New structure strengthens accountability, execution, and governance.
Alexandria, VA (Feb. 12, 2026) – Vertical Aviation International (VAI) announces leadership appointments and an organizational alignment to strengthen accountability, support disciplined execution of goals, and reinforce governance as VAI grows in scale, complexity, and influence.
“VAI is moving into a phase where clarity in leadership and ownership of outcomes matters,” says François Lassale, president and CEO of VAI. “These updates give us a structure built for execution, with defined authority, tighter coordination, and a senior team positioned to deliver.”
The following leadership appointments were made:
- Cade Clark has been appointed executive vice president of VAI. Clark will serve as the president and CEO’s principal deputy, with responsibility for VAI’s externally facing functions, including government affairs, membership and industry engagement, conventions and events, education, data programs, and future technologies. Clark has been with the association since 2017, most recently serving as the chief government affairs officer.
- Sarah Arnold has been appointed VAI chief of staff, while continuing as corporate secretary for the VAI Board of Directors. In her expanded role, Arnold leads the president/CEO office and has enterprise-wide responsibility for internal coordination, planning, and execution. She will oversee workflow across the organization, support executive and board decision-making, and maintain alignment between strategy, governance, and delivery. Arnold joined the association in 2018 and has served as executive assistant to the president and CEO, director of corporate affairs, and interim senior executive administrator.
“These roles are designed to work as a single operating system,” Lassale adds. “Cade drives external engagement and strategic outcomes; Sarah drives internal alignment and execution. Together, they reinforce accountability and ensure we deliver for members.”
To strengthen VAI’s advocacy effectiveness and improve coordination across regulatory and legislative engagement, Lassale promoted Theresa Marr to senior director for government affairs. The two aspects of advocacy—legislative and regulatory (including technical and operational advisory staff)—will continue to work as closely aligned functions, jointly supporting VAI’s policy priorities. Both VAI Global Government Affairs teams—Legislative and Regulatory—will report to the executive vice president, ensuring a unified approach to government engagement.
Leading into VAI’s premier event, VERTICON, Emily Moynihan has been promoted to Assistant Director, Exhibits & Experience in recognition of her consistent delivery on exhibitor execution and her leadership in strengthening the attendee experience.
READ MORE ROTOR PRO: https://justhelicopters.com/Magazine
WATCH ROTOR PRO YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://buff.ly/3Md0T3y
You can also find us on
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rotorpro1
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rotorpro1
Twitter - https://twitter.com/justhelicopters
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rotorpro