2023 Vaughn College Gala

Honoring Nicholas E. Calio, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airlines for America 

Vaughn College honored Nicholas E. Calio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airlines for America on April 13, 2023. Mr. Calio is a true leader and advocate for America’s airlines as models of safety, customer service and environmental responsibility. His organization supports the indispensable network that drives nearly $1.5 trillion in US economic activity and 10 million US jobs. He has been tirelessly committed to the success of the aviation industry and shares a common goal with Vaughn–creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Under Mr. Calio’s leadership, A4A rebranded and honed its focus on being an influential voice in helping to shape legislative and regulatory policies and priorities that improve air travel for everyone. Calio is known for working collaboratively with airlines, labor unions, Congress and the Administration to promote safety, security and a healthy US airline industry.

Prior to joining A4A in January 2011, Mr. Calio was Citigroup’s Executive Vice President for Global Government Affairs and a member of its senior leadership committee. He served President George W. Bush as Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs from January 2001 to January 2003 and held the same position during the administration of President George H.W. Bush. Between the Bush Administrations, Mr. Calio was a partner at O’Brien and Calio, a law and lobbying firm he co-founded in 1993.

He serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ohio Wesleyan University and serves on the Board of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. Mr. Calio is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

View the 2023 Vaughn Gala Journal and hear Vaughn students featured in the 2023 Gala video.