Former Cessna Aircraft CEO and president Jack Pelton has accepted the title of CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association, a position that has been open since Rod Hightower left the organization suddenly in October of 2012. EAA's board of directors made the decision at its annual board meeting on November 6. Pelton's three-year term as volunteer chairman was about to expire and while Pelton has also been asked continue in that role, the CEO position is paid.
"He has a passion for EAA and a long background in recreational aviation, plus successful experience in business and government relations," said Dan Schwinn, chairman of the EAA board's Human Relations and Governance Committee. "We approached Jack with the idea and were very pleased when he and his wife, Rose, accepted our offer."
Pelton's history with EAA dates back to when he was a teenager and would attend meetings with his father at EAA's Chapter 1 in Riverside, California. "Aviation and EAA have been irreplaceable parts of my life," Pelton said.
A new position was also added to the EAA board of directors with Charlie Precourt being elected as the board's vice chairman. In that role, Precourt will provide additional independent leadership and a central point of board contact for Pelton.
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