SAFE executive director to step down

Doug Stewart, executive director of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), will step down when his contract expires in February 2015, the organization announced Nov. 28. Former Board of Directors Chairman John Dorcey will be interim executive director until a successor is named.

Stewart has served as executive director since November 2011. He was instrumental in the formation of SAFE and was elected its first chairman in 2009.

“It is due in large part to Doug Stewart’s vision and commitment to excellence in aviation that SAFE is well positioned for growth in the coming years,” said Donna Wilt, current chairwoman of the organization’s board of directors.

Stewart organized SAFE’s Pilot Training Reform Symposium in 2011, administered the Flight Instructor Open Forum series, directed the organization’s Pilot Proficiency Project, and established its online quarterly magazine (SAFE—The magazine). He said he intends to remain connected to the organization and will continue to flight instruct. 

A search committee for a new executive director has been created, and a solicitation for applicants for the position is forthcoming, SAFE said.