MONTGOMERY – At a press conference on Wednesday, Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker announced the appointment of Michael “Mac” McDaniel as the Alabama Community College System’s Director of Aviation Programs. The new position is responsible for the oversight of the System’s Aviation Technology programs across the state.
“Alabama’s aviation industry continues to expand with industry giants like Boeing, Airbus, and GE Aviation locating in our own backyard. The Alabama Community College System is working right alongside to ensure our aviation training program is among the best in the nation,” Chancellor Baker said. “Selecting Mac to oversee our aviation efforts signifies our serious commitment to meeting the industry’s workforce needs. Mac’s nearly three decades of aviation experience will ensure our students across the state are receiving the most relevant and state-of-the-art skills training when it comes to a career in aviation.”
McDaniel is joining the Alabama Community College System from ExpressJet Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia where he served as the General Manager of Aircraft Maintenance Training. He began his career more than 25 years ago as an aircraft mechanic and since that time has worked for airlines across the U.S. managing their maintenance training initiatives. A graduate of Colorado Northwestern Community College, McDaniel recognizes the vital role community colleges play in preparing students to succeed in their future careers. An expert in aviation maintenance and training, McDaniel is often featured in the industry’s leading trade publications.
“I am passionate about training the next generation of aviation employees and leaders and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this effort in Alabama,” McDaniel said. “Alabama’s community colleges have a stellar reputation for providing top-of-the-line aviation related training to their students and I’m eager to use my industry expertise to build upon the program.”
The demand for aviation and aerospace careers in the state has continued to grow with more than 300 aerospace companies located in Alabama in addition to the strong military aviation presence. The Alabama Community College System’s Aviation Technology programs offer Federal Aviation Administration certified training in airframe maintenance and technology, power plant technology, avionics technology, aviation composite materials and general aviation technology. Courses are offered through three of the state’s community colleges: Coastal Alabama Community College, Enterprise State Community College, and Snead State Community College.
McDaniel will start his new role on September 11.
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