Northwest Aerospace News February | March Issue No. 13 | Page 81

CHAIRWOMAN’S AWARD
MELANIE JORDAN
Melanie Jordan,
PNAA CEO Emeritus
Melanie Jordan served PNAA
in progressive leadership
roles beginning in 2007 as
a member of the Board of
Directors, then as Executive
Director (2013), Chief
Operating Officer (2014)
and CEO (2016) retiring with
the honorary title of CEO
Emeritus in 2019.
Under her leadership,
and with the strategies
for growth determined by the Board of Directors, PNAA
became the Pacific Northwest region’s premier aerospace
trade organization focused on the mission of promoting the
growth and global competitiveness of the Pacific Northwest
Aerospace Cluster.
She grew up in Renton in the 1960s and entered the
workforce at a time of significant economic distress.
“Would the last person leaving Seattle - turn out the lights”
was the iconic billboard that reflected the mood of the
region, and with 17% unemployment, jobs were scarce.
Young and enthusiastic, Melanie was undaunted and began
her search for work with an idea – Start at “A” in the yellow
pages; cold call every company asking for a job until you
get a “Yes.” Dozens of calls, then Bingo! A small startup
airline needed to set up an office and Melanie had the
skills. Once organized, she focused on flight operations,
where she thrived. Her career in aviation was launched.
Over the next several years, Melanie worked in flight
operations at a global non-scheduled airline (B707) and
then a regional air carrier (B737). She later transferred
her knowledge and skills to a variety of specialized jobs in
aviation including: the FAA, airport management, aviation
land use, and advisor to flying museum Historic Flight. In
2003 she joined with the leadership team in the planning
and development of the Future of Flight Aviation Center &
Boeing Tour, serving as Founding President and Chair of the
Foundation.
Years later, with her interest in aerospace piqued and
wanting to learn more, she attended PNAA’s 6th Annual
Aerospace Conference. Thoroughly impressed with the
world-class speakers, she noticed attendance was sparse
and had an idea. “Let me assist you with bringing in a
larger audience,” she pitched the Board. Wanting to grow
the organization, but not having the bandwidth, they struck
a deal for services.
“As is the case with the success of any organization, it takes
a team,” noted PNAA’s Vice Chair, John Graham. “In PNAA’s
case, Melanie Jordan was the exceptional team leader
responsible for revitalizing PNAA and helping it to become
the largest and most impactful aerospace alliance in the
world. She has an exceptional ability to work within all
factions of the aerospace community and used this skill to
lay the foundation for PNAA’s current success.”
With unique, effective and relevant events facilitating
engagement between PNAA’s members, suppliers,
sponsors, partners and key aerospace stakeholders locally
and globally, the industry was receptive. Year over year
growth ensued and PNAA became recognized as the
destination organization for aerospace manufacturers to
learn the latest market intelligence, trends, and analytics,
as well as network with peer decision makers. “Under
Melanie’s leadership PNAA broadened its reach,” stated
PNAA’s Chairwoman, Nikki Malcom, “CEO Roundtables,
Women in Aerospace, Oktoberfest, Executive Briefings,
scholarship funding, international agreements and more.
A mentor to many, consistently modeling professionalism,
enthusiastic about STEM education, always the optimist
and sharing her passion for aviation and aerospace,
Melanie has set the standard for others to follow.”
In retirement, she’s looking forward to traveling with her
sweetheart, visiting her son at UC Berkeley and writing
a book of family history with her mother. A dedicated
aviation/aerospace enthusiast, she will continue offering
strategic insights on the industry through Aerospace
Liaison Services as a consultant.
PNAA's Chairwoman's Award is presented to an individual, company or organization to honor their outstanding accomplishments
which have significantly contributed to the support, growth and future of the aerospace industry throughout the greater Pacific
Northwest.
PNAA ADVANCE / 2020
FEBRUARY 2020 | MARCH 2020 ISSUE NO. 13
FEBRUARY | MARCH 2020 ISSUE NO. 13
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