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Our History

Supporting the Aviation Insurance Industry for 50 Years

The Aviation Insurance Association (AIA) was founded in 1976 as the Association of Independent Aviation Insurers. At that time, it served as an organization for underwriters to promote the general welfare of the aviation insurance industry. As interest in the association grew, we extended our membership base to include those from all facets of the industry, prompting a name change to the Aviation Insurance Association in 1988.

Today, AIA is the premier association for those involved in the aviation insurance industry in the United States and abroad. The organization is comprised of members from 10 countries. Within the United States, AIA membership is represented in 43 states and the District of Columbia. From its humble beginnings on the banks of the Mississippi River, the AIA now hosts numerous educational and networking opportunities, including our annual conference, throughout each year.

Past AIA Presidents

Since its incorporation in 1976, the AIA has been led by many incredible leaders who devoted their time and efforts to grow the association, ultimately shaping today’s flourishing association. We thank our Past Presidents for their legacy of leadership, service, and dedication to AIA. Discover AIA’s founding fathers and past presidents below:

Chris Morin

2024 - 2025 | New Orleans, LA & Orlando, FL

Greg Sterling

2022 - 2023 | Nashville, TN & Tucson, AZ

Jim Gardner

2020 - 2021 | Virtual Conferences

Paul Herbers

2018 - 2019 | Austin, TX & Asheville, NC

David Sales

2016 - 2017 | Miami, FL & San Diego, CA

Franklin F. Bass

2014 - 2015 | Phoenix, AZ & Colorado Springs, CO

Frank S. Kimmel, III

2012 - 2013 | Lake Las Vegas, NV & Orlando, FL

Todd McCredie

2010 - 2011 | Vancouver, Canada & Miami, FL

Paul Leonard

2008 - 2009 | Nashville, TN & San Francisco, CA

J. Thompson Thornton

2006 - 2007 | Dallas, TX & Palm Springs, CA

Thomas P. Fry

2004 - 2005 | Las Vegas, NV & New Orleans, LA

David J. Binks

2002 - 2003 | Kansas City, MO & Orlando, FL

James E. Cooling

2001 | Phoenix, AZ

Tim Bonnell, Sr.

2000 | Washington, D.C.

David Hunter

1999 | San Antonio, TX

David McCredie

1998 | Vancouver, Canada

James Harris

1997 | Tampa, FL

Nancy Gratzer

1996 | Colorado Springs, CO

Pat Costello

1995 | San Diego, CA

John Scott Hoff

1994 | Atlanta, GA

C. H. “Corky” Nason

1993 | San Antonio, TX

James M. McJoynt

1992 | Scottsdale, AZ

Lloyd B. Ericsson

1991 | Savannah, GA

Peter E. O’Grady

1990 | Memphis, TN

Joseph L. Benero

1989 | Seattle, WA

John R. Howard

1988 | Charleston, SC

Joseph L. Benero

1987 | Wichita, KS

David S. Brown

1986 | San Francisco, CA

Robin M. Skevington

1985 | Orlando, FL

Charles L. Jones

1984 | Nashville, TN

William R. Eason

1983 | San Diego, CA

Darrell M. Hyde

1982 | Atlantic City, NJ

William H. Alderman

1981 | Denver, CO

David G. Carroll

1979 - 1980 | San Antonio, TX & South Padre Island, TX

E.R. Kinnebrew, III

1977 - 1978 | Dallas, TX & New Orleans, LA

Past Annual Conference Host Cities

Since our first annual conference in Dallas, Texas in 1977, the AIA has hosted its annual conference in numerous cities across the United States.

Past Conf Map (2026)
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