AOPA President Mark Baker
AOPA Names New President
Mark Baker, a native Minnesotan, has been selected by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) as its new President. He becomes the fifth president in AOPA’s 75-year history. As a pilot for the past 35 years, Mark has accumulated more than 7,500 hours of flight time. He has been an aircraft owner and AOPA member since 1987. In his professional life, Mark has been involved in the home improvement industry, most recently as Chief Executive Office of Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corporation, a leading retailer of home improvement and garden products. Mark took office as the new AOPA President on September 6, 2013. We welcome Mark to his new post with AOPA and look forward to meeting him at the AOPA Aviation Summit in Fort Worth October 9-12, 2013.
We also thank Craig Fuller for his outstanding leadership during his tenure with AOPA and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
In this issue, on pages 14 and 15, we have also provided you with AOPA’s checklist on what to do if stopped by law enforcement.
Mike Nicely, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Texas Airport Development Office Manager, Retires
By the time you read this article, I expect that most of you will already be aware that Mike Nicely, FAA Texas ADO Manager, has retired. Although I am happy for Mike as he reaches this milestone in his life, I am truly sad to see him go. For many years, Mike has been my friend, supporter, advocate, and partner in our efforts to improve and maintain the Texas Airport System. On July 11, 2013, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee presented Nicely with an award that acknowledged “his outstanding leadership in fostering the relationship between FAA and TxDOT’s Aviation Division that has maximized the success of both agencies.”
Mike and his wife plan to spend the next five years touring American in their brand new recreational vehicle. Good for you Mike! Please stay in touch.