Published: Monday, June 10, 2013, 12:01 a.m.

A longstanding presence in Washington, the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance named Melanie Jordan as the organization's executive director in February at its annual conference. PNAA previously had just a board of directors and lacked a focal.

"It was time for PNAA to have a face, a point of contact," Jordan said.

Jordan, who's a pilot, calls herself a "seasoned aviation enthusiast," having worked in the industry for four decades. She served on PNAA's board since 2007. Settling into her new role, Jordan recently talked about what distinguishes PNAA, which represents more than 700 companies in the region.

"We're the go-to organization for aerospace companies, lawmakers and anyone seeking information about the industry," she said.

In recent years, jetmakers have boosted production and competition among suppliers -- as well as regions. Here in Washington, there has been an effort to align education and workforce training to support the industry's needs.

"It's an exciting time in aerospace manufacturing," Jordan said.

Jordan's goals for PNAA in the coming years include growing the association's annual conference, increasing PNAA membership and continuing to build relationships with other aerospace organizations, regionally and internationally.

PNAA's annual conference has grown significantly over the past few years, drawing an increasingly international audience. The three-day event features speakers from jetmakers like Boeing, Airbus and Embraer. It also connects small and medium-sized companies with each other and with large suppliers. Notable analysts like Richard Aboulafia of the Teal Group and Scott Hamilton of Leeham Co. also provide perspectives on the industry.

Jordan anticipates the conference will be "more successful than ever" when it's held Feb. 4-6 next year in Lynnwood.

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Aerospace group finally has a pilot