By Rob Finfrock

CJP recently welcomed industry veteran Andrew Broom as the new Executive Director for the Association. Andrew is an accomplished and respected aviation leader with executive experience at both aircraft manufacturers and associations.

Most recently, Andrew helped launch the HondaJet for Honda Aircraft Company where he led all marketing and communications efforts globally since 2012. Prior to Honda, he served as Vice President of Communications and Outreach at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and had responsibilities that included advocacy programs, efforts to grow the pilot population, and the annual AOPA Aviation Summit.

Andrew has also worked at Hawker Beechcraft, Eclipse Aviation, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He earned both a BS in Aeronautical Science and an MBA from Embry-Riddle, and completed his CFI/I rating.

I spoke with Andrew shortly after he stepped into his new role on August 1.

1) Prior to this announcement, did you have any ties to the Citation community?

Although this will be my first direct role within the Citation community, it really seems that Citations have never been very far away from me throughout my job experience. Even when I worked with competing manufacturers, I became friends with many influential members in the community, whether talking about people at Cessna, or many owners and pilots who are justifiably proud to own their Citations.

That was especially true when I was in Wichita at [Hawker] Beechcraft, because I came to know several people at Cessna, too. I’ve also met several CJP folks over the years… which I think is how my name came up for the Executive Director position. I’m grateful to be part of this incredible organization!

Perhaps most importantly, throughout my career I’ve also had the opportunity to develop beneficial relationships with many in the Citation owner/pilot community, including through my work at AOPA, GAMA, and even going back to my days at Embry-Riddle. I think those experiences will definitely help as we look to grow and strengthen the value proposition that CJP offers.

2) So far, what do you consider your most important role(s) as Executive Director?

First and foremost, it’s my job to ensure that Members have an organization that consistently makes them realize, “being part of CJP really offers significant value to me.”

Lots of different ideas fall under that, and I think this is where my experience throughout the industry will come into play. Having worked on both the industry side, and in the association/advocacy role, I can see both sides. I recognize not only the value that CJP can bring to our Members, but also the benefits to our Industry Partners.

Make no mistake; CJP will always stand for our Members first and foremost. Through the value we bring to our members, our Partners can find ways to reach their goals and build long and lasting customer relationships. That’s truly the win/win scenario. Our goals are for Members continue to renew and actively participate in CJP, and for our Partners to grow their participation in CJP.

3) What areas do you intend to focus on at the start?

Right now, I’m in discovery and data-gathering mode. I’m still learning. I’ve already gotten a good indication of the kinds of interactions that our Membership wants, because several Members have reached out to me, before I had the chance to call them!

The sharing of information is extremely important to this group; just look at the forums, with the regular and often spirited discussions about safety, operations, destinations, or just purely social and for fun. Such open and honest discourse really impressed me, and I really want to nurture that even more.

When I was considering whether to accept this position, what struck me most throughout my due diligence was the obvious camaraderie throughout the entire organization. From the volunteerism of our Board of Directors, as well as active Member participation in CJP activities and events, it’s clear that everybody involved in this organization takes a personal stake in its growth and success.

4) Lastly, what would you like members to take away from their conversations with you?

Above all, I want them to understand how passionate I am about aviation. One of our board members is fond of saying, “turn your passion into your profession.” This position really allows me to do just that, and I’m extremely honored and excited to get going in the job.

I’m also very passionate about CJP’s mission and its value to the membership. I want them to know that I will listen to them, and that I’m available to discuss their ideas. I’m definitely someone who jumps in and takes action. I’m energetic, I want things to grow, and I want to move the needle and will be looking for ways to do exactly that. I think that attitude can really benefit Members as a whole.

Already, I’ve felt very welcomed into the CJP fold. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more welcoming crowd than our Membership, and it’s that sense of community, combined with the more tangible and lucrative benefits of CJP membership, that I believe should make non-member Citation owner/pilots and potential partners really want to get on board.