AIAM Appoints Aaron Johnson as First Executive Director of Member Relations

Johnson will develop and implement strategies to recruit and retain new AIAM members

ROCHESTER, Michigan — October 22, 2024. Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) has named Aaron Johnson as the organization’s first Executive Director, Member Relations. AIAM is a member-driven industry organization that strengthens and supports the continued growth of aerospace in Michigan. In his new role, Johnson will develop and implement strategies to recruit and retain new AIAM members and to cultivate current member relationships. Johnson brings 15 years of broad business development experience that includes building industry relationships, market analysis, and developing growth strategies. He is a defense subject matter expert who previously served as the Business Development Manager, Michigan Defense Center for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

“This is an absolutely critical role for AIAM,” said AIAM President Tony Vernacci (left). “Our members are why we exist. Everything we do is centered around what will benefit the members to strengthen and grow the aerospace industry in Michigan. Aaron brings outstanding experience, a passion for partnership, and a clear vision of future possibilities for AIAM and our members.”

Johnson (left) is especially excited about expanding opportunities for collaboration between AIAM member organizations and larger industry-wide stakeholders. He noted, “I believe the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and that we can achieve more together than we can alone. In the process, we can bring growth and prosperity to our individual organizations and communities and to Michigan’s aerospace industry as a whole.”  

Johnson will visit AIAM’s member companies to gain feedback on their experience so far. He will learn more about their businesses and their pain points and discuss what AIAM can do to provide further benefit. He will also solicit ideas for future events, including established ones like AeroOne, so AIAM can provide the most value to its members.

While at the MEDC, Johnson represented the corporation as part of the State of Michigan’s efforts to become one of six FAA Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) test sites. He also facilitated match-making with defense and homeland security industry stakeholders and potential teaming partners to build contracting opportunities, and performed market research and analysis to identify opportunities to grow the aerospace industry in Michigan. Most recently, Johnson served as Manager of Business Development for Surus Transport, where he supported the growth of new and existing customers, while maintaining an overall positive client experience. At Serenus Johnson Portables, he rose through the ranks from Director of Business Development to President in less than four years.

Johnson believes Michigan is well positioned for success. “We’re fortunate to have incredible leadership from both industry and academia across the board — particularly in fields of engineering and manufacturing technology. With almost 1,000 businesses in the state touching the industry in some way, our collective experience in aerospace has been Michigan’s best kept secret. My mission is to make that less of a secret.” 

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About AIAM: The Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) is a non-profit, member-driven industry organization. It is a platform for aerospace leaders in the state to work together on a common set of priorities to strengthen and support the continued growth in the industry through talent attraction and new investment in Michigan.