Sheryl A. Barden, CAM

Chief Executive Officer

Widely recognized as a leading workforce strategist, Sheryl A. Barden, CAM, is the Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Personnel International (API), the longest-running HR consulting and recruiting firm in business aviation.

A visionary leader and respected HR professional, Sheryl helps Part 91 aviation organizations create transformative teams and workplace cultures that elevate performance, retain top talent and strengthen service excellence.

Building on the legacy of her mother, Janice K. Barden, who founded API in 1971, Sheryl joined the firm in 2001 after a successful corporate career in management. She was promoted to president in 2003 and became CEO in 2013, leading API’s continued growth and commitment to integrity, confidentiality and exceptional client service.

Sheryl is an active member of the National Business Aviation Association’s Leadership Council and previously served on NBAA’s Board of Directors, chaired its Advisory Council and spent six years on the Business Aviation Management Committee.

She also belongs to several regional and industry associations, including the Northern California Business Aviation Association, Georgia Business Aviation Association and Carolina Aviation Professionals Association. In addition, she is a member of the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance, International Aviation Women’s Association, Women in Aviation International and Women in Corporate Aviation.

A trusted thought leader and monthly AINsight columnist for Aviation International News, Sheryl is frequently invited to speak and write about compensation, mentorship, retention and workforce trends. She offers practical, creative solutions that help business aviation operators become an “employer of choice.”

In 2025, NBAA honored Sheryl with the John P. “Jack” Doswell Award for lifelong achievement and service to business aviation. She embodies that spirit as a mentor, advocate and champion for forward-thinking workforce initiatives.

Sheryl earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from the University of San Francisco’s McLaren School of Business. She holds the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) credential and was named an inaugural NBAA CAM Fellow for her dedication to developing leaders and advancing professional standards in business aviation.

Beyond aviation, Sheryl is a dual member of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) in Georgia and Northern California and is past president of IWF Northern California. She also serves on the Alpha Phi Foundation Board and received the sorority’s highest alumnae honor, the Frances E. Willard Award, which celebrates women who have achieved distinguished success and international recognition in their professional fields.