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Dale M. Schwartz Elected Chairman of HIAS

Dale M. Schwartz Elected Chairman of HIAS

Dale M. Schwartz Elected Chairman of HIASE: Leading the State Efforts to Promote Aerospace Industry

Dale M. Schwartz, a recognized leader in the aerospace industry, has been elected as Chairman of the Hawaii Aerospace Advisory Committee (HIASE). His appointment aims to strengthen the efforts of the state in promoting the development of the aerospace industry, one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in the country.

With over 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Schwartz brings unparalleled expertise, knowledge, and leadership skills to his new role. He has proven his capability in driving growth and innovation in the aerospace sector, having held various leadership positions in some of the top aerospace companies in the world.

As Chairman of HIASE, Schwartz will lead the committee in its mission to facilitate, develop, and promote aerospace activities in Hawaii. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to elevate its position as a premier destination for the aerospace industry, which is projected to generate billions of dollars in revenue and create thousands of jobs in the years to come.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Schwartz’s background, his previous achievements, and his plans for HIASE. We will also discuss the state’s current Aerospace Industry Development Plan and the future prospects of the aerospace industry in Hawaii.

Who is Dale M. Schwartz?

Dale M. Schwartz is an accomplished aerospace executive with an impressive track record of achievements in the industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Throughout his career, Schwartz has held various key leadership positions in some of the most prominent aerospace companies in the world. From 1985 to 2012, he worked at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a leading helicopter manufacturer that provides support to the military, commercial, and industrial sectors.

At Sikorsky, Schwartz held several senior leadership roles, including Vice President for Research & Engineering, Chief Technology Officer, and Vice President for Commercial Programs. He was also instrumental in the development of numerous helicopter models, including the Black Hawk, Seahawk, and S-76 helicopters.

In 2012, Schwartz joined Honeywell Aerospace, a Fortune 100 company that produces aerospace products and services for both military and civilian clients. He served as Vice President for Defense & Space Programs, overseeing the company’s military helicopter and space programs. He was also responsible for developing advanced technologies and products that enhance the performance and safety of aircraft, vehicles, and systems.

Schwartz has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the aerospace industry. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and an inductee of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

Previous Achievements and Contributions to the Aerospace Industry

Schwartz’s appointment as Chairman of HIASE comes as no surprise, considering his numerous achievements and contributions to the aerospace industry. Here are some of his notable accomplishments throughout his career:

Black Hawk Helicopter Development

Schwartz played a pivotal role in the development of the Black Hawk helicopter, one of the most widely used helicopters in the military today. He oversaw the design and development of the helicopter’s advanced fly-by-wire system, which enables the aircraft to fly safely and reliably in both normal and adverse conditions.

His contributions to the Black Hawk program earned him the Presidential Commendation for Outstanding Performance in 2003, one of the highest awards given by the U.S. government to civilians.

Advanced Engine Technologies

Schwartz was also instrumental in the development of advanced engine technologies that improve the performance, fuel efficiency, and environmental impact of aircraft engines. He oversaw the development of new materials, designs, and control systems that enhance the power and efficiency of gas turbine engines, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

His work on engine technologies also led to the development of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for aircraft, which provides the necessary power to start the engines and operates various systems throughout the aircraft.

Commercial Helicopter Programs

Schwartz led the commercial helicopter division at Sikorsky, overseeing the development and production of several models, including the S-76, a popular medium-sized helicopter used in various industries, including offshore oil and gas, emergency medical services, and executive transport.

Under his leadership, the S-76 helicopter was transformed into a state-of-the-art helicopter with improved safety features, increased payload capacity, and advanced avionics systems.

Plans for HIASE and the Future of the Aerospace Industry in Hawaii

As Chairman of HIASE, Schwartz aims to use his expertise and experience to promote the development and growth of the aerospace industry in Hawaii. The state has enormous potential to become a major player in the industry, with its strategic location, favorable weather conditions, and a highly skilled workforce.

Schwartz’s plans for HIASE include the following:

1. Promote Aerospace Education and Workforce Development

Schwartz plans to work closely with various educational institutions in Hawaii to promote aerospace education and workforce development. He believes that the key to attracting aerospace companies to the state is to have a highly skilled workforce that can fulfill the industry’s demands.

He plans to collaborate with Hawaii’s Community Colleges, the University of Hawaii, and private industries to create training programs that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the aerospace sector.

2. Attract Aerospace Companies to Hawaii

Schwartz aims to attract aerospace companies to Hawaii by showcasing the state’s unique and advantageous attributes, such as its location, infrastructure, and quality of life. He plans to lead trade missions to key aerospace industry events and develop marketing campaigns to promote Hawaii as an ideal destination for aerospace businesses.

