James C. May
James C. May is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Air Transport Association of America, Inc. (ATA), the nation’s oldest and largest airline trade association. May joined ATA on February 3, 2003.
Prior to joining ATA, May served as Executive Vice President of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). In that position, he oversaw the formulation and implementation of the public policy and government relations’ objectives of the association, serving as its principal contact with members of Congress and the administration.
Previously, he was Vice President, Public Affairs, for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York (1984-88), where he established the Public and Government Affairs Department. From 1982-84, he directed government relations for PepsiCo, Inc, where he was responsible for lobbying, in addition to managing PepsiCo’s successful initiative and referenda campaigns.
In Washington, DC, he served as Vice President, Public Affairs (1977-82) and previously as Manager of State Public Affairs (1973-75) for the Grocery Manufacturers of America, Inc., where he developed the structure that led to the industry’s winning grassroots lobbying campaigns.
In 1976, May was Eastern Washington State Coordinator of the President Ford Committee and a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington’s 4th Congressional District. In 1980, he served on President Ronald Reagan’s transition team.
As captain in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967-71, May commanded an infantry company in Vietnam.
Currently, he is a member of the Advisory Board of Directors for the Hollings Cancer Center. Additionally, he is a trustee for the United States Capitol Historical Society.
ATA is the trade association for the leading U.S. airlines. ATA assists its members by promoting aviation safety, advocating industry positions, conducting industry-wide programs and ensuring public understanding and awareness of the airline industry.
Juan Enriquez
Managing Director, Excel Medical Ventures and Founding Director, Harvard Business School’s Life Science Project
