Longtime trustee named AOPA chairman

AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker announced in early 2024 that he planned to step down around the end of the year, giving the board of trustees time to find a replacement and have an orderly transition. The board announced in the fall that Darren Pleasance will take over as president and CEO on January 1.

Meanwhile, William C. “Bill” Trimble III also said he planned to step down as chairman of the board at the end of 2024, after nearly 20 years in the role. The board has elected James N. “Jim” Hauslein to serve as the new chairman, also effective January 1.

A longtime pilot and aircraft owner, Trimble joined the board in 1993 and became chairman in 2005. During his time as chairman, Trimble shepherded AOPA's path through the economic downturn in 2008 and oversaw the association’s strategic direction. His vision, dedication, and commitment to excellence have set a standard that will inspire the organization, and benefit the pilots and aircraft owners AOPA serves, for years to come.

He led the board decision to support the establishment of the AOPA You Can Fly program, which provides a free aviation-oriented STEM curriculum to more than 1,400 high schools across the nation. You Can Fly also recognizes flight schools and CFIs for their expertise, supports the creation of new flying clubs, and encourages lapsed pilots to return to flying.

During Trimble’s tenure, AOPA fought and won a long battle to reform pilot medical certification with the creation of BasicMed, which has helped tens of thousands of pilots.

“We are all grateful for Bill’s leadership and dedication to this organization,” Baker said. “All of general aviation has benefited from his support. Thankfully, he has agreed to remain on the board.”

“Serving as chairman of AOPA has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” Trimble said, “and general aviation has been integral to every aspect of my life. Having the honor to work with such a talented team has made the post a joy. I am so lucky to have worked with three presidents of the organization and look forward to welcoming Darren Pleasance.

“Jim Hauslein will be a wonderful new chairman, and I could not be more excited for AOPA’s future,” Trimble continued.

Trimble, who recently retired from a public real estate company, lives in Washington, D.C., and flies his Daher TBM 850 from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland. He continues to serve on the boards of numerous financial institutions.

“Bill’s commitment and leadership is unmatched and the full AOPA board appreciates, recognizes, and commends all that has been accomplished during his tenure,” Hauslein said. “Personally, I am honored that Bill has agreed to continue on the board going forward.”

Hauslein joined the board in 2012 and has served on numerous committees, including as chair of the Finance and Investment Committee.

He has been an AOPA member since 1987, well before he earned his private pilot certificate in 1996. He later went on to earn instrument, seaplane, and multiengine ratings. Later he earned a commercial pilot certificate and type ratings in the Cessna Citation 500 and 525 models. He has more than 2,500 flight hours and over the years has owned a variety of airplanes including a Cessna 172, a Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, and several different Cessna Citations.

“Jim’s extensive and varied aviation experience combined with his vast business background make him a great candidate for the chairmanship,” Baker said. “AOPA members will benefit for years to come from his leadership.”

Hauslein is president of Hauslein & Company, Inc., a private investment firm. Among his many business credentials is more than a decade as chairman and CEO of Sunglass Hut International. His leadership there dramatically grew the company into the global, category dominant leading omni-channel retailer of non-prescription sunglasses and lifestyle watches before it was acquired by Luxottica Corporation. More recently Hauslein served as chairman and CEO of Big Time Products, the nation’s leader in work-site accessories. He has appeared on business news programs on CNBC, CNN, and Fox News. In addition to running his own private investment firm he continues to serve on the boards of several for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be given the opportunity to lead this influential organization as board chairman. I will work closely with the AOPA team, industry leaders, and individual members to continue to expand the successful legacy of this historic institution,” Hauslein said.