AIA hires Wagner

The Aerospace Industries Association said today it has named Alex Wagner vice president and senior adviser to Eric Fanning, AIA's new president and chief executive.

"In this role, [Wagner] will focus on integration and strategy, including development of new initiatives and outreach," the association said.

Wagner marks Fanning's first hire since taking over at the start of the year.

Wagner previously spent seven years at the Pentagon, including as chief of staff to the Army secretary.

"In prior appointments within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Wagner represented the Pentagon to the interagency, seeking to forge consensus on controversial issues where the law is either unclear or undefined -- particularly with respect to detention, drones, landmines and autonomous technologies," AIA said. "He also engaged internationally at two high-profile treaty negotiations at the United Nations, including as the primary Defense Department negotiator and as deputy head of the U.S. delegation."