The Women in Aviation International (WAI) board of directors has announced Lynda Coffman will join WAI as CEO on January 22, 2024. She will lead the future business development and strategic direction of the 17,000-member strong non-profit organization while partnering with the board of directors and overseeing staff and daily operations.
Most recently, Coffman served as vice president of United Airlines and president of United Ground Express, a wholly owned airport operating subsidiary of United Airlines. She will draw on her over 30 years of successful leadership positions at United in various roles that highlight her passion for financial management, operational oversight, strategic planning and talent retention.
Coffman has served on multiple private company and non-profit boards and has received several awards for her influential contributions. A strong communicator dedicated to inspiring youth in aviation and aerospace, Coffman has also held numerous leadership and sponsorship roles supporting initiatives to champion diversity.
She has a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Santa Clara University and a master of management from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Coffman resides in Barrington, Illinois, with her husband, and they have a daughter.
“I look forward to bringing my experience and passion to continue to strengthen and grow WAI around the world while broadening support for its mission,” Coffman said. “Leading this organization is my dream job, and I look forward to connecting with our members and supporters to continue our expansive and strategic vision and contributions to this industry.”
WAI board chair Captain Deborah Hecker added: “The board — through an extensive search for a new leader — is thrilled to announce Lynda’s appointment as WAI CEO. Without a doubt, her strengths and talents as an experienced president and senior operations executive who has delivered exceptional performance will be an enormous asset to continue our organization’s critical role in encouraging more women and girls to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace. We are looking forward to supporting Lynda as she leads WAI’s strong future and critical role in the international aviation and aerospace industry. The board also expresses its gratitude to Stephanie Kenyon, WAI chief growth officer, for serving as interim CEO during this time.”
