August 26, 2024. Media contact: media@raa.org
Washington, DC — The The Regional Airline Association (RAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Erik Strickland as the new Vice President of Safety, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs, effective August 26, 2024. Strickland brings over twenty years of experience in transportation safety, government affairs, and regulatory analysis to the RAA, where he will play a key role in advancing the RAA’s mission to promote safe, healthy, and strong regional airlines.
Strickland joins RAA following service with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), where he served as the Executive Officer and key advisor to the Chair by providing strategic guidance on critical safety initiatives. Before his time at the NTSB, Erik was the Director of Federal Relations for the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), where he represented state highway safety offices and advocated before Congress and federal agencies. He also worked with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (formerly the Century Council), focusing on responsible alcohol use and safety initiatives. Additionally, Strickland spent a decade as a volunteer firefighter, further underscoring his commitment to public safety.
“Erik brings a wealth of experience navigating complex regulatory environments in pursuit of an ever-higher level of safety and will bring these skills to help RAA and our members advance important safety and technical priorities,” said RAA CEO Faye Malarkey Black. “Additionally, Erik’s long tenure in transportation safety reflects the Association’s continued commitment to the highest level of aviation safety and operational excellence,” added Malarkey Black.
“Safety in our nation’s airspace is a shared mission and I’m excited to join RAA to help enhance the voice of the regional airlines. The members of RAA safely transport millions of passengers a year to all corners of our country, and I look forward to supporting and promoting their programs with their vital regulatory partners and industry stakeholders,” said Strickland.
Erik holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a Minor in Political Science from The University of Montana and a Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management from Georgetown University.
The Regional Airline Association (RAA) provides a unified voice of advocacy for North American regional airlines aimed at promoting a safe, reliable, and strong regional airline industry. RAA serves as an important support network connecting regional airlines and industry business partners. Regional airlines operate 35% of U.S. scheduled passenger flights and provide the only source of scheduled air service to 64% of the nation’s airports. Regional airlines provide more than 70% of the air service in Alabama (72%), Alaska (88%), Arkansas (75%), Maine (72%), North Dakota (87%), South Dakota (75%), Vermont (77%), West Virginia (92%) and Wyoming (73%). Regional airlines provide more than half of the air service in Idaho (70%), Indiana (56%), Iowa (63%), Kansas (69%), Kentucky (58%), Mississippi (68%), Montana (65%), Nebraska (53%), New Hampshire (58%), and Rhode Island (58%).