Congratulations to our new Chapter Executive Board!
July 2024 - June 2025
WOMEN IN AVIATION INTERNATIONAL
WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER
MEET YOUR BOARD MEMBERS
Chapter President
Peggy Phillips
My official aviation career began in 1979 when I was selected by the 702nd USAF Reserve unit at McGuire AFB in NJ to attend pilot training! During pilot training, I flew the T37 and T38 – earning my USAF wing in 1981. At the time, aircraft were limited to women but I was extremely fortunate to be able to fly the C-141 Starlifter with my sponsoring unit. I married and moved to Issaquah, WA in 1986 and transferred to the 97th Airlift Sq at McChord AFB. Throughout my 30 year career, I flew the C141 and C17 – landing on every continent and experiencing activation during the Gulf Wars. I retired in 2010 as a Colonel with just over 5,000 hours of flying time. I have also held several leadership roles within the Air Force and community organizations. Currently, I am also a docent at the Museum of Flight. I join WAI in 2005 and became active in our chapter shortly after. I believe strongly in empowering and mentoring young women plus the incredible comradery of the women I have met throughout my aviation career. Our Chapter provides great opportunities for engaging and making new friends!
Chapter Vice President
Loy Anne Leiblie
I currently work for Boeing and am responsible for Boeing Business Jets Material Sales (spare parts) for a worldwide fleet of very-VIP owners and operators of these aircraft, helping them to maintain their aircraft for very high “mission readiness”. I have worked as the Customer Account Manager and Logistics Lead for all Boeing Defense and Space accounts for the US and Foreign operators of Commercial Derivative Aircraft, supporting multiple platforms such as AWACS, AEW&C, the US Air Force fleet of 737’s, 757’s, and 747 aircraft. My first assignment within Boeing in 1997 was as a certified Fixed Base Simulator instructor for the 737. Prior to Boeing I was the Chief Ground Instructor and Flight Team Coach for an Aviation Program at Miami-Dade Community College (Eastern Airlines Pilot Entry Program) for eight years. I am a Certified Flight Instructor (CFIIME), hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, and am a member of the International Women in Aviation group. My interest in Women in Aviation was peaked when I attended a conference in Orlando many
years ago. I had previously been a member of the 99’s but I love the fact that WIA opens all doors to aviation, not just being a pilot! Every event I go to, I challenge a young lady to try to think of a career that the aviation field would not have. I have not been defeated yet! I look forward to helping our chapter grow, make it easier to communicate, participate in more Girls and Youth in Aviation days, and have more fun events for the chapter! I am not even sure what that is yet, the sky is the limit 😊
Chapter Secretary
Liza Zinina
My name is Liza Zinina, I am originally from Moscow, Russia and my interest in aviation began on those long international flights back and forth between Russia and US. I began my aviation career as a Project Manager supporting the FAA: managing multiple programs, including motor fleet, runway improvement projects and conducting internal financial audits of National Airspace System (NAS) installed equipment. In my current role as a Senior Supply Chain Manager at Amazon AIR, I oversee the partnership between Amazon and our air carrier partners, driving both short and long-term initiative to improve the resilience of Amazon's AIR network. Outside of work I love to travel, and spend time outdoors hiking, camping and gardening.
Chapter Treasurer
Selena Blachford
My love of aviation started in when i was a little girl living in England just down the road from the Concord wind tunnels in Farnborough. My home was also in the Sunday flight path so at 6pm you could look up and see it flying overhead. Later my family emigrated to Washington state and my dad worked right next to Boeing. After graduation i worked at Boeing. I took several years off and had my family and then came back to Boeing on the KC-46 Tanker program. I spent 11 years on the tanker program in Boeing Defense, before moving over to Boeing Commercial Airplanes where i currently work in Supplier Data Systems.
Chapter Growth
Our chapter is located in a bustling hub of the aviation industry, offering an exciting opportunity to engage with like-minded professionals. As we aim to expand our chapter, we aspire to establish a dynamic community that fosters growth and inclusivity. Our unwavering commitment to enhancing our chapter's offerings and scholarships, and elevating its prominence drives us to seek your support. Your collaboration in this endeavor will contribute immensely to our objective of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all members. We invite you to join us as we build a robust and flourishing Washington State Chapter. If you have any suggestions for meetups, activities, or partnerships with local organizations, we encourage you to contact one of our board members. We are actively seeking volunteers to serve on committees and chairperson roles.
President - Peggy Phillips
Elections Chair - Peggy Phillips
Peggy is the current Elections Chair for the Washington State Chapter. Her aviation career began in 1979 when she joined the Air Force Reserves at McGuire AFB in NJ. After earning her wings in 1980, Peggy went on to serve for 30 years, retiring as a Colonel in April 2010. Flying the C141 and C17 during her career, she travel extensively around the world delivering personnel, cargo, humanitarian relief, aeromedical evacuation, etc. During her last 5 years in the service, she worked at Tanker Airlift Control Center providing supervision to the Air Operations Center. Currently, Peggy volunteers her time as a Docent at the Museum of Flight. She is an active member of WAI and Women Military Aviators. She enjoys the many opportunities to mentor young women and to gather with women who have the aviation spark!