Gary Jerger of Moorhead, Minn., Elected 2018 NAAA President

News Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jay Calleja
Phone: (202) 546-5722
 
ALEXANDRIA, VA – January 2, 2018 – The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) is pleased to announce that Gary Jerger of Moorhead, Minn., has been elected president of NAAA for 2018. Jerger is the owner of Ag Spray Inc., an aerial application business that operates in Moorhead, Minn.

Jerger’s passion for aviation, long-time career in agricultural aviation and record of industry service make it easy to understand why he was chosen as NAAA’s new president. Jerger started on the board of the Minnesota Agricultural Aircraft Association and served as the association’s president in 2009 and 2010. Jerger also participated in the 2010-2011 NAAA/Syngenta Leadership Training Program instilling media, managerial and communication skilss into its participants. He then served as the Minnesota representative to the NAAA Board from 2011 to the present. At NAAA, he has served in a multitude of positions, including treasurer in 2015, Membership Committee Chairman in 2016 and vice president and Communications Committee Chairman in 2017.

Jerger looks forward to communicating the many benefits NAAA provides the industry and the importance for those in the industry to nurture and support the association, as the association protects the industry’s best interests. He says, “If we’re not watching our industry, no one is going to watch it for us, and I am better equipped and more focused to serve now than I ever have been with my family raised and an established operation.”

Serving alongside Jerger on NAAA’s 2018 officer team are Vice President Darrel Mertens of Aero Applicators Inc, Sterling, Co.; Secretary Lee Turnquist, retired Operator out of Lake Wales, Fla.; and Treasurer Mark Kimmel of Dixie Dusters Inc. in Itta Bena, Miss., NAAA’s full Board of Directors consists of 42 State, Regional and Allied Industry Directors, the NAAA officer team, the NAAREF President, the immediate past treasurer and last five past presidents, as well as numerous committee appointees.
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) represents more than 1,900 members in 46 states. NAAA supports the interests of small business owners and pilots licensed as professional commercial aerial applicators that use aircraft to enhance food, fiber and biofuel production, protect forestry and control health-threatening pests.