Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch: Becomes chair of Aerospace States Association

Contact: Daniel Suhr, 608.266.3516

daniel.suhr@wisconsin.gov

Madison, WI – Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch has taken over as the new chairman of the Aerospace States Association (ASA).  This position affords her a national platform to advocate on behalf of one of Wisconsin’s high-growth industries and one of America’s key economic sectors.  ASA is the voice of aerospace and aviation in the states, bringing together government, business, and education to cooperate on workforce, job creation, science/technology/engineering/math (STEM) education, and global competitiveness.

 

“Aviation and aerospace are two industries poised for significant growth in the near future, and the states are leading the way to maximize this opportunity,” said Lt. Governor Kleefisch.  “Whether through university-based research, entrepreneurship incubators, or engineering workforce pipelines, states like Wisconsin are invested in the success of these industries. Working together through ASA, we can increase our impact and ensure that American companies continue to lead the world in the skies and space.”

 

“As outgoing chair of ASA, I can’t think of anyone more qualified to lead this national organization than Lt. Governor Kleefisch,” said Lt. Governor John Sanchez of New Mexico, who hosted the 2017 annual meeting last week.  “Her dedication to job creation, education, and preparing the next generation of workers and innovators is second to none.  The ASA will only grow and be more successful under her leadership.”

 

Charlie Huettner, ASA’s executive director, commented, “I am excited to be working under Lt. Governor Kleefisch’s leadership to expand state support for aerospace.  She is a dynamic leader who has been aggressively growing aerospace manufacturing in Wisconsin and across the country as chair of ASA’s manufacturing committee.  She will now lead ASA’s efforts to expand aerospace economic opportunities, growing the aerospace workforce of the future and ASA’s chapters across the country.”

 

Lt. Governor Kleefisch has been active in ASA since taking office in 2011, and has served as vice chair for the past year.  She hosted the 2016 national meeting of the ASA, bringing delegates from across the country to Milwaukee and Oshkosh for several days of meetings alongside EAA AirVenture.  This continues the Lt. Governor’s long-standing commitment to Wisconsin’s aviation and aerospace industries, including activities with numerous Wisconsin aviation and aerospace associations, companies, and educational programs.  Lt. Governor Kleefisch works closely with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to maximize the jobs impact of her initiatives in the aerospace sector. 
 

Fast Facts on Wisconsin Aerospace & Aviation from WEDC:

 

COMPANIES: More than 200 companies have ties to the state’s aerospace sector. More than 24,000 Wisconsin residents are employed by companies that support the aerospace manufacturing sector.        

 

UNIVERSITIES: Wisconsin is home to 17 engineering-related schools with training that spans from engineering certificates to Ph.D. degrees.  Engineering and research programs in our Wisconsin universities are providing solutions to industry challenges as diverse as advanced avionics, airframe materials, and system software.  In 2016, Wisconsin’s colleges and universities awarded more than 4,000 academic degrees in engineering and engineering technology fields.

 

COMMUNITIES: More than 500,000 aviation enthusiasts from across the globe gather at a world-class airshow in Oshkosh, making it the world’s busiest airport for one week each year.  Wisconsin Aerospace Partners, AeroInnovate at UW-Oshkosh, and WEDC all work with local economic developers and other partners to support these industries.