Dawn Phillips NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

I have been an advocate for AIAA’s technical community since serving on the organizing committee for the 2013 SDM Conference. Since then, whether in an official role or not, colleagues have consistently approached me with questions, concerns, feedback, and suggestions about what the Technical Committees (TCs) can and should be doing, and how the forums can best serve the membership.

As I have taken on various leadership positions, I have been increasingly well positioned to serve as a voice for the community. That is my goal and my pledge if elected—to continue serving in that capacity. It is essential that the volunteers who form the backbone of this organization know their input is heard, valued, and communicated.

In practice, this means staying actively engaged: reading and responding to AIAA communications carefully, and taking time to listen when members reach out at forums and other events, whether for a quick question or a longer discussion. When I have answers, I provide them; when I do not, I make it a point to find them.

Through strong working relationships with AIAA members, leadership, volunteers, and staff, I have consistently followed through on commitments, and I intend to continue that approach.