The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced a leadership change, with its CEO, Darren Pleasance, stepping out and moving into an advisory role to support AOPA and the Board of Trustees. AOPA understood his decision and started the search for its new CEO.
AOPA CEO steps out
The CEO role in AOPA is a full-time role based in Frederick, Maryland, at AOPA’s headquarters. The former CEO, Darren Pleasance, travelling to Frederick from his home in Bend, Oregon.
The Board announced in a statement that it appreciates the substantial time spent by Darren, and recognising this, it is the right time to move on from him to support the organisation’s long-term needs.
Jim Hauslein, Chairman of the AOPA Board of Trustees said,
“Darren has brought energy, perspective, and a deep commitment to serving pilots and protecting the freedom to fly. He has been deeply engaged with our members across the country, taking time to listen to their experiences, understand their challenges, and represent their voices in the work we do every day. We are grateful for his leadership and are pleased he will continue to support AOPA during this transition.”
Effective immediately, Chief Financial Officer, Jill Baker, and Senior Vice President of Membership and Strategy and Growth, Katie Pribyl, will serve as acting co-presidents during this interim period.
Board of Trustees and their search for CEO
Jill and Katie are members of AOPA’s executive leadership team and will lead the organisation’s operations, staff, and strategic execution, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making across the association.
Their leadership team remain fully focused on the work that pilots rely on every day, including advocacy at all levels of government and advancing aviation safety and training.
The AOPA Board of Trustees will start searching for the next president and CEO shortly. It also announced that the process will be designed to be thoughtful, inclusive, and aligned with the long-term needs of AOPA’s members and the general aviation community.
What do you know about AOPA? Who do you think will be their next CEO? Let us know in the comments.
