The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has started the search for a new president and CEO, as Darren Pleasance steps out of the day-to-day CEO role into an advisory role.
“Over time, it’s become increasingly clear that the AOPA CEO role should be based full-time in Frederick, Maryland, at AOPA’s headquarters,” association officials said, noting that Pleasance, who took over the position in January 2025, has been commuting from his home in Bend, Oregon.
“Recognizing this, now is the right time to transition leadership in a way that best supports the organization’s long-term needs,” AOPA officials added.
“Darren has brought energy, perspective, and a deep commitment to serving pilots and protecting the freedom to fly,” said Jim Hauslein, Chairman of the AOPA Board of Trustees. “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.”
“I’m incredibly proud of what we were able to set in motion at AOPA in a relatively short period of time,” Pleasance said. “In addition, I had the opportunity to meet thousands of members across the country, hear their stories, and work on issues that matter to everyday pilots, which has been deeply meaningful. The most special part of AOPA, though, is the staff. The people here care deeply about pilots and the mission, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside them.”
Effective immediately, AOPA’s day-to-day operations will be led by Chief Financial Officer Jill Baker and Senior Vice President of Membership Strategy and Growth Katie Pribyl, who will serve as Acting Co-Presidents during this interim period.
The AOPA Board of Trustees will initiate a formal search shortly for the next President and CEO.
For more information: AOPA.org
From what I’ve heard, Darren Pleasance was forced out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhvQ7XAZQg4
Apparently, the current board disagreed with his vision of the future of AOPA and GA; wonder if that new guy (former CEO of Cirrus Aircraft) had any influence on that.
What a sham. Like his Predecessor (Phil Boyer) Pleasance was what AOPA needed to Champion Student Pilots and others within the GA community: maybe even doing a better job at it too.
Maybe there should be a vote of no confidence with the remaining board members so as to make room for new/more confident board members with much needed fresh thinking. Perhaps they will bring Pleasance back (or at least instate someone of his caliber.