Sheryl A. Barden, CAM
President & CEO
An aviation industry recruitment and talent identification veteran, Sheryl A. Barden is a frequent guest speaker, blogger and writer for the monthly “AINsight” thought leadership column for Aviation International News. She is particularly regarded for applying her extensive background in employee search, screening and coaching to fulfill aviation recruiting and human resource consulting needs.
To help API’s clients attract and retain the level of talent they’re seeking, Sheryl serves as a trusted advisor on HR-related matters, such as aviation hiring best practices and competitive compensation packages.
Sheryl joined API in 2001, as Vice President of Business Development, and she assumed the critical role of President in 2003. She added CEO responsibilities to her position in 2013. API has grown exponentially under her leadership, while always remaining true to the company’s founding principles of integrity, confidentiality and industry-leading client service.
As an aviation industry thought leader on employment issues, such as the aviation talent shortage and pilot professionalism, Sheryl has also contributed commentary at the National Transportation Safety Board’s Safety Symposium, in response to the 2009 Colgan Air accident.
Sheryl is a member of the International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), Women in Corporate Aviation (WCA), Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the NBAA Advisory Council.
She is also a former member of the NBAA’s Board of Directors and former Chair of the NBAA Advisory Council. For six years, she served on the NBAA’s Corporate Aviation Management Committee. Additionally, she’s past president of the International Women’s Forum of Northern California.
Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management with an emphasis in Personnel Management from Pennsylvania State University, and a MBA from the McLaren School of Business, at the University of San Francisco. In 2021, she also earned her Certified Aviation Manager credential from the NBAA.