VAI announces staffing changes to support five-year strategic plan

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) announces a substantial staffing realignment designed to strengthen the association’s ability to execute its five-year strategic plan and meet the needs of an evolving vertical aviation industry.

The changes align VAI’s internal structure with the association’s strategic priorities: advancing safety leadership, strengthening advocacy, expanding workforce development, increasing international engagement, supporting operational data initiatives, and improving member value.

“Vertical aviation is changing quickly, and VAI must evolve with purpose. Our members operate in an environment shaped by more complex airspace, rising costs, new technologies, workforce pressures, and increased public scrutiny. These personnel moves position VAI to meet those challenges with greater focus, accountability, and operational expertise,” said François Lassale, President and CEO, VAI.

A key part of that work is the development of new data programs that will help operators identify trends, benchmark performance, and address risk before incidents occur. By turning operator-informed data into practical safety and business insights, VAI aims to give members better tools to make decisions, improve operations, and support a stronger safety culture.

The strengthened staff structure reflects VAI’s transition from a conventional trade association model toward a more outcome-driven organization focused on measurable value for members and the broader industry. The association’s five-year plan calls for phased execution across key areas, including safety data, workforce development, advocacy, international growth, and diversified revenue.

Leadership & staff appointments

Raffaele Vitelli, CAE | VP of Business Development

Vitelli is an association and non-profit executive with more than 20 years of association experience in program growth and non-dues revenue development and will oversee communications, events, marketing, and membership, reporting directly to the CEO. He previously served with the American Public Human Services Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and America’s Health Insurance Plans.

Jim McClay | Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs

McClay joins VAI from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), where he focused on airspace, air traffic, and National Airspace System topics for general aviation. He also served for 13 years with the National Business Aviation Association as part of its Air Traffic Services team at the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center. He is an instrument-rated fixed-wing pilot and a licensed FAA airline dispatcher.

Katia Veraza | Director of State Government Affairs and Regional Relations

Veraza has been promoted to strengthen VAI’s presence in regional, state, and local affairs. She has been with the association for nearly four years.

Jay Clark | Technical Director

A VAI veteran, Clark has been promoted to lead the association’s data project — a central element of its five-year strategic plan. His new role brings dedicated technical leadership, institutional knowledge, and direct operational insight as VAI builds a trusted, operator-informed data framework to support safety, benchmarking, and evidence-based advocacy.

Tanya Kirchner, CEM | Senior Director of Conventions

Kirchner has been promoted to lead the association’s flagship events, including VERTICON, the Air Tour Safety Conference, and the Aerial Work Safety Conference. She recently oversaw VAI’s successful inaugural Southeast Asia Aviation Safety Conference in Bali, Indonesia.

Emily Monahan, CEM | Assistant Director, Exhibits and Experience

Monohan, a nine-year VAI veteran, was promoted due to her consistent delivery on exhibitor engagement and her leadership in strengthening the attendee experience.

Shawnna Kerns | Creative Director

Kerns will oversee marketing for events, membership, and other programs, as well as the association’s social media outreach.

Safae Assli | Safety and Data Operations

Assli joins VAI with a background in operations and data support, adding expertise that strengthens the association’s use of data to help operators reduce risk and improve safety. She holds dual master’s degrees in process engineering and quality control, and in biotechnology and management. Her experience includes data workflows, performance metrics, process documentation, and statistical analysis.

Ubaid Tariq | Database Administration Manager

Tariq has joined VAI to reinforce the association’s databases and software integrations in support of the data project, which will give operators additional tools and insights to improve their businesses and reduce risk. His previous experience as a data analyst with NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the FAA will enhance VAI’s ability to manage data effectively, improve internal systems, and turn information into practical value for members.

Alyssa Vasquez | Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff

Vasquez has been promoted from the Conventions Department to support association management and board governance in an expanded capacity.

“These promotions are about matching people, roles, and resources to the work ahead. They are about building the association our members need between now and 2031. VAI must help the industry operate more safely, advocate more effectively, develop its workforce, and shape its future with evidence and credibility,” said François Lassale, President and CEO, VAI.