NATA and NBAA Welcome Pleasance as AOPA President, Thank Baker for Years of Service

NATA and NBAA have welcomed the appointment of Darren Pleasance as President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and thanked outgoing, longtime leader Mark Baker for his service to the community.

“Darren Pleasance’s appointment as AOPA’s next president and CEO comes at a pivotal time when his deep aviation experience and ability to inspire future aviation professionals will greatly benefit our industry. NATA is excited for this next chapter under Pleasance’s leadership as a partner in advocating for general aviation and strengthening relationships between pilots and the aviation business community. Together, we can continue to advance key priorities to preserve critical airspace for all aviators, usher in an unleaded future for general aviation, address airport infrastructure needs, and communicate the immense value of our industry to communities across the nation,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.

“Mark Baker has truly helped the aviation community better understand the pilot perspective and advocated fervently for the AOPA membership. NATA appreciates Mark’s leadership and collaboration on industry-wide efforts to safely eliminate lead in aviation gasoline through EAGLE and support of programs addressing looming shortages in aviation,” stated Castagna.

“Over a course of decades, NBAA and AOPA have developed an extremely strong working relationship based on promoting the freedom to fly,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. “Over that time, AOPA has been led by presidents who have combined a deep passion for aviation with strong business acumen and an ability to leverage AOPA’s membership into laws and regulations that benefit aviators everywhere.

“Naming Darren as the next AOPA president is clearly consistent with the kind of committed, powerful leadership for which AOPA is known and we look forward to working with him closely in the years ahead,” Bolen added.

Pleasance, who has flown over 8,000 hours in more than 50 different types of aircraft, most recently led Cisco’s Acceleration Center, an organization focused on the success of mission-critical aspects of Cisco’s business transformation. Prior to joining Cisco, he led global customer acquisitions for Google and served as a partner in consulting firm McKinsey & Co.’s high tech sector and marketing and sales practice.