By giving to the Tony Vernaci Aerospace Futures Fund, you are not only honoring Tony’s legacy—you are fueling the dreams of students, supporting small business innovation, and strengthening the community he cared so deeply about. Together, we can ensure Michigan continues to soar.
The Tony Vernaci Aerospace Futures Fund
This endowed fund was established to honor Tony’s extraordinary vision and lifelong dedication to advancing Michigan’s aerospace industry and community. This permanent fund ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire, strengthen, and grow opportunities for generations to come.
Each year, once activated, the Fund will provide awards that support the mission and pillars of the AIAM Foundation:
Talent Development & Education – preparing the next generation of aerospace innovators.
Small Business Growth – helping companies scale and succeed in the global aerospace industry.
Community Collaboration – fostering partnerships that create shared impact across Michigan.
To begin making an impact, the Fund must first reach a $25,000 threshold. Until this goal is achieved, awards cannot be distributed. Your support is essential in helping us cross this milestone and activate the Fund’s ability to empower students, strengthen small businesses, and build collaborative communities across Michigan.
Make a Donation to the
Tony Vernaci Aerospace Futures Fund
Founding of AIAM
For Mr. Tony Vernaci, the opportunity to establish the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) is a culmination of more than 30 years of experience and passion for aerospace. Mr. Vernaci joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in 2014, as Vice President for Global Business Development. Stepping into this position, he noticed aerospace was not a target industry. He recognized the potential synergies of the automotive and aerospace industries and soon the team discovered there were nearly 600 companies and organizations in Michigan conducting aerospace business. In an effort to draw more attention to Michigan’s strength in aerospace, he led the effort to attract an aerospace conference to the state. In June of that year, Michigan had its first booth at the Paris air show. It is because of these great accomplishments, a vision for future aerospace opportunities and a conversation with Governor Snyder, he decided to launch AIAM to advance Michigan’s place in the industry. Prior to joining the MEDC, he held executive positions at Global Advantages, Doncasters, and Textron. Before Textron, he spent 10 years in the automotive industry at both an OEM and a Tier-1 supplier.
