Also Becomes New Managing Editor for Avionics News 

AEA President Paula Derks has announced the appointment of a new director of communications for AEA and managing editor of Avionics News, effective Jan. 26. Trisha Drape joins the AEA staff in Independence, Mo., in the communications role and will work with Avionics News Editor Rachel Ronan and Derks, publisher, on the monthly magazine.
 
"As AEA continues to broaden its visibility in the general aviation electronics industry, Trisha's previous experience as editor of the award-winning Lee's Summit Journal and her active involvement in community organizations will play a vital role in our future plans," Derks said.
 
A native of Las Vegas, Nev., Drape assisted with the 2004 AEA Convention in that city and immediately became interested in the avionics industry and AEA.
 
"I was so impressed with the professionalism and dedication of the entire AEA staff when I met them all two years ago, that when this opportunity arose to play an active role with the organization, I jumped at the chance to come onboard and learn more about this exciting and growing industry, and lend my experience to AEA," Drape said.

"I was equally impressed with the members of AEA I met at the convention, and look forward to meeting many more members in the near future and developing relationships with them through AEA."

For the past eight years, Drape has worked for Knight Ridder Newspapers, first as a writer and editor for The Kansas City Star, and most recently as the editor of its Lee's Summit community newspaper. In the five years she served as its editor, Drape won many individual awards from various newspaper industry associations, and the Lee's Summit Journal was named the best weekly newspaper in the state of Missouri.

Prior to her tenure with Knight Ridder, Drape and her husband began a start-up newspaper in Blue Springs, Mo., which they ran for seven years. Drape's experience also includes producing publications for the Kansas City Royals Greater KC Day, the Kansas Speedway, Chambers of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus and other businesses and organizations.
 
She is a member of various organizations, and also is involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations, having served as a public relations volunteer for a nonprofit school for children with developmental disabilities.

"I believe my involvement with a number of organizations and businesses will serve me well in my role with AEA and will be of benefit to our members in helping grow their businesses," Drape said.

"I look forward to hearing from AEA members."

Drape and her husband, Tim, who works for The Kansas City Star, have three children, and have lived in Lee's Summit, Mo., for 13 years.

FMI: www.aea.net