Vanessa Blacknall-Jamison currently serves as the first non–pilot chair for the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Board of Advisors, where she previously held positions as vice-chair. 

Vanessa has over 42 years of professional aviation experience, 28 of those in a managerial role. Currently, Vanessa serves as change advisor and leadership coach (ACC) with the Federal Aviation Administration, Aviation Safety and Flight Standards Leadership Development Team Change Management Group. Her duties include change management consultation, guidance, training, and support focusing on the personnel management of national projects. 

Vanessa joined the FAA in 2009, as an aviation safety inspector - AMR CMO, with oversight responsibilities for American Airlines and its subsidiary, American Eagle Airlines. Vanessa retired from United Airlines as the manager of emergency procedures training for pilots and flight attendants worldwide. Additionally, she held the position of human resources senior staff specialist, responsible for the recruitment of minority and female pilots.

Vanessa’s volunteerism includes service as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and Grad Life Choices coach.

Vanessa received her M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix and B.A. from the University of Southern California, and she holds an Associate Coaching Certification (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation. 

Vanessa resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband of 34 years, Tony, and is the proud mother of two adult children and three “grand-dogs”.