University Aviation Association

Message from UAA President’s Desk

 -- UAA President Dr. Ryan Leick

I hope the holiday season has given you a chance to regroup a bit and prepare for the year ahead. As I look forward to 2026, I have been thinking about the direction UAA is heading and the work we have in front of us to sustain UAA’s recent success.

Much of this success can be directly attributed to the leadership and commitment of UAA’s Executive Director, Dawn Vinson. Dawn has helped guide the organization through consistently challenging economic conditions while keeping our operations stable and on a solid foundation for long-term sustainability. I am grateful that she has agreed to a two-year extension of her contract, which will provide continuity as we continue this work together.

This means UAA will begin the process of searching for our next Executive Director over the coming year. Dawn has made a lasting impact on this organization and on many of us personally. We are all thankful for her service and commitment to the organization. 

As we prepare for this transition, our goal is to build on the foundation she laid to ensure that the organization remains well positioned for its future.

Our strategic priorities for 2026 are focused on a few practical initiatives. One of our major initiatives this year is a revamp of UAA’s website and membership software. Our current systems no longer meet the needs of our growing and increasingly active membership. This upgrade is about improving the day-to-day experience of engaging with UAA, from accessing resources to managing memberships and collaborating with colleagues across the association.

We are also re-evaluating our committee structure to ensure they are purposeful, active, and aligned with organizational goals. Committee membership will be invitation-based at the discretion of each Committee Chair, allowing committees to remain focused while still drawing on members who are prepared to contribute in meaningful and constructive ways.

All of this reflects a broader direction that has guided much of our continuing effort to steer UAA toward a clear focus on creating value for our members. That means listening carefully while being thoughtful about where we invest our time and resources to make improvements that have a tangible impact on your experience with the association.

Thank you for your continued involvement and support. I look forward to working with you throughout the year and hearing how UAA can continue to better serve you, your organizations, and our industry.