Honoring Jim Marinitti for 30 Years of Service to NATCA

At the end of November, our Union will bid farewell to one of the most dedicated and effective leaders we have had the honor of working with – our friend and colleague, Southern Regional Vice President Jim Marinitti.

After 30 years of outstanding service to NATCA, Jim is retiring and leaving behind a legacy of service to our Union that will not be forgotten. 

Jim began his career in air traffic control in 1986 during his time in the Navy and transitioned to the Federal Aviation Administration in 1993. Originally assigned to Fort Myers-Page Field Tower, Jim transferred to Miami Center where he remained until 2001, after which he moved on to Miami Tower and TRACON.

Jim held several elected NATCA positions at his facilities in Florida, including Miami Tower & TRACON President from 2005-2013, and was elected to the National Executive Board in 2015 as Southern Region RVP and is currently serving in his third term.

Jim is a tireless and selfless leader, who set an example that drew admiration and respect from every member with whom he interacted throughout his career. He served as one of NATCA’s leads for the rollout of the Collaborative Work Group process. He also taught Interest Based Communications and is one of NATCA’s instructors for the national leadership course called LEAP – Leadership Experience Acceleration Project. Jim has also been active with NATCA’s Drug and Alcohol Committee and the Disaster Response Committee.

An inspirational and powerful speaker, Jim put these natural talents to work, building key relationships with elected officials in the government. With an impressive depth of knowledge on legislative issues, Jim has a passion for advocating for our Union with the members of Congress, members who not only know him on sight, but greet him as a friend. 

It was fitting that Jim’s eleventh and final Convention was held in his home state where he has spent his entire career. At the Convention, I was honored to present him with a Tim Haines Memorial Award of Honor and Distinction for a lifetime of dedication and advocacy on behalf every NATCA member.

NATCA is the great union it is, because of the incredible solidarity and commitment of remarkable leaders like Jim. He will be missed, but his legacy will remain. Jim led by example, inspiring and empowering the membership he loved. Please join me in wishing Jim a happy, and well-earned retirement.

In Solidarity,

Rich Santa
President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association