The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has made several staff changes as it continues its leadership as the gold standard in aviation business safety education and training. Steve Berry was promoted to managing director of safety and training, and joining him as the newest members of the NATA Safety 1st team are Brandon Popovich as manager of safety and training and Victoria Hantz as its first in-house instructional designer.

Berry first served as NATA's training and content manager before recently being promoted to manager of fuel quality and safety. In his new role as managing director of safety and training, he oversees NATA's education and training programmes including the Safety 1st Training Center, Fuel Quality Management System and Safety 1st OnSite; he fosters strategic partnerships that support and drive the growth of NATA's safety and training initiatives; and he collaborates with association leadership on the strategic vision of NATA safety and training efforts. Berry also represents the association at industry meetings, hearings and events including the Energy Institute's Aviation Committee, the ATA 103 Working Group, NFPA's 407 and 418 Technical Committees, and NATA's GA Fuel Handling Subcommittee.

“Steve Berry has contributed greatly to NATA's success over the past several years, building on his knowledge of the industry to help advance our Safety 1st programmes and evolving the Safety 1st Training Center into the future,” says COO Keith DeBerry. “We look forward to continuing to expand the Safety 1st team and programmes under Steve's leadership.”

Brandon Popovich was recently named as NATA's manager of safety and training. In that role, he will focus on enhancing NATA's training and education programmes, including expanding NATA Safety 1st OnSite, a customised, in-person programme that supplements the association's industry-leading online courses. Popovich will also play an integral role in the day-to-day operations of NATA's education and training department, assist in the management of its Safety 1st programmes and serve as staff liaison to the NATA Safety Committee. Over the past 25 years, he has gained valuable experience in and knowledge of FBO and ramp operations, customer service and team leadership skills and safety training, standards and audits, first in various line service roles at Showalter Flying Service and most recently as regional safety officer at Wilson Air Center. In this position, he was responsible for the safety and training of Wilson's four FBO bases, including administering NATA's Safety 1st programme, conducting on-site safety audits, directing its safety communications and ensuring customer care and satisfaction.

Victoria Hantz serves as NATA's instructional designer, driving the development and execution of the association's Safety 1st education programmes as well as continuous enhancement of its learning management interface. For the past 12 years, she has channelled her passion for creating interactive learning environments in the corporate, higher education and private sectors, as well as on various government contracts.

“We are delighted to welcome Brandon and Victoria to NATA and the Safety 1st team,” adds DeBerry. “Brandon truly understands the industry and its connection to safety, while Victoria brings a deep understanding of the learning environment. Their vast experience and skill sets are invaluable assets to the association as we continuously improve our training to anticipate member and industry needs. With their direction, we will continue to find new ways to engage our members and empower industry safety.”