GA advocate flies west

Selena Shilad, the executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, died Nov. 24, 2023, following a brief illness. She was 45.

Selena had been with the alliance since its inception in 2007, rising to the role of executive director within a year.

The non-profit coalition of more than 7,000 individuals, businesses, agricultural groups, FBOs, airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and business and aviation groups support the interests of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.

Prior to joining the alliance, Selena coordinated initiatives and high-profile campaigns for corporate and non-profit clients in the transportation, defense, telecommunication, and education sectors. She also directed communications for a number of political campaigns, including in Arizona and Texas, and previously worked for Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), focusing on healthcare, banking, housing, and trade issues.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, then went on to earn two master’s degrees, one from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, and the other from the University of Chicago, with a focus on public opinion and international relations.

“Selena will be remembered for her unwavering commitment in her role as a tireless, passionate, resourceful, and effective coalition builder and aviation advocate, whose generosity enriched the lives of those of us fortunate enough to know her,” said Ed Bolen, chair of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, as well as president of the National Business Aviation Association. “Every single day, she engaged with community leaders, organizations and individuals from across the country to powerfully communicate the central role of general aviation in America.”

She is survived by her parents Shafi and Karen, her brother, Justin, and her daughter, Amaya.