Chair

Candidate(s): Christopher Vigil

Incumbent: Kristi Farley

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The Chair shall be the chief executive officer of the Section. The Chair is elected annually for one year and then becomes the Immediate Past Chair in the second year. If the Chair is re- elected for a subsequent term, the sequence restarts. (one-year position)

Responsibilities:

• Shall be a member of the Council and of all committees, except the Nominating Committee.

• Shall preside at all meetings and functions of the Council and of the Section.

• Represent the Section in dealing with outside agencies, making all appointments, and transacting all business of the Section as directed by it or its Council, and in accordance with the Bylaws.

• Shall make an annual report generally by 31 May through the annual report process as defined by the Regional Engagement Activities Division (READ) of AIAA.

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Vice Chair

Candidate(s): Joshua Ehrlich, Reece Moellenhoff, Chris Northrup 

Incumbent: Christopher Vigil

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The Vice Chair is elected annually and is responsible for supporting the Chair in their responsibilities. This position is good preparation for members aspiring to become Chair. (one-year position)

Responsibilities:

• Shall be a voting member of the Council and shall act in the place of the Chair in any case of the Chair's absence or inability to act.

• Shall transact, at the direction of the Chair, any business which could be within the power of the Chair to transact.

• Shall support various committee activities as required and special operational assignments as directed by the Chair.

 

Treasurer

Candidate(s): Taylor Lilly

Incumbent: Taylor Lilly​

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The Treasurer is responsible for managing the Section’s financial affairs, ensuring accurate record-keeping, financial reporting, and compliance with AIAA financial policies. This position is essential for maintaining the financial health of the Section and supporting the execution of its programs. (two-year position)

Responsibilities:

• Shall be a voting member of the Council.

• Shall keep an accurate record of all funds received and disbursed.

• Shall prepare and submit all required financial reports, including the annual budget and audited financial statement, in accordance with AIAA policies.

• Shall ensure that all expenditures are properly authorized by the Section Council and maintain financial records accordingly.

• Shall monitor committee expenditures to ensure adherence to the approved budget.

• Shall coordinate with the Chair and Vice Chair to authorize disbursements and maintain compliance with Section financial policies.

• Shall distribute monthly bank statements to Officers and oversee the Section’s bank accounts.

• Shall prepare the end-of-year financial audit in coordination with the Audit Committee.

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Engagement and Outreach Director 

Candidate(s): Leah Raffaeli

Incumbent: Leah Raffaeli

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The Engagement & Outreach Director is responsible for coordinating activities that enhance professional engagement and community outreach within the Section. This role focuses on strengthening connections between the aerospace community, industry partners, and AIAA members through events, professional development initiatives, and recognition programs. (two-year position)

Responsibilities:

• Shall be a voting member of the Council.

• Shall oversee and coordinate the following Section committees:

  • ​Annual Technology Symposium (ATS) – Organizes the Section’s premier technical event.

  • Honors & Awards Committee – Manages awards and recognitions for outstanding contributions.

  • Professional Development Committee – Supports career advancement programs for members.

  • Programs Committee – Plans and executes Section meetings and networking events.

  • Young Professionals Committee – Engages early-career professionals in AIAA activities.

• Shall collaborate with committee chairs to plan and execute high-quality events that align with the Section’s mission and goals.

• Shall ensure alignment between outreach efforts and the broader objectives of AIAA.

• Shall support the Chair in external relations and strategic engagement initiatives.

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