ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn., June 5, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The NGPA today announced the selection of Brian Gambino as its new president. Gambino will succeed David Pettet whose term as president will end on February 15, 2020.
Mr. Gambino will take the helm of a 2,300 member organization with over $1 million in annual revenue that supports education, training, and scholarships to raise awareness of LGBTQ diversity and inclusion throughout aviation worldwide. The organization will award over $150,000 in scholarships next year.
"After careful consideration of several well-qualified candidates, the NGPA Board of Directors selected Brian to help execute the Board's strategic action plan and to bring his creativity and energy to growing NGPA's value for our members and influence in the United States and internationally," said Kit Warfield, NGPA Board of Directors Co-Chair.
Mr. Gambino graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was previously employed by Air Wisconsin Airlines as a customer service manager and first officer on the Canadair Regional Jet. While at Air Wisconsin, Gambino volunteered with his local ALPA MEC Membership Committee, rising to become the committee chairman for a two-year term. He currently serves as a first officer on the Airbus A320/321 for JetBlue Airways. Additionally, Gambino has led the development and growth of NGPA's Industry Expo, currently one of the largest pilot and aviation professional career events.
In 2008, Mr. Gambino joined the organization and over the last four years has helped NGPA to take the lead on connecting employers with a growing and diverse workforce. "Brian's enthusiasm for aviation was instrumental in taking a small gathering of pilots to a nationally recognized career event attended by every major airline, most regional airlines and a growing number of on-demand air charter and general aviation companies," said Greg Sumner, NGPA Board of Directors Co-Chair.
NGPA's current president David Pettet will continue in his role until February 15, 2020. David was elected into the role of Executive Director in 2014, succeeding Steven Moore, the organization's previous Executive Director. In 2017, NGPA merged with the NGPA Education Fund and the combined group created the role of president, which Pettet assumed. Gambino will be the organization's second president under its current structure.
"I'm honored to have been selected by the NGPA Board and to have their confidence to lead this vital organization at a time of great change and opportunity for our industry," said Gambino.
Founded in 1990, the NGPA is an international organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) aviation professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.
Through education, outreach programs, and events, the organization encourages members of the LGBT community to begin aviation careers; fosters equal treatment of LGBT people in aviation through advocacy and outreach; promotes aviation safety, and provides an affirming social and professional network for the LGBT aviation community.
SOURCE NGPA
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