Businesswoman And Flight Instructor Prepared To Take NAFI Forward Into The Future

The National Association of Flight Instructors announced their new board chair at AirVenture 2021: CFI and businesswoman Karen Kalishek. Elected by the NAFI Board of Directors, Kalishek will replace current chair Bob Meder when he steps down on January 1, 2022.

Kalishek joined the NAFI board in March 2018. In the years that followed, she led NAFI toward increasing government and industry relations. "Having the opportunity to be a board member of this highly-respected and vital association in and of itself has been a privilege. Now, I am truly honored to take on this role and I appreciate the board's trust in me," Kalishek said.

With an emphasis on runway safety, Kalishek is in full support of the FAASTeam WINGS Pilot Proficiency Programs and represents NAFI within WINGS. She is also FAAST Team Lead Representative in the Milwaukee FSDO.

Outside of leadership, Kalishek's own flight instructor resume is impressive in and of itself. She is a DPE, ATP, CFII, MEI, CFI-G, AGI, IGI, and three-time NAFI Master Instructor. She is also a Major in the Civil Air Patrol, where she serves as a volunteer flight instructor, check pilot, examiner, mission pilot and cadet orientation pilot.
Kalishek flies a Van's RV-6, and especially loves antique aircraft.

Out of De Pere, WI, Kalishek had a career wholly separate from aviation before receiving her private pilot certificate in 2006. She was a banking executive, graduate school teacher, president of her own corporation, and spent 20 years in international consulting. She holds degrees in business and management up to the Ph.D. level.

"Karen's enthusiasm and passion is an asset to the organization. Her willingness to take initiative to seek new opportunities for NAFI is outstanding," Meder said.

"I am pleased that such an outstanding candidate will take on the role of Chair of NAFI. Her experience and impressive career are a perfect fit to carry on the important work that NAFI does for flight instructors and all of aviation education," Meder said. Meder will become Chair Emeritus when Kalishek steps into her new position.

NAFI also announced a new selection panel for the Flight Instruction Hall of Fame. The award program honors one or more individuals each year who have made meaningful contributions to the world of aviation education and flight instruction.

John Niehaus, NAFI Director of Program Development, led the search for the new selection panel, resulting in five new members from all corners of aviation:

• Greg Brown, a retired Marine Corps aviator and helicopter instructor who now is the Director of Education and Training Services at Helicopter Association International;
• Col. Julie Tizard, a retired Air Force pilot (one of the first women to graduate from USAF pilot training) and T-37 instructor who recently retired from the airlines;
• Thomas Turner, former Lead Instructor for Bonanza pilot training, production test pilot for engine modifications, and corporate pilot and safety expert with a degree in aviation safety;
• Brittney Tough, former chief pilot and training and safety manager for Kitty Hawk who graduated with honors from the University of Illinois with a degree in aviation human factors; and
• Barry Schiff, a retired TWA captain with seven flight instructor ratings who has flown 363 aircraft types and has written 13 books. He also possesses five world aviation speed records.

This panel, which ranges across aviation disciplines, will hopefully allow NAFI to expand its award base. It is open to all flight instructors, regardless of NAFI membership.

"NAFI sees it as a privilege to coordinate this award program," Meder said. "Now, with this new selections panel, we hope to see an increased recognition for all flight instructors nominated for this prestigious award."

FMI: https://www.nafinet.org/