The ARSA board of directors has elected David Latimer as ARSA’s new president, the association’s senior volunteer leadership position. Latimer is senior vice president of regulatory compliance for HAECO Americas, a Greensboro, North Carolina-based provider of maintenance services for both civil customers and government contracts.

Latimer was elected during the board’s annual meeting on Oct. 12 following a day of industry roundtables in Washington, D.C. through which board members collaborated with ARSA’s executive team, aviation allies and government officials.

Latimer has more than 40 years’ experience in the aviation industry and more than two decades in quality control and assurance. He is responsible for HAECO Americas’ compliance with aviation safety rules in addition to environmental, workplace and other regulatory requirements. He began his career with the company, which at the time was TIMCO Aviation Services, as vice president of quality in 1998 after its acquisition of AeroCorp. He first joined ARSA’s board in 2004 and has served in multiple officer roles during his tenure, including formerly as president.

ARSA’s board of directors represents a broad range of international maintenance interests. Board members direct the association’s work to best serve the aviation community. Considering his long experience and deep commitment to the association, Latimer will provide steady guidance to the executive team throughout the coming year. Basil Barimo, ARSA’s 2018 president and chief operating officer of AerSale, completed his board service and will continue his support of ARSA as part of the thriving Florida aerospace community.

“David is the perfect example of what a committed aviation maintenance professional can achieve,” said Executive Director Sarah MacLeod. “He is a technician who ‘made good’ on his skills and potential, becoming a respected industry leader who has long been integral to the association. We will use his presidency to celebrate the upward mobility available to highly-skilled individuals entering the aviation maintenance industry.”

During the meeting, Ian Cheyne, chief technical and regulatory officer of Dallas Airmotive, was elected ARSA’s vice president and Gary Fortner, vice president of engineering and quality control for Fortner Engineering, became the association’s treasurer. Latimer, Cheyne and Fortner will each serve one year terms.

“I’ve taken advantage of ARSA’s value for years,” Latimer said of his service to the association. “ARSA has something very special: a strong group of knowledgeable professionals serving the worldwide maintenance industry. For the next year we will ensure the association’s voice is heard throughout the international maintenance industry.”

More from ARSA