Her Story
About Kelley
Kelley Bush began her career in aviation by joining the Air Force in 1976, where she worked as an aircraft mechanic and was the only woman on the flight line at her base in North Carolina for two years. After earning her degree in aerospace engineering while in the reserves, she joined Boeing in flight operations engineering, a role she held for a decade. She later moved into marketing as a director and developed expertise as the subject matter expert for flight deck and flight crew economics in sales and marketing. Her analysis of customer routes and pilot usage influenced the flight deck design for the 787, increasing its value, and supported new airplane programs, research and development, and sales campaigns. She also obtained her FAA Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic License, allowing her to work on any flying vehicle. Now retired, Kelley enjoys painting and gardening while pursuing interests in animal rescue and environmental protection.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelley
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To be humble and open to learning from everybody, and also to have the courage and the curiosity to have hard conversations with people you don't agree with. It's a win-win. Either way, you're either going to strengthen your own convictions, or you're going to learn something by talking to people you disagree with. So I think it's important to be open to have conversations with people you don't necessarily agree with, and have a collaborative attitude, and stay humble and curious.
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