Helicopter Association International
Michael J. Hertzendorf has a wealth of experience in leadership and operations. Michael J. is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at the Helicopter Association International, where they are responsible for revenue generation, operations, and membership growth. Previously, they worked as a Contributor and Speaker at Talent War Group, focusing on building elite teams and managing human capital. Michael J. also served as the CEO at NUAIR, leading the development of a National UAS Traffic Management System. Prior to that, Hertzendorf held various leadership roles in the U.S. Army, including Chief of Staff/COO of the 82nd Airborne Division and Regiment Commander/Senior Global VP of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Michael J. also served as a Battalion Commander and Managing Partner in the same regiment. In addition, they worked as the Chief of Staff/COO of the US Army Special Operations Aviation Command and as a Battalion Commander/Director in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Hertzendorf's work in the military included leading teams, overseeing budgets, and implementing strategic plans. Michael J. also served as a Joint Aviation Officer/Senior Manager at USSOCOM, where they were responsible for the development of the organization's global strategy and the management of special operations aviation assets.
Michael J. Hertzendorf has a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Business Administration and Management from Ithaca College, which they obtained between the years 1985 and 1989. In 1990, they also obtained a certification in Commercial Instrument Rotorcraft and Private Pilot Single Engine Land from the Federal Aviation Administration. Michael J. later pursued a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Murray State University between 2000 and 2001. Lastly, from 2013 to 2014, they attended The United States Army War College, where they earned a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategy.
Helicopter Association International
HAI is the professional trade association for the international helicopter industry and represents more than 1,100 companies and over 16,000 industry professionals in more than 65 countries. Each year, HAI members safely operate more than 3,700 helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft approximately 2.9 million hours. HAI is dedicated to the promotion of vertical aviation as a safe, effective method of commerce and to the advancement of the international vertical aviation community. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, HAI is governed by a Board of Directors elected from the membership, with daily operations conducted by a dedicated professional staff. On November 1, 2005, Matthew Zuccaro assumed the office of president of HAI following a career in aviation that spanned over 50 years. James A. Viola assumed the office of President and CEO on January 16, 2020, after serving as the director of General Aviation (GA) Safety Assurance for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for almost two years.