PUBLIC SECTOR: INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE STRATEGY
SITUATION
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. aerospace and defense (A&D) industry faced a dual challenge: meeting contractual obligations to the U.S. government while safeguarding employee health and safety. At the same time, companies faced accelerating workforce pressures: skill shortages, shifting expectations, and the need to retain critical technical talent. CEOs and CHROs lacked a coordinated mechanism to share solutions, align messaging, and advocate effectively during unprecedented disruption.
OPPORTUNITY
The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), representing 300+ member companies, could convene senior HR leaders, build consensus on best practices, and ensure industry-wide advocacy was coordinated and data-driven. This was an opportunity not only to manage the pandemic but also to design a post-pandemic workforce strategy capable of attracting and retaining talent in a competitive market.
RESULTS
Pandemic Response & Remote Work
Convened CHROs to share practices on workforce safety, health protocols, and remote operations to sustain critical programs
Circulated benchmarks on remote productivity, OSHA compliance, and workforce protections
Facilitated peer learning that helped every $7B+ A&D company sustain production and minimize disruptions
Post-Pandemic Strategy
Led phased return-to-office planning that maximized productivity and reflected employee expectations
Created a forum for hybrid work, engagement, and retention strategies
Workforce Policy & Pipeline
Integrated findings from AIA’s workforce study into advocacy for STEM education, apprenticeships, and clearance reform
Elevated workforce as a top advocacy priority alongside supply chain and national security
Impact
Enabled companies to meet government obligations without compromising workforce safety
Preserved productivity during one of the most disruptive periods in industry history
Built a sustainable model for executive collaboration that continues to inform industry