Debra McFarland

As executive vice president for the Aircraft Electronics Association, Debra McFarland manages and executes dozens of international events each year, including the AEA International Convention & Trade Show and the AEA Connect Conferences. She has been with the organization since it moved its headquarters to Independence, Mo., in 1977. Since that time, the organization’s membership has grown from 257 companies to nearly 1,300 worldwide.

McFarland manages the human resources and accounting functions for the AEA, and she works with the AEA board of directors on budget planning, long range financial goals and annual reviews.

With more than 30 years of experience with the AEA in various capacities, McFarland, a charter member of the Women in Aviation, International, also served on their board of directors for 17 years, 12 of which as chairman of the board. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, the Kansas City chapters of ASAE and MPI, and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. She currently serves on IAEE's financial audit committee.