Connie AverY - Bio

Connie Avery
SMS and Operational Safety Sr. Manager
Wisk Aero

Foundational Aviation and Military Service
Connie’s journey began with a solid technical foundation, graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She initially embarked on her aviation career as a hands-on avionics technician. This technical mastery was soon augmented by distinguished military service. Securing a coveted commission in the U.S. Navy, she earned her wings as a naval aviator precisely as the policy shift occurred making women eligible to serve in combat roles.

Her ensuing years of service were marked by rapid advancement and high-impact assignments. Her distinguished tenure included roles with the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, and Personnel Command, underscoring her capacity for strategic leadership within critical governmental and organizational structures. She also served as a leader in several operational squadrons, retiring honorably at the rank of Commander. This period instilled in her an unparalleled discipline, operational rigor, and a deep understanding of complex, high-stakes environments. Among her personal awards are two Distinguished Air Medals for rescues at sea, and Katrina, and the National Defense Commendation Medal.

Pioneering Safety and Digital Transformation at FedEx
Following her military retirement, Connie transitioned to the corporate sector, joining FedEx, where her influence on global air operations was profound. At FedEx, she spearheaded several crucial, enterprise-wide initiatives. Notably, she drove the integration and maturity of the Crisis Communications framework and played a key, instrumental role in the Safety Management System (SMS) program office. She was essential in embedding a robust, proactive SMS culture directly into FedEx’s sprawling air operations, significantly enhancing the company’s safety posture.

During the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic, Connie’s operational acumen was vital. She was tasked with managing a centralized COVID control center and successfully implemented the groundbreaking FedEx COVID pilot testing program. This swift and decisive action was crucial for maintaining the reliable, continuous operations of one of the world's largest logistics networks during a period of widespread disruption. Furthermore, recognizing the imperative for modern safety systems, Connie initiated and led a major digital transformation for FedEx’s Safety & Airworthiness team. This initiative directed the complex integration of disparate data systems to enable sophisticated predictive analytics, revolutionizing the approach to safety risk reduction. Her exceptional contributions to operational safety and excellence were formally recognized with FedEx’s highest honor, the Five Star Award.

Shaping the Future of Autonomous Aviation at Wisk Aero
Today, Connie is at the vanguard of the future of flight, serving as the Head of the Safety Management team at Wisk Aero. In this pivotal role, she is responsible for ensuring system and operational safety as the company builds, tests, and prepares autonomous air taxis—the foundational elements of next-generation urban transportation. Her expertise is critical in developing safety frameworks for complex autonomous systems that must operate reliably in crowded airspace. Further emphasizing her commitment to pioneering standards, she actively contributes as a key member of the Design and Manufacturing focus group for Safety Management Systems, helping to define industry best practices for eVTOL aircraft.

Industry Leadership and Advocacy
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Connie is deeply committed to advancing the aviation industry through mentorship and governance. She is currently serving her third term on the board of directors for the International Aerospace Womens Association (IAWA), an organization dedicated to connecting, inspiring, and leading women in aviation and aerospace worldwide. In her current board capacity as VP of Association Development, she plays a vital role in expanding IAWA’s global reach and influence, underscoring her long-standing dedication to cultivating the next generation of aviation leaders.

Connie is also an active member of the Design and Manufacturing workgroup for shaping the industries SMS implementation. Connie has a bachelors from Embry Riddle, an MBA from University of Scranton and a Masters from the Naval War College in Strategic Policy. Connie lives in Gilbert, Arizona with her husband and two teenagers.