Stojanche GJORCHESKI (IATSED 19), Chair of the Year!

On December 10, Stojanche GJORCHESKI (IATSED 19) was elected Chair of the Year at the ENAC Alumni International Chapters Day! Interview.

Can you please briefly describe your background?

I have a strong background in systems engineering and air traffic control (ATC) and am currently pursuing a PhD in cybersecurity, focusing on compliance by design. I am very passionate about bridging the gap between aviation safety and cybersecurity, focusing on safety analysis, cyber integrity monitoring, audits and developing practical solutions to enhance resilience in aviation systems.

How did you end up volunteering with ENAC Alumni? What has been motivating you?

My connection with ENAC is through my master's degree. My desire to contribute to the improvement of the aviation sector led me to the ENAC Alumni community. Volunteering seemed like a natural step to return to the network that played a key role in shaping my career. More importantly, what really excites me is the opportunity to build a community of collaboration, create opportunities for learning from each other, and understand some of the critical challenges (ex: digitalization, cybersecurity, and technology integration) in aviation. It is very satisfying to collaborate with professionals who share the same goals.

How is the CEEC chapter doing? What are the main challenges (and opportunities) that our community is facing in the region?

The CEEC Chapter has done a great job in building bridges throughout the region, but we also have our challenges, such as engaging a community that is geographically dispersed and catering to the diverse professional needs of our membership. These challenges, however, bring with them great opportunities: CEEC is in an excellent position to connect aviation professionals with a focus on key areas like sustainability, digital transformation, and cybersecurity as well as cross border research. CEEC will then be able to become a strong network and collaboration hub by offering valued content, including webinars, workshops, and interviews, while leveraging the power of the network.

What are the next steps for the chapter? What would you like to achieve in the next coming months?

For the time being, we aim at organizing events, webinars and delivering newsletters which will help in reaching out to our community in an effective manner. We plan to host sessions on relevant topics for the region and to expand collaborations with business and academic leaders will enable us to extend our outreach. In the coming months, our plan is to focus on raising the profile of our chapter so that we can provide practical solutions and useful contacts to our members.

You were already the vice chair of ENAC Alumni CEEC. And yet, you volunteered for creating the Digital Transformation Think Tank! Where do you find all this energy?

The energy comes from my passion for innovation and my belief in digital transformation being pivotal for the future of aviation. Seeing the potential to connect professionals, share expertise, and collectively address challenges excites me. To me, volunteering is about creating an impact, and once you are working on something meaningful, the energy naturally follows. Leveraging my experience lets me contribute in ways that feel both valuable and fulfilling.

What are your ambitions for this think tank? What should our members expect from it in 2025? How can they contribute to the Digital Transformation Think Thank?

The ambition for the think tank is to become a center of excellence in digital transformation for aviation. The members shall expect the following:
- Key topics, including digitalization, AI/ML methodologies, cybersecurity, and resilience strategies.
- Workshops, roundtables, and expert interviews (this is very important method in the knowledge development process)
- Practical case studies of successful transformation projects.

We are going to publish a series of research reports and cohost webinars in 2025. Our mission is to build a community where professionals share best practices and introduce new ideas. Our members can actively contribute through participation, sharing expertise, and co-researching for the development of the industry.                          

You are the recipient of the 2023 Chair of the Year Award for your dedication to advancing the ENAC Alumni community and civil aviation. How important are these for you? How can our alumni and our community make a difference in this world and in aviation?

Receiving the Chair of the Year Award is an incredible honor and reinforces my belief in the importance of community-driven initiatives. Aviation is a field that directly impacts global connectivity, safety, and innovation. Our alumni and community can:     
- Innovate and drive technological advancements.     
- Mentor and inspire future leaders in the field.
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

By fostering connections, sharing expertise, and promoting forward-thinking initiatives, we can make a meaningful difference for aviation and the world.

Any advice to our students and recent graduates starting their careers?

My advice would be:        
- Stay curious and keep learning. The aviation industry is evolving rapidly, so continuous learning is essential. 
- Don’t be afraid to explore interdisciplinary fields—these areas will play a critical role in the industry’s future.        
- Build a strong network and seek mentorship; communities like ENAC Alumni provide great opportunities for connection.      
- Finally, focus on creating impact—whether through innovative projects, solving real-world challenges, or advancing sustainability and safety in aviation.