Aircraft Owners Association names new president

{mosads}The chairman of the AOPA’s board of directors said Baker would a wealth of experience to the aircraft owners’ association.

“An aircraft owner and an AOPA member since 1987, Mark has logged more than 7,500 hours of flight time,” AOPA Board Chairman Bill Tribble said in a letter to members of the association.

“[Baker] enjoys flying everything from light seaplanes to turbines to helicopters, but his favorite airplane continues to be his Piper Super Cub,” Tribble continued. “His love of flying is infectious: Not only did Mark encourage his father to learn to fly, but two of his sons-in-law have earned their pilot’s certificates and his own son will become a pilot soon as well. He has also enjoyed flying Young Eagles and donating time and resources to the Experimental Aircraft Association.”

Tribble said in addition to being a pilot, Baker is a former CEO of a hardware corporation and he has also worked at Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Gander Mountain Company and Home Depot.

“Mark’s retail experience is an important asset,” Tribble wrote. “He looks forward to gathering feedback from our members and then focusing resources on the areas that most benefit GA [general aviation] pilots and increase the value of membership. 

“Mark also believes this approach can be useful in increasing participation by AOPA’s members in the association and driving GA flight activity,” Tribble continued. “His experience in reaching customers will give new energy to AOPA’s goal of expanding the pilot population and encouraging activity and involvement by today’s pilots.”