NATACS WELCOMES INDUSTRY VETERAN JOE DALTON TO OVERSEE SECURITY AND REGULATORY EFFORTS BY ELLEN M. MILLER A t the start of 2019, NATA Compliance Services (NATACS) welcomed Joe Dalton to the team as their Director of Security. In his new role, Dalton oversees their security and regula- tory efforts, working closely with the technology and opera- tions teams to expand and deploy security initiatives that serve the commercial and corporate aviation communities. “We are proud to have Joe as a member of our NATACS Team,” says Michael Sundheim, Chief Executive Officer. “Joe brings robust experience and a deep knowledge of our customers and their needs derived from his work with industry stakeholders, including the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the State Department, the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.” When asked where his interest in aviation—and security specifically—came from, Dalton said, “Well, it’s a long story.” He was fascinated with aviation growing up, even build- ing model airplanes as a kid. Later, he joined the Marine Corps as a Military Police and Corrections Officer, where he gained experience in security. He had not lost his passion for aviation, though, and after leaving the Marine Corps he was hired by NetJets International, which at the time did not have an in-house security division. But then, 9/11 occurred just a few months after Dalton was hired—pinpointing the need for a security department for the NetJets International team—and he was approached to help set one up focused on aviation-based ground and international security operations. When he left the company 17 years later, it was as their Director of Aviation Security. Now, at NATACS, Dalton says that while some of his tasks are similar, most are very different from those at his NetJets position. “Security continuously evolves, in today’s environ- ment, given the things we are seeing both domestically and globally—not just from a regulatory stance, but also from a 78 threat or concern standpoint—that’s really never been truer.” He looks at what is happening in the industry and provides NATACS clients with the solutions and services they need, be it through working with the TSA, providing training pro- grams, or through a myriad of other avenues. “I want to be that individual where if someone has a question or concern, I can be there for them and provide that voice of assistance.” Dalton’s experience and insight comes from having man- aged multiple United States and foreign security programs. “It can be a challenge if you’re not paying attention every day, there are lots of moving pieces.” Dalton has also man- aged aircraft and crew security in over 180 different coun- tries over his career. He says the responsibility for team members, especially when operating outside of the U.S. can cause a few sleepless nights, “Your 3:00 a.m. may be their 3:00 p.m., you never know when the phone will ring.” Dalton has also worked extensively with FBOs and airports across the U.S. “Over the years, I have had the opportunity to complete security assessments for FBOs and have worked with airports and FBOs to manage many special events.” Setting a common security goal and maintaining constant communications are key. Dalton views NATACS as an exemplary place to work for the aviation community. “They are providing valued and critical services to operators of all sizes through their many products and programs,” Dalton says. “But, what’s really been nice and exciting to me is that everyone I have had the opportunity to work with has an overwhelming desire to serve the aviation community. I can’t stress enough the com- mitment and dedication to the industry that I see from every member of the team, it has been very welcoming to be a part of that sort of environment.” If you would like more information about how Joe Dalton and NATA Compliance Services can assist you, please give them a call at 800-788-3210. Aviation Business Journal | Spring 2019 N a t i o n a l A i r T r a n s p o r t a t i o n A s s o c i a t i o n COMPLIANCE SERVICES
