A 1974 graduate of Texas Tech's Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics has been named the new director of National Business Aviation Association. The selection of Jim Schwertner was made by the Washington, DC-based organization's board of directors in late January.

Schwertner is an air transport-rated pilot who flies helicopters and seaplanes, is type-rated in the Cessna Citation CE-525S, and holds a world speed record in a Piper Navajo. His initial term on the board is for one year, and in October he's expected to stand for election for a three-year term on the board.

Currently, the Austin resident is president and CEO of Schwertner Farms, Inc., and chairman of the board at Schwertner State Bank. In 2010, Schwertner was named a distinguished alumnus of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The college's annual event honors alumni who have made significant contributions to society, and whose accomplishments and careers have brought distinction to the college and to the professions associated with agriculture and natural resources.

Schwertner served as past chairman of the boards of Cattlemen's State Bank in Austin, Jarrell Schwertner Water Supply Corporation, and the Texas Cattle Feeders Association. He was appointed to the Texas A&M University Board of Regents by Gov. Rick Perry in 2009, and has served as director of the Texas Beef Council.

In addition to his business pursuits, Schwertner has served on the Seton Medical Center Williamson Foundation Board of Trustees, and the boards of the Texans for General Aviation, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Capitol Area Diabetes Association. Founded in 1947, the National Business Aviation Association is an organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft for their businesses. Program officials said it represents more than 10,000 companies.

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Jane Piercy, Director of Development and External Relations, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806)742-2802 or jane.piercy@ttu.edu

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