March 11, 2013
NBAA announced today that Sandy Wirtz is retiring as NBAA director, seminars, effective March 15.
“In countless cities and towns, Sandy has worked hard to run NBAA events effectively and efficiently, with the most relevant educational content and seamless networking opportunities for Members,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “She has long been a recognized and respected figure in the business aviation community, and her contributions to the Association and industry will be missed.”
Wirtz has been with NBAA since 1996. She rose to director of seminars in 2001 and since then has led the overall planning and execution for NBAA’s seminars, conferences, workshops and committee meetings. She was responsible for site visits at each of NBAA’s conferences and seminars, contracts with vendors, negotiating hotel agreements, signing speakers and coordinating on-site logistics.
She also managed the meeting room logistics for all the education sessions at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (BACE), as well as EBACE in Europe and ABACE in Asia.
During her career, Wirtz worked closely with many individuals from all corners of the industry.
Lisa Swartzwelder, a former Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee chair, called Wirtz “a true partner in problem solving,” adding, “She usually works in tough situations and she never breaks a sweat.”
Wirtz joined NBAA after spending 12 years as director of marketing with Midcoast Aviation and three years with JetCorp, both located in her hometown, St. Louis, MO. Wirtz plans to return to St. Louis to spend time with her family and provide support to various volunteer projects.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.