What Is Going On At EAA???

There appears to be a first class shakeup going on at EAA... and the result is that a number of major talents and personnel have been shown the door and at least one has walked out.

ANN is monitoring multiple reports that indicate that EAA has given walking papers to a number of staff members, reassigned others, and is dealing with at least one high-profile resignation... with rumors of more to come. We know that long-time EAA photographer, Jim Koepnick has been let go along with a number of publications personnel (E-Pub and Editorial staff), at least one other high-profile writer has been given reduced responsibilities (reportedly at her request), and Adam Smith, once thought to be headed for much bigger and better things has reportedly resigned... possibly in protest.

Insider reaction is just coming in ... but some high-profile EAA supporters are telling ANN that this is NOT the EAA they signed up for and supported for so many years and that sentiment is growing rapidly and negatively. EAA, though, says this is the result of "a year-long review" in which they "needed to align the organization to fit a long-term strategic plan to insure their future mission plan."

EAA's Dick Knapinski confirms that somewhere south of 30 pinkslips were handed out... but that somewhere around half of those positions will eventually be filled with other personnel. Separated persons are being given severance packages and outplacement transition aid.

As the rumors started hitting, EAA sent out a press release... though it raises as many questions as it answers. The EAA release positioned the effort in a positive fashion, quoting EAA Boss Rod Hightower as saying that, "This will strengthen our organization in several key areas to more effectively meet the needs of our members, donors and aviators... We've made these moves after spending the past year reviewing EAA's operations to best align them with the organization's goals, and listening to many EAA members and supporters regarding the most valued areas of EAA."

Among the changes is a positive one -- Jeff Skiles, the first officer on that amazing US Air flight that ditched in the Hudson River, has joined the organization in a full-time capacity. Jeff Skiles is now the Vice President, Chapters and Youth Education. Skiles, already well known for the aforementioned for being one of the "Miracle on the Hudson" pilots, has also served for the past two years as Young Eagles co-chairman. He brings a wealth of aviation experience and passion to this new role as EAA strengthens and expands its global Chapter network and industry-leading Youth Education initiatives and programs.

Chad Jensen has become Manager of EAA's Homebuilders Community. Jensen "brings extensive homebuilding experience and aviation skills to this important role as EAA increases its knowledge and information capabilities for Homebuilders and the amateur-built segment of aviation. He will have extensive involvement with Flight Advisors, Tech Counselors and the passionate community of builders."

Heidi Strand of Blue Door Consulting in Oshkosh will lead EAA Marketing on an interim basis while EAA completes a search for Vice President of Marketing. Strand will lead EAA's brand and marketing capabilities and also be responsible for EAA digital media properties and strategy. 

A new position has also been created, though no one has been named as yet to fill the role. The newly created "Vice President, AirVenture" will 'lead the world's premier aviation event to continued growth and importance as the preeminent general aviation marketplace.' This position will take a seat on EAA's Senior Management Team.

The release adds that, "Much thought and collaboration has been invested in the reshaping process to make EAA a stronger organization, better equipped to lead aviation and welcome the next generation of aviators," according to Rod Hightower.

FMI: www.eaa.org