Mike Hirschberg, executive director of the Vertical Flight Society, has announced his plans to step down after serving 12 years at the organization.
“I am inspired daily by the passion, knowledge, technical expertise and kindness of our members,” Hirschberg wrote to the VFS membership on Dec. 15.
Hirschberg plans to step down on or after June 1, 2023, giving the organization six months’ notice to find a replacement. In the meantime, Hirschberg has been working with the board of directors’ executive committee on a transition plan.
VFS plans to provide a full position description in the new year, as well as specific details for VFS members considering applying for the job.
Hirschberg was previously a principal aerospace engineer at Centra Technology for more than a decade, during which time, he also served as managing editor of Vertiflite magazine for 12 years. Prior to that, Hirschberg worked in the Joint Strike Fight Program office, supporting the development of the X-32 and X-35 vertical flight propulsion systems.
As the executive director of VFS, Hirschberg has represented the vertical flight technical community, leading the technology, safety, advocacy and other initiatives for the society.
Founded as the American Helicopter Society in 1943, the organization transitioned to VFS under Hirschberg’s leadership, and began supporting the electric VTOL revolution in 2013. VFS aims to continue to be the leading organization for the eVTOL sector in industry, academia and government, hosting the world’s first eVTOL technical meeting in 2014.
“I will continue to work as hard as ever to keep VFS running at full speed over the next six months, through our 79th Annual Forum in May,” he stated. “I hope to continue serving VFS after the June 1 transition.”
