interested parties should submit resumes and any additional inquiries to vaiceo@gray-talent.com by Apr. 4, 2025. Formal interviews are expected to take place between Apr. 21 and May 7, 2025. Schedule permitting, the search process will conclude by Jun. 30, 2025.