![Flight instructor and student inside small Piper aircraft [Credit: Adobe Stock]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AdobeStock_139858404-scaled.jpeg)
David St. George, executive director of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators, announced his retirement Wednesday in the SAFE newsletter.
According to organization records, St. George was one of the first members of SAFE, serving as the chairman of the organization’s board of directors in 2015 before being named executive director in 2018.
“Leaving is bittersweet, [and] I do so with confidence that SAFE’s future leadership will have the vision and commitment to take SAFE to even greater heights while respecting our original mission and rules of operation,” St. George said. “SAFE must remain dedicated to continuously delivering valuable resources to our members while promoting educational excellence. Thank you all for joining and supporting SAFE through our incredible transformation from the original vision in 2009 to our current success with over 8,000 members. With your help, our growth has been exponential. SAFE has become a powerful force in aviation education and safety.”
![David St. George [Credit: SAFE]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/daviddirectorsafe.jpeg)
St. George also thanked SAFE founders Doug Stewart, Rich Stowell, John Dorcey, and Sherry Rossiter for “their vision, expertise, and help over the years. Board chairs Donna Wilt and Eric Hake, along with many others, have contributed greatly to our continued vital achievements.”
In a statement the SAFE board of directors noted St. George’s stellar service with the group before his decision to step down.
“We thank David for his unwavering commitment to SAFE’s mission and values and the considerable effort he has put forth over his eight-year tenure in the left seat of the organization [as executive director], and his years of service prior to that time,” the statement said. “We look forward to David remaining active as a SAFE volunteer and wish him all the best in his future aerial pursuits.”
The board said it is working with St. George on a transition plan, and they are searching for the next SAFE executive director. Membership queries regarding the leadership transition should be addressed to SAFE email at communications@safepilots.org or to any of the board members.
