NAFI Names Brian Wynne as President and Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portage, Mich. — January 12, 2026 The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) today announces the selection of Brian Wynne as their new Executive Director. Wynne will also assume the role of President of the Board of Directors.
Wynne is a seasoned association leader who has participated on numerous FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committees as well as the Administrator’s Management Advisory Council. He recently completed a nine-year tenure as President and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) where he collaborated extensively with other aviation associations and testified before Congress more than 10 times.
An instrument-rated commercial pilot, Wynne has marked more than 30 years of general aviation flying. He is an instrument ground instructor (IGI) and will take his instrument flight instructor (CFII) check ride in the near future. Wynne is the proud owner of a Socata TB-20 Trinidad and loves to fly missions for Mercy Medical Angels. He lives in the Washington, D.C., area.
“When I started on the road to becoming a flight instructor, one of my first steps was to join NAFI,” said Wynne. “The access to community, expertise, and mentorship was immediate and highly valuable. I am honored to serve this organization which fosters professionalism and safety in aviation.”
NAFI Chair Karen Kalishek said, “We are excited to welcome Brian Wynne as NAFI’s Executive Director. Brian’s strategic vision and operational expertise are combined with a deep commitment to our mission. His experienced leadership will strengthen, accelerate, and open new opportunities for NAFI to further grow and increase our positive impact on aviation safety.”
Outgoing President Paul Preidecker said, “After serving for five years, I am really honored to turn the flight controls over to Brian. Our membership and the training community will be the benefactors of his leadership.”
For more information on the National Association of Flight Instructors, please visit nafimentor.org.
ABOUT NAFI
The National Association of Flight Instructors serves flight instructors and training providers, prospective pilots, and the greater aviation industry by providing resources to all flight educators. With a 55-plus year commitment to raising and maintaining the professional standing of instructors in the aviation community, NAFI elevates its members, led by its. NAFI is the largest association dedicated exclusively to flight instruction, with a membership of more than 8,000 training professionals, which it serves through a bimonthly magazine, weekly newsletters, and MentorLIVE streamed events, More Right Rudder podcast, and an annual NAFI Summit. For more information on NAFI, visit nafimentor.org.
