Mandell Named Head of Membership and Business Development

David Mandell, a former executive at the FAA and founder of a successful private company, has joined AIA as the Vice President of  Membership and Business Development.

Mandell was chief of staff to FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey from 2002 to 2006. He was responsible for assisting in the day-to-day management of the agency, which has 50,000 employees and a $14 billion budget. A key advisor to the administrator on all policy, press, legal and management issues, Mandell helped lead the development and execution of its first five-year strategic business plan tying employees' pay to organizational goals. 

In May 2006, Mandell founded The p.i.n.k. Spirits Company and was its president and CEO. He developed, created and launched the first line of ultra-premium spirits infused with caffeine and guarana. The company was an award-winning enterprise that generated approximately $9 million in sales and was successfully sold in May 2009. 

"David has a great wealth of experience in both government and business," said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. "With changes in the industry and the difficult economy, an entrepreneurial approach to business development and membership will greatly benefit AIA."

David was counsel to the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board from 2001 to 2002. He also was an attorney at the law firm of Blank Rome in Philadelphia, Pa. from 1999-2001, where he specialized in complex environmental, securities and election law litigation.