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HAI’s Zuccaro plans to retire in 2020

Matthew Zuccaro, president and CEO of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) plans to retire on June 30, 2020, which coincides with the end of HAI’s fiscal year and the installation of a new board of directors on July 1, 2020. Zuccaro has led the association since November 1, 2005.

“The HAI Board of Directors, on behalf of the entire industry, offer our deepest appreciation to Matt for his service,” said outgoing HAI chair James Wisecup. “Through his leadership, HAI has been a leading advocate to improve the safety of helicopter operations worldwide. Matt has also been a forceful supporter for the industry in legislative and regulatory matters, saving our members and the industry at large from overburdensome legislation and regulations.”

Incoming HAI chair Jan Becker, added, “We wish Matt well, and we thank him for the opportunity to take the next year to select his successor thoughtfully. The board is aware of the great responsibility we have to select the next person to lead HAI into the future.”

HAI explains that Zuccaro held a range of executive and operations management positions with commercial, corporate, air tour, scheduled airline, and public-service helicopter operations over his 50-year aviation career. During his tenure with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, he served in operations management positions at John F. Kennedy International Airport and the Port Authority’s public and private heliports.

Zuccaro received his initial helicopter flight training in the U.S. Army aviator and served with the 7/17 Air Calvary unit in Vietnam. He holds an airline transport pilot and certified flight instructor certificates for both airplanes and helicopters. He is a recipient of the HAI Pilot Safety Award for 10,000 hours of accident- and violation-free flight hours, as well as the NBAA Pilot Safety award, among other recognitions.