WASHINGTON, DC, June 20, 2007 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today announced the departure of GAMA veteran Ronald Swanda from his role as Senior Vice President of Operations effective June 29, 2007.

“It is difficult to overstate Ron’s contribution to GAMA and to general aviation over the last twenty-five years. He has been a tireless and enthusiastic advocate for the GA community, and will be greatly missed," said GAMA President and CEO, Pete Bunce. “Ron has helped resolve numerous operational, airport, safety and advanced technology issues and the relationships he has developed over the years with the government and industry are invaluable.”

Ron came to GAMA in 1982 and during his distinguished tenure served on numerous government advisory committees. Ron was the first representative of the U.S. aviation industry to participate in the European Joint Aviation Authorities’ deliberations on operational rules and regulations. He was also a member of the U.S. delegation to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s 12th Air Navigation Conference on implementation of the Global Navigation System.

Following enactment of the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA) in 1994, Ron was the staff-lead and primary author of GAMA’s Piston-Engine Aircraft Revitalization Plan. He has also served on NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System Advisory Committee for more than ten years and was a member of the Executive Council for the Advanced General Aviation Transportation Experiment (AGATE).

Prior to joining GAMA, Ron served in the U.S. Air Force as a C-130 aircraft commander, instructor pilot, and chief of squadron standards and evaluation selection. He was also a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Squadron Officer School. He learned to fly in general aviation aircraft in 1967 and subsequently became a commercial pilot with multi-engine and instrument privileges.

Ron holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska (1969), and a master of business administration in aviation, with honors, from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (1981).