James Higgins

• Professor of Aviation, University of North Dakota

With a multifaceted career that spans across the aviation industry, startup landscape, union representation, and academia, I am a seasoned professional recognized for my strategic acumen, leadership, and educational contributions. As a Co-founder and the Chief Operating Officer at Thread (initially launched as Airtonomy), I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to excellence, anchored by a solid academic base with a Ph.D. from St. Louis University.

My professional journey is distinguished not only by roles in teaching and piloting but also by my tenure as a union leader, where I was honored to be elected as the Master Executive Council (MEC) Chair for the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) representing the collective interests of the over 3,000 pilots at American Eagle Airlines (now Envoy). This role underscored my dedication to advocacy, fairness, and the advancement of pilot welfare and industry standards.

From shaping future aviation leaders in the classroom, navigating aircraft in the skies, to steering corporate strategy and championing pilot rights, my career is a testament to a deep-seated dedication to fostering growth, innovation, and excellence in every endeavor I undertake.

• –present Professor of Aviation, University of North Dakota

• 2017 St. Louis University, PhD in Aviation

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