AeANET : AeA History: Presidents

AeA was founded in 1943 as the West Coast Electronic Manufacturers' Association (WCEMA). In 1969, WCEMA changed its name to the Western Electronics Manufacturing Association (WEMA) before becoming the American Electronics Association in 1977, and finally AeA in 2001. Until 1974, the position of President was held by the Board Chairman on a yearly rotation. In 1974, the role of President changed to an executive position within the company.

Christopher W. Hansen 2007-Present	Christopher Hansen is the President and Chief Executive Officer of AeA, the nation�s largest association representing the electronics and information technology industry. AeA represents about 2,500 companies that span the spectrum of high-technology products from semiconductors and computers to telecommunications and software. Before joining AeA in November 2007, Mr. Hansen was AARP�s Group Executive Officer for State and National Initiatives. His responsibilities included government relations, advocacy, management of AARP offices in every state, public outreach on key programs, and volunteer management and support. He assumed that position in mid-January 2003, after serving as the organization�s Senior Managing Director of Government Relations and Advocacy since March 2002. Mr. Hansen also worked for 16 years for The Boeing Company. Hansen was known as a political strategist with a broad view and strong interpersonal relations with both Republicans and Democrats. As Boeing�s Senior Vice President, Government Relations, he directed the company�s congressional and executive branch work and its state affairs. Previously, he served as Boeing�s Vice President, Government Relations and Vice President of Congressional Affairs. Prior to his work with Boeing, Hansen spent 11 years with General Dynamics, where he was Director of Government Relations Operations. He has held a number of leadership roles in professional organizations, including the U.S. Council for International Business, the National Aeronautics Association, the National Bureau of Asian Research, and currently is a member of the Individual Investors Committee of the New York Stock Exchange. He is also active in philanthropic organizations such as the Wolf Trap Foundation. Mr. Hansen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Denver and a Master�s degree from the American Graduate School of International Management.

William T. Archey 1994-2008	William T. (Bill) Archey was President and CEO of AeA from 1994 until 2008. Archey shared the executive position with his successor Christopher W. Hansen during the transition from November 15, 2007, to February 22, 2008. From 1986 to 1994, Archey worked for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as the first International Vice President, and later Senior Vice President of Policy and Congressional Affairs. Before working for the Chamber, Archey held a number of high-level government positions including Acting Assistant Secretary for Trade Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Mr. Archey received his bachelor's degree in Economics from Providence College, MBA from Northeastern University and has completed all coursework for his PhD in organizational theory and behavior at Boston University. Read William T. Archey's Full Biography

James R. Iverson 1986-1994	James Richard (Dick) Iverson, the second President of AeA (then known as the American Electronics Association), began his term in 1986. Iverson served eight years as association President before retiring. Iverson shared the executive position with his successor William T. Archey during the transition in late 1994/early 1995. Prior to working for the association, Iverson was an active member. He served as the Chairman of the San Diego Council and also was a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Iverson spent 19 years at Teledyne Ryan Electronics where he served as General Manager from 1967 through 1972. From 1972 to 1976 Iverson was General Manager of the Electronics Division of General Dynamics, and from 1976 to January 1986, Iverson was Group Vice President for Gould Inc. He was a career-long member of the IEEE and the Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Mr. Iverson was also a Founder and Past President of the San Diego Chapter of the Old Crows Association, a national board member of the American Defense Preparedness Association, and a former President of the San Diego Junior Chamber of Commerce. Iverson was also AeA's Medal of Achievement winner in 1995. Mr. Iverson received a bachelors degree in mathematics from San Diego State University in 1951.

E.E. Ferrey 1974-1985	E.E. (Ed) Ferrey was the first Executive President of AeA. Prior to 1974, the executive position was also held by the Chairman of the Board during his one year term. During his tenureship, the association was known as the West Coast Electronics Manufacturers' Association (WCEMA) and the American Electronics Association (AEA). Mr. Ferrey first joined the association as the Executive Director in 1960. Prior to AeA, Mr. Ferrey held several leadership roles within the electronics industry for 10 years. Ferrey was also AeA's Medal of Achievement winner in 1985.

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