Fanning named next AIA chief

The Aerospace Industries Association said today Eric Fanning, the former Army secretary, will become its president and chief executive on Jan. 1.

Fanning will succeed retired Army Lt. Gen. David Melcher, who has served as AIA's chief since mid-2015.

Before serving as Army secretary during the Obama administration, Fanning was chief of staff to the defense secretary, acting Air Force secretary as well as deputy under secretary and deputy chief management officer of the Navy. He also served on the staff of the House Armed Services Committee and was associate director of political affairs at the White House.