Disaster Nonprofit Airlink Announces Appointment of New Board Members from the Aviation and Logistics Sectors

Airlink, a leading humanitarian nonprofit harnessing the speed and power of the aviation sector to deliver aid globally, has announced the names of three new members of its Board of Trustees, beginning their three-year terms in January 2024. The newly appointed members include:

• James Gagne: President and CEO, SEKO Logistics
• Dawne Hickton: Chair and CEO, Cumberland Additive, Inc.
• Anand Stanley: President and Head of Region, Airbus Asia-Pacific

Adding these aviation and logistics industry professionals further solidifies Airlink's commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable global impact. Airlink provides free transport and logistical coordination to a network of over 200 vetted disaster response charities utilizing cash and in-kind donations from airlines, aviation businesses, and foundation grants to deliver aid globally.

With this strategic expansion, Airlink continues to reinforce its position at the forefront of humanitarian and disaster logistics, as well as leverage its deep partnership base and connections among the aviation and logistics industries to deliver swift and effective humanitarian aid on behalf of impacted communities in times of global crisis.

"In 2022, we began working with Airlink in response to the war unfolding in Ukraine. That initial effort has expanded to numerous responses to crises across the world, delivering essential aid to those in need. It’s work of which I’m immensely proud, and for which I feel incredibly privileged to be impacting more closely as an Airlink board member,” said James Gagne, President and CEO of SEKO Logistics.

“I am honored and excited to join this amazing organization and look forward to working with a wonderful team of people who work around the clock during times of humanitarian crisis to fill the tremendous need for logistic resources and provide disaster relief,” said Dawne Hickton, Chair and CEO, Cumberland Additive, Inc.

“Airlink is expanding its global humanitarian impact, especially in the Asia Pacific region, which is very exciting. I am proud to be associated with and hope to make an impact on its Board,” said Anand Stanley, President and Head of Region, Airbus Asia-Pacific

As Airlink embraces this new chapter, it remains dedicated to fostering partnerships, innovation, and collaboration within the aviation and humanitarian sectors, solidifying its role as a vital force in global aid and disaster response.

“Each member brings a wealth of experience and expertise within the aviation and logistics sectors, embodying Airlink's dedication to transforming disaster logistics and expanding its global reach to serve more communities,” said Todd Freeman, Chair of the Airlink Board of Trustees. "Their guidance and expertise will be instrumental in shaping Airlink's strategies, enhancing our global reach, and furthering our mission to connect the world’s most vulnerable communities in times of disaster."

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About Airlink: Airlink (www.airlinkflight.org) is a nonprofit organization providing free air transport and logistical coordination for pre-screened nonprofits to deliver disaster responders and supplies in the wake of humanitarian crises worldwide. Airlink receives in-kind gifts from airlines and donations from grant-making bodies, organizations, and individuals within the aviation sector. Its network includes over 200 aid organizations and 50 air carriers and logistics partners. Since its inception in 2010, Airlink’s airline partners have flown nearly 12,000 relief workers and transported more than 12.5 million pounds of humanitarian cargo, saving nonprofits over $44 million in air transport costs and directly helping over 59 million people. In 2023, the humanitarian aid Airlink assisted almost 13.7 million people in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters. For more information, please visit www.airlinkflight.org. 

For media inquiries:
Andrew Williams
Director of Communications, Airlink
awilliams@airlinkflight.org
202-830-8514
www.airlinkflight.org 

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