Q&A with Devri Pitts – NARA

Devri Pitts, Independent Association Director, NARA

How long have you been at your current organization?

I started working for NARA (National Aircraft Resale Association) in the Fall of 2004.

What are your responsibilities within your organization? 

I am the Independent Association Director. I work closely with the NARA Board and Products & Services Member Advisory Council to provide Association management, membership services, and administrative support. I also plan NARA meeting functions and to oversee and coordinate NARA’s marketing efforts.

Describe a typical day or week in your role.

Each day I communicate with our Board of Directors on current action items, whether that be marketing initiatives, upcoming meetings, committee organization, or Association management details. I also handle the day-to-day member communications including responding to membership inquiries and current member requests, as well as the day-to-day finances that keep the Association humming.

What do you love most about your job?

I love it when all of the hard work behind the scenes pays off with successful meetings for our members. For me, NARA is truly about bringing the members together. Whether that’s leveraging their collective experience to make themselves better at their profession or strictly for the camaraderie, which I can say after 12 years on the job I have witnessed lifelong friendships develop between our members.

Why did working in the Business Aviation industry interest you, and how did you get started?

I have a background in Graphic Design that led to my interest in event planning. I began to build experience in wedding planning and through a family friend was introduced in 2004 to Susan Sheets, the President of NARA at the time. I began working with NARA as their meeting planner, not knowing much about the aviation industry. I’ve grown to a situation now where I have come to love the industry and continue to enjoy learning more about it each day.

Who or what has been your greatest professional influence?

My mother Ann is a Retired Navy Captain and from the beginning as a single mom with two girls, she instilled a tireless work ethic in us both. Her post-Military career has been equally impressive, most recently serving as the Clinical Project Manager at Mass General (widely known as the top-rated hospital in the country).

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Well-organized, dependable, creative

What one item would you never travel without on a long haul flight’.

My iPad…and snacks.

Finally, what is your hidden talent or hobby?

Earlier I mentioned my graphic design background, today that has emerged into a love of interior design/decorating. I love making our home an aesthetically pleasing environment; specifically my kids’ rooms are fun and designed with intent to inspire them!