VAI Emerging Professionals Committee supports industry newcomers New VAI group is designed to support those who have entered the industry in the past six years. Vertical Aviation International (VAI) defines emerging professionals as individuals who have entered the industry within the past six years. To support this growing segment of the workforce, VAI recently launched the Emerging Professionals Committee—an initiative that seeks to cultivate a strong network of early-career vertical aviation professionals. The committee’s mission is to foster community, provide valuable resources, and empower newcomers to advance their careers. Pathways to the Profession The need for this effort has never been greater, as the vertical aviation industry is facing a significant workforce shortage. Addressing this challenge requires more than recruitment—it demands clear pathways into the profession and support systems that help new talent thrive. The Emerging Professionals Committee aims to meet this need by developing a comprehensive knowledge base that outlines how to enter the industry, explores various career tracks, and offers personalized guidance for individuals seeking to begin or transition into vertical aviation. The committee has introduced several key programs throughout 2025, including a resume-assistance service, one-on-one career discussions, and live Q&A forums hosted at VERTICON 2025. And the group has some exciting initiatives planned at VERTICON 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia, including a two-part session at CONNECT, “Perspectives in Progress: Emerging and Experienced Voices in Conversation.” The committee will also host a meetup at the show’s opening reception, near the arcade games—look for the sign “Emerging Professionals Meetup” in the crowd! All these initiatives wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated members of our committee: • Danny Casanova, aircraft commander, experienced search-and-rescue crew chief, and tactical flight officer, Seminole County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Aviation Section • Matt Goodrich, helicopter air ambulance pilot, Sweet Helicopters – Parkview Samaritan • Ryan Kirby, junior partner, mergers and acquisitions, Alderman & Co. • Renato Augusto Mertins, rescue specialist, Corpo de Bombeiros Militar de Santa Catarina SAR Crew in Military Firefighter Air Ops • Ashley Mikel, director of business development, Helicopter Institute/Longhorn Helicopters • Leah Murphy, pilot, Metro Aviation • Faith Ortega, helicopter mechanic/instructor, Air Evac Lifeteam • Jason Quinn, creator and host, rescue specialist, The Real ResQ Podcast • Andrea Pooch, FAA and EASA helicopter pilot, Pooch Aviation Consulting. These initiatives mark just the beginning of the committee’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the vertical aviation workforce and supporting the next generation of professionals who will shape the industry’s future. The committee is the place to not only ask questions, but to learn about what questions to ask. And you can join the conversation on our VAI Online Member Community – Emerging Professionals group, a channel dedicated to networking, sharing experiences, and career advice. The group is a great resource to learn and ask questions about the things that emerging professionals sometimes don’t realize they should be asking. “I always knew I wanted to be in the aviation industry, and I was fortunate to find incredible mentors who helped me grow into the professional I am today. That’s one of the reasons why the Emerging Professionals Committee exists and why I wanted to be a part of it. The committee has a wide variety of professionals that can help you find guidance, ask questions, share experiences, and build a meaningful career path with the same support that helped me in my early career.” – Ryan Kirby, junior partner, mergers and acquisitions, Alderman & Co.
