ARLINGTON, Va. , June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fred Downey , a former U.S. Army strategist and longtime defense and international affairs expert on Capitol Hill, is joining AIA as the vice president of National Security.
Downey comes to AIA from the office of Sen. Joe Lieberman , where he served as senior counselor and legislative aide for defense and foreign affairs. Downey has been Lieberman's point person on these issues for 12 years.
AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey said Downey is an excellent addition to the association's team.
"Fred has a great track record and impeccable reputation as someone who is knowledgeable and, more importantly, can get things done," Blakey said. "He will be a great asset to AIA and all our member companies."
Downey was the senator's designated representative to the Senate Armed Services Committee and staffed him in his role as chair of the Airland Subcommittee. He worked directly on Army and Air Force policy and budget issues and the annual defense authorization bill, among many other assignments.
Prior to joining Lieberman's office, Downey was in the private sector, working on defense program analytical services for TASC Inc. That came after a 24-year career in the U.S. Army, including the Pentagon postings of assistant to the Director of Net Assessments and Strategy Team Chief for the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate. Downey's Army career included a variety of infantry and armor troop and staff positions in the U.S., Europe , the Middle East and Vietnam .
Downey replaces former National Security Vice President Mark Esper . He joins AIA June 30 .
Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, space systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information technology.
SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association
