The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has appointed Steve Smith as its new chief executive, taking over from Brandon Fried, who will remain with the association during a transition period.

Smith brings over 25 years of leadership experience spanning aviation, logistics, and humanitarian response, including 13 years as president and chief executive officer of Airlink, and a senior commercial role with Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace.

At Airlink, Smith grew the organization from a one-person startup to a nonprofit with revenue of almost $20 million, working with more than 50 airlines and logistics companies, and 250 humanitarian groups across 100 countries.

He serves on the board of InterAction, the largest US alliance of international NGOs, is a Board Trustee of the Aero Club of Washington, and serves on the advisory board of GoCrisis, a crisis management company. 

“The work of the AfA has rarely been more important, with shifting trade policy, geopolitical disruption, and aging infrastructure adding pressure on supply chains that are already stretched,” he said. “Forwarders need greater predictability as they navigate these pressures, and investment in the infrastructure that keeps it moving.

“Over the many years that Brandon and I have known each other, he has built a strong association with an influential voice, and I want to thank him for his dedicated service. 

 “I look forward to working alongside the AfA team, meeting more members, and ensuring forwarders continue to have an effective voice in Washington and across an industry that sits at the center of billions of dollars in global trade every day.” 

 Brandon Fried added: “Steve brings extensive aviation and logistics experience, a strong understanding of air cargo, and established relationships across all areas of the industry. He understands the issues affecting the industry and the importance of engaging members, and I am confident he is well-placed to lead the AfA and build on the work we have done over the past two decades.”