An update from AOPA's chairman

We also received thoughtful feedback from members that has helped inform and refine our work. This update highlights the progress we've made, the initiatives currently underway, and the commitments we are working to deliver.

Updating our bylaws is an important part of modernizing our governance and ensuring AOPA is well positioned for the future. Earlier this year, we published potential bylaw changes for member review and comment. At the close of the comment period in June, we had received feedback from 154 members. The board carefully reviewed every comment. As a result of that feedback and the continued work of the board over the past several months, we are making some revisions to the original proposal, which will be published later this month. Members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed amended bylaws at a Special Member Meeting on Saturday, September 12, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time.

By holding the meeting on a Saturday, our aim is to allow more members to attend. We also plan to livestream the meeting so members everywhere can follow the proceedings in real time. If you are able to join us in person at AOPA Headquarters in Frederick, Maryland, please stay afterward for lunch and the opportunity to visit with members of the Board of Trustees, AOPA leadership, staff, and your fellow members.

Many members have asked for the ability to vote electronically in future Board elections. To accomplish this, modernizing our bylaws to allow electronic voting will be one of the changes for your consideration at the member meeting in September. If approved, we plan to introduce a secure electronic voting platform beginning with next year's membership meeting, allowing eligible members to vote on the slate of trustee candidates in advance of the meeting.

At our annual membership meeting, I committed that the board would become more visible and engaged with our fellow members, and we are doing exactly that. Below you'll find a schedule of opportunities to meet with me and other members of the board over the coming weeks, including our daily morning coffee gatherings during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin. I hope you'll stop by and say hello.

Luke Wippler
Chairman, AOPA

Our commitments to you

At the May member meeting, the AOPA Board of Trustees heard members' requests for clearer communication, greater transparency, and more opportunities for engagement. In response, the board identified several areas for follow-up, including updates on the CEO search, strategic planning, and organizational performance. The sections below provide the latest status on that work.

CEO search update

AOPA continues to work with a nationally recognized executive search firm to develop a broad and highly qualified pool of candidates for our next CEO. The firm is currently identifying and evaluating individuals with demonstrated success leading complex organizations, establishing strategic vision, and driving operational excellence in organizations similar in scale and complexity to AOPA.

We are seeking a pilot who is deeply committed to GA and understands the real-world issues pilots face, regardless of what they fly. As the search progresses, members of the board's CEO Search Committee will interview selected candidates, and we will continue to provide updates, as appropriate, throughout the process.

Member feedback opportunities

To make it easier for members to share their perspectives on the issues that matter most, we will soon begin distributing a series of brief surveys that can be completed in just a few minutes. We will carefully review that feedback and use it, where appropriate, to help guide future decisions and improve how AOPA serves its members.

Strategic planning

The board remains committed to developing a multiyear strategic framework that establishes clear priorities, measurable objectives, and meaningful accountability. While we believe our next CEO should play an important role in shaping and executing AOPA's long-term vision, the board has already begun developing the foundational framework focused on organizational growth, governance, advocacy, and long-term organizational health.

Board engagement

AOPA trustees will participate in aviation events across the country throughout the remainder of the year and look forward to meeting with members along the way.

During EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, please join members of the board and AOPA staff for complimentary coffee and informal conversation Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Visit the AOPA campus, pick up a commemorative mug, and start your day with us.

Additional opportunities to meet members of your board are available in the schedule below.

Grassroots events

We are expanding opportunities to connect with members through aviation events across the country, including EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the Triple Tree Fly-In. We are planning additional events in 2027, including a series of Pilot Town Hall meetings to be scheduled following the selection of AOPA's next CEO.

Airport defense

To better support local airport advocates and complement the outstanding work of AOPA's regional managers, we are developing the AOPA Airport Playbook, a practical resource that will provide tools, guidance, and proven strategies to help protect and strengthen GA airports. While this was already in the works, the need was reinforced by a comment from a member during our annual meeting, and we look forward to sharing it with you.

Investment transparency

As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, AOPA's audited financial statements, annual reports, and IRS Form 990 filings are available on our website and summarized in our publications. Going forward, we will provide additional information about our investment philosophy and how investment returns help support AOPA's mission and long-term financial strength.

Building relationships

AOPA has long collaborated with organizations across GA on issues of shared importance, including advocacy, education, and safety. We are exploring additional opportunities to strengthen those relationships by bringing aviation leaders together more regularly to exchange ideas, identify common priorities, and advance initiatives that benefit pilots and the broader GA community.