Amie Emerson

2020 STEP Ahead Honoree

Executive Senior Director of Quality
Spirit AeroSystems

I grew up in the air capital of the world in my father’s machine shop. I was always fascinated in watching a product go from concept to final product. The aviation industry connects the world by bringing people and goods together around the globe. It is exciting to be part of a fast-paced, innovative sector that is key to our country’s economic health and safety.

Throughout her time with Spirit, Amie has been a major contributor to the company’s success. In addition to developing a consistent approach and best practice sharing process in compliance across all sites, she was part of the leadership team that created Spirit’s Strategic Sourcing Spend program—improving cost-effectiveness along the entire supply chain.

Amie thrives in the fast-paced world of aviation and manufacturing, and her talent and commitment have earned her respect in the industry. Accordingly, she has taken a leading role as a Spirit representative with such organizations as the International Aerospace Quality Group, the Americas Aerospace Quality Group and the Nadcap Management Council. All these groups focus on developing standards and improving quality across the aerospace industry, initiatives in which Amie is proud to take part.

Amie has been a driving force behind Spirit’s diversity leadership program, Taking Flight. The program brings together high performers from all business units and sites. While learning diversity leadership skills, Taking Flight teams also work on solving Spirit’s most demanding business challenges. Amie has driven this important program by serving on the steering committee and coaching participants. In addition, Amie is an active member of the Wichita Site Diversity Council.

In her community, Amie is a board member for the Fundamental Learning Center (FLC), an organization to help children who struggle to read. FLC includes a teacher and parent dyslexia education center and a private school designed for children with reading challenges. She also served as treasurer and board member for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Excellence in Public Service Series, which inspires and prepares women to seek greater involvement in leadership, government and politics across Kansas. As an alumna of the series, Amie knows its value and is passionate about continuing the program for future generations of female leaders in public service.