MUKILTEO — The executive director who oversees the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour has stepped down.
Bonnie Hilory and a committee representing the Institute of Flight’s board of directors have reached an “agreement of separation that is of mutual benefit to all concerned.” Her last day was Jan. 12 and the announcement of the departure was made on Jan. 16.
The board has turned to a past board president and board member to run the attraction.
Jeff Van Dyck has been appointed interim executive director of the Institute of Flight, which oversees the day-to-day operations, management and ticketing of the center at 8415 Paine Field Blvd., Mukilteo.
The institute’s management role at the attraction is set to end in June. Plans for who takes over have yet to be announced.
Hilory joined the organization in 2014 as just the second executive director, replacing the retired Barry Smith, who launched the foundation in 2003 and opened the center in 2005.
Van Dyck worked for more than 20 years at Boeing, serving as director of creative services of the Shared Services Group, overseeing design, architecture and brand building. He has lived in Edmonds for 40 years.
In his role with Boeing, Van Dyck worked with the Future of Flight Foundation, serving as Exhibits Committee chairman, as past president and as a Boeing loaned executive, a program that allows executives to spend time at a nonprofit.
The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour sees approximately 500,000 visitors per year, making it the most popular attraction in the county.
The center receives a portion of property tax revenue through a countywide bond that also sends revenue to the Lynnwood Convention Center and the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.
The Institute of Flight has 33 employees and also works with dozens of volunteers and contractors. The organization’s annual budget is $3.8 million.
For more information, visit the attraction’s website at www.futureofflight.org.
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