He also plans to work with the state government to create incentives and tax breaks for aerospace companies that want to establish operations in Hawaii.

3. Develop a Sustainable Aerospace Industry in Hawaii

Schwartz recognizes the importance of sustainability in the aerospace industry and aims to promote the development of a sustainable aerospace industry in Hawaii. He plans to work with local communities and stakeholders to minimize the environmental impact of aerospace activities and to promote the use of renewable energy sources in aircraft and spacecraft.

He believes that Hawaii has a unique opportunity to become a leader in the sustainable aerospace industry and plans to use his position to make it happen.

Future Prospects of the Aerospace Industry in Hawaii

The aerospace industry is one of the fastest-growing economic sectors globally, with a projected growth rate of 4% per year over the next decade. The industry is poised to generate billions of dollars in revenue and create thousands of jobs in the years to come.

Hawaii has enormous potential to become a player in the aerospace industry, with its strategic location, favorable weather conditions, and a highly skilled workforce. The state’s Aerospace Industry Development Plan aims to capitalize on these advantages and elevate Hawaii’s position as a premier destination for aerospace businesses.

With Dale M. Schwartz at the helm of HIASE, the state’s efforts to promote the aerospace industry are in good hands. His leadership, experience, and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of the industry in Hawaii and the rest of the country.


Dale Schwartz, of Atlanta, Georgia, was this week elected Chairman of the Board of HIAS, the global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees. An immigration lawyer, he is the twenty-second community leader elected to chair the agency since its founding in the 1880s. His initial term is for one year. He succeeds Marc Silberberg, of New York City, who served as HIAS Chairman from 2010-2013.

Upon his election, Schwartz had the following to say:

“HIAS is in my blood, part of my DNA. Not just because HIAS brought to America three of my grandparents and helped them establish new lives here. But because of the millions of other people – Jews and non-Jews – whom HIAS has rescued and/or resettled. To be a part of that effort – even in a small way – is both an honor and a precious gift from above.

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“I am grateful to my predecessor, Marc Silberberg who in the last year has led deep, thoughtful, and strategic deliberations between the HIAS board, staff, and other stakeholders. We no longer just resettle refugees in the United States and elsewhere; we now provide direct assistance to refugees in camps and urban areas in remote sites such as Kenya, Uganda, and Latin America, to name but a few. Although we have done this type of work for more than a decade, we have now formally incorporated this significant transformation into HIAS’ mission, implementation, and branding.

“Among my near-term goals are increasing the awareness of our transition to a ‘new HIAS,’ obtaining increased resources and funding for our lifesaving programs in 14 countries on five continents, preserving and indexing the treasure trove of HIAS archives that document our work helping 4.5 million people over more than 130 years, and continuing our role as a leading advocate for the dignity of refugees and immigrants everywhere.”

Dale Schwartz was born in Columbus, Georgia and grew up in the Bronx. His family later moved to Winder, Georgia, where he attended high school.

A member of the bar of the United States Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of Georgia,. Schwartz attended Vanderbilt University and The George Washington University and earned his bachelor’s and law degrees at the University of Georgia, where he was an editor of the Georgia Law Review. Currently a principal of Dale M. Schwartz & Associates, LLP, he also is adjunct professor of immigration law at Emory University School of Law as well as former co-chairman of the Immigration Law Committee of the Section of Litigation of the American Bar Association.

Schwartz is past president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (1986-87) and serves on a number of national boards of organizations concerned with immigration and refugee matters. He has testified as an expert witness before committees of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on immigration legislation.

Schwartz, who has been on the board of HIAS since 1981, received the Abe Goldstein Young Leadership Award from the Atlanta Jewish Federation, on whose board he served for a number of years, and for whom he served as Project Renewal co-chairman.  He was president of Jewish Family Services in Atlanta for five years, chairing its Resettlement Committee, and chairman of the Southeastern Region of the Anti-Defamation League, on whose national board he serves on the Executive Committee.  He is a recipient of the American Jewish Congress’ Justice Hugo Black National Award for Social Justice. In addition, Schwartz was lead counsel in the successful effort to obtain a posthumous pardon for Leo M. Frank, the Jewish businessman who was lynched in Georgia in 1915. He also served as an advisor to the making of a miniseries for national television and a docudrama for PBS-TV.

Schwartz is married to Susan Ellis Schwartz; they are the parents of three married daughters (all of whom, he is proud to note, are active in their communities) and have nine grandchildren. Susan and Dale belong to Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs, which they joined shortly after its founding in 1968.