Elizabeth “Eli” Tilden, President and Barbara Baldwin, CEO
Elizabeth Tilden Shares Her Journey and Vision for Empowering Women in Aviation Leadership
What is your current role, and how long have you been in this position?
Since May 2024, I’ve been President at Dean Baldwin Painting.
Can you briefly describe your career journey leading up to your current leadership role?
I have over 25 years in the transportation industry serving in leadership roles managing union and merit teams of up to 500 members and up to half billion-dollar budgets. My experience has largely been in aerospace sustainment with both (14 CFR) 121 Air Carriers’ and 145 Repair Station in both the airframe and engine space. Additionally, I’ve had the fortune in working in space operations with the United States Space Force and Virgin Galactic.
How do you inspire and empower your team?
Diversity is the key to success. Having a singular voice will never craft the best solution to challenges. That’s why as a leader it’s critical to set up an environment where your entire team can contribute, share and build solutions that incorporate multiple viewpoints. Ultimately, you’ll reap the benefit of your team’s knowledge and experience. Empowerment, collaboration and ownership catalyze winning strategies.
What is your vision for the future of women in leadership in your industry?
When I see someone who looks similar to ‘me’ in an industry which is unfamiliar, it makes me more confident that I can thrive in that environment. The prime example is Barbara Baldwin whom I met while doing business on behalf of Delta Air Lines. She has been leading a successful business for over 60 years and is a premier vendor to the Fortune 500 airline companies. She’s a pioneer who’s blossomed in a male dominated world and quite frankly modelled a journey of achievement for generations of woman. Aviation sustainment is a profession rife with economic benefit, desired technological skills and personal reward. Plainly said, it’s a great career to have. However, it may be unconventional to many women because they’ve not been exposed to it. I observe so many of my peers before and after me take this career journey and I am pleased to see more women reap the benefits of sharing their talents in this field.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your leadership journey?
I have been fortunate to experience countless technological and business challenges in one of the most innovative sectors. But hands down, the experiences I get to share with people are the preeminent reward. To be able to watch people grow into leaders, build their craft, create forward thinking solutions and drive enterprises to industry leading results is a privilege. I appreciate that I get to working in such an intelligent environment, be inspired, learn best practices, build great camaraderie and contribute to the prosperity of aviation.
