Wis. Member to Head Flight Instructors Association's Board

The National Association of Flight Instructors has elected Maj. Karen Kalishek of the Wisconsin Wing as its new board chair beginning Jan. 1.

Maj. Kalishek, a member of the Brown County Senior Squadron, joined the NAFI board in March 2018. Her primary focus is runway safety, and she regularly attends FAA Surface Safety Group meetings.

A strong proponent of the FAASTeam WINGS Pilot Proficiency Programs as well, she represents NAFI on the WINGS Usability Working Group and the WINGS Industry Network.

“Having the opportunity to be a board member of this highly respected and vital association in and of itself has been a privilege. Now I am truly honored to take on this role, and I appreciate the board’s trust in me,” she said. “I look forward to continuing the important work NAFI does for aviation education.”

Kalishek received her private pilot certificate in 2006. She is a designated pilot examiner, airline transport pilot, three-time National Association of Flight Instructors master instructor, Federal Aviation Administration Gold Seal instructor, certified flight instructor – instrument, multi-engine instructor, certified flight instructor -- glider, advanced ground instructor, instrument ground instructor and FAASTeam lead representative in the Milwaukee Flight Safety District Standards Officer. She was recognized in 2019 as the National FAASTeam Representative of the Year.

Kalishek has held officer positions in and is actively involved with several aviation organizations. In Civil Air Patrol she serves as a flight instructor, check pilot, examiner, mission pilot and cadet orientation pilot. She is an independent flight instructor and has a particular fondness for antique aircraft.

Before becoming a full-time flight instructor, Kalishek was an executive in the banking industry, taught graduate school and served as president of her own corporation. She spent over 20 years providing international consulting services in 37 countries. She holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business administration, a master’s in business administration and a doctorate in management.

“Karen’s enthusiasm and passion is an asset to the organization. Her willingness to take initiative to seek new opportunities for NAFI is outstanding,” said Bob Meder, whom she will succeed as chair. He continued “I am pleased that such an outstanding candidate will take on the role of chair of NAFI. Her experience and impressive career are a perfect fit to carry on the important work that NAFI does for flight instructors and all of aviation education.”

“Having the opportunity to be a board member of this highly respected and vital association in and of itself has been a privilege. Now I am truly honored to take on this role, and I appreciate the board’s trust in me,” Kalishek said. “I look forward to continuing the important work NAFI does for aviation education.”