Helicopter Association International (HAI) has announced the appointment of Dan Sweet as director of public relations and communications. Sweet joins HAI after working for 22 years as public relations manager for Columbia Helicopters in Oregon.
As director of public relations and communications, Sweet is responsible for managing and directing the association’s external communications, creating communication strategies and occasionally speaking on behalf of the association and its members.
“We are pleased to have found a person with Dan’s credentials,” said Matt Zuccaro, president of HAI. “He brings extensive knowledge and experience of the helicopter industry, and he already has an established relationship with many of the publishers, editors, writers and photographers within the aviation press.”
Sweet’s career in media and public relations began when he worked as a reporter for Oregon newspapers while still in school. He joined the Navy as a journalist, and later worked as a photojournalist and public affairs representative for a regional administrative command in Seattle.
After leaving the Navy, Sweet attended the University of Oregon before accepting the position with Columbia Helicopters. While with Columbia, Sweet promoted the company’s work to internal and external audiences through printed and electronic means.
“This new role will include elements ranging from promoting the helicopter industry on behalf of the HAI membership, to communicating the association’s work back to those same members,” said Sweet. “I’m excited about the prospect of promoting the versatility and variety of operations performed by the helicopter industry, and I believe I will provide significant support to our membership and board of directors.”
A native of Oregon, Sweet has moved to the Washington, D.C., area to work from HAI’s office in Alexandria, Virginia. An award-winning aviation photographer, Sweet and his wife, Cheryl, are looking forward to exploring the history and culture available throughout the region.
