Our History
Our history
More than 45 Years Supporting the Aviation Insurance Industry

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 it to change its name 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. Our membership represents 45 states, the District of Columbia, and nine countries. 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:

Greg Sterling
2022 - 2023 | Nashville, TN & Tucson, AZ
Jim Gardner
2020 - 2021
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.