Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association Announces New Chair for Board of Directors

Washington, D.C. - The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) announced Melissa Wade with Aurora Innovation, Inc. will serve as the chair of the trade association’s Board of Directors. 

AVIA is the unified voice of the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry, working with lawmakers, regulators, and the public to realize the technology’s safety, mobility, and economic benefits. As one of the association’s first AV truck members, Aurora is committed to transforming how freight moves across the country. As chair, Wade will play a pivotal role in advancing AVIA’s cross-industry goals of increased road safety, enhanced accessibility, and optimized supply chains. 

"Serving as Board Chair feels like a full circle moment after nearly a decade working on autonomous vehicle policy,” said Wade. "I'm honored to have the support of AVIA's members, and I look forward to sharing the benefits of autonomous vehicles with new audiences as we advocate for safer roads and a stronger supply chain."

“Melissa is a widely respected leader in the autonomous vehicle industry and brings incredible enthusiasm for AVs and the many benefits they will bring,” said Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. “Melissa’s deep experience in transportation policy will be critical in advancing public policy to realize the vision of autonomous vehicles.”

About the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA)

AVIA works with lawmakers, regulators, and the public to realize the safety and societal benefits of autonomous vehicles. As the unified voice of the AV industry, the association is comprised of companies with diverse technical expertise and experience in the technology, automobile, ridehail, trucking, and logistics sectors. Bringing together their varied backgrounds, the companies formed AVIA to advance AVs’ tremendous safety, mobility and economic benefits to consumers in the safest and swiftest manner possible.