Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) announced that Katherine Hilst has joined the organization as executive director, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the aviation industry.
Hilst will further refine the way in which TOPS and its members apply safety risk management principles. This will include bringing together expertise from authorities and industry stakeholders to continue to develop the TOPS audit and safety tools with regard to a data-driven approach to managing safety. These efforts are designed to ensure continued vigilance and improve safety for today and into the future.
“Katherine comes to us with an incomparable breadth of aviation experience as a pilot, aviation attorney, safety manager, consultant and auditor. The entire TOPS board of directors is thrilled knowing the organization is in capable hands,” said Craig Jennison, chairman, TOPS.
Hilst is a certified flight instructor with CFI and CFII ratings, as well as a commercial fixed-wing and helicopter pilot. She holds two bachelor degrees, in addition to a Master of Aeronautical System Safety from Embry Riddle University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Washington. She is admitted to the Washington State Bar Association.
“Katherine has been a long-respected associate of TOPS and an enduring advocate for best practices in tour safety protocols,” said John Becker, board member, TOPS. “I look forward to seeing where Katherine’s vision for TOPS takes the organization and its members.”
