EAA cuts

[Kyle Boatright]

Sure thing Kyle, adding four people to the leadership team is too much, Rod selected me to be the channel to the table for the divisions, along with my area of homebuilding. I think the answer to your question about what the driver was is addressed by Rod in the communications release above.

Thanks Chad.

It worries me that the core divisions of the EAA only have one seat at the leadership table, whereas the bureaucracy has the rest.

Rod's communication says "to better fulfill its <The EAA's> mission to grow participation in aviation." Honestly, that statement sounds good in a press release, but what does it really mean? How does the EAA define participaton? Also, is that really the EAA's mission? Is there a published mission statement? I've tried several searches using Google and the search function on the EAA website, and haven't gotten a whiff of one.

[Chad Jensen]

The executive directors of the divisions have never reported directly to EAA, they each have their own boards and are a part of EAA through an agreement. Each seat at the leadership table needs to be there for their specific area within the organization. I represent the communities together.

[Chad Jensen]

Oh, the official mission statement at EAA is "To Grow Participation in Aviation".

[hydroguy2]

keep up the good work Chad.........you're all we got

[RV8505]

It is unfortunate for those involved and I hope they quikly find new employment. However, I belive that it will actually streamline things and allow better communicaton within the organazation. I take it as a positive move on the behalf of EAA to effeciently utilize our assets to help preserve the organization that we all love.

[dewi8095]

The news release doesn't indicate where the personnel cuts came from or what percentage of total personnel the loss represents. The cuts must have come from administrative, maintenance and service areas.

It looks like a case of worker bees being fired to hire three new VPs. Surely a difficult day for those who were let go.

Don

[Chad Jensen]

I don't think we can release the names of those that left for their own privacy, but I'm sure they will be known with some time. I can assure you your "case" is not the case.

[Dan Grunloh]

The news release doesn't indicate where the personnel cuts came from or what percentage of total personnel the loss represents. The cuts must have come from administrative, maintenance and service areas.

It looks like a case of worker bees being fired to hire three new VPs. Surely a difficult day for those who were let go.

Don

News reports indicate the entire e-publication staff has been cut except for one news writer.

[danielfindling]

Change is never easy. I am both sad (for those no longer a part of EAA and who contributed to its greatness) and excited to see if EAA becomes a better organization. As with any entity, the buck falls on management. EAA has a new leader in Rod Hightower, who has recently made bold choices to which he either deserves credit or responsibility. We will see where the journey takes us. I look forward to a stronger and healthier EAA.

Daniel Findling

[Dave Stadt]

Change is good. As one that has been on both sides of the desk I can tell you those affected will survive and usually end up in an equal to or better position. There was no doubt Rod was going to make changes. That is why new management is brought into an organization. I do think Adam will be missed.

"To grow participation in aviation" is certainly evident as a goal to anyone that has attended AirVenture or has been exposed to the numerous EAA programs. Growing aviation must be a top priority and what difference does it make if that growth comes through a homebuilt, warbird, vintage, antique, ultralight, aerobatic, helicopter or factory new aircraft.

Below is from the EAA web site and describes in a nutshell where EAA came from and what it is now:

"EAA was founded in 1953 by a group of individuals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who were interested in building their own airplanes. Through the decades, the organization expanded its mission to include antiques, classics, warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, ultralights, helicopters, and contemporary manufactured aircraft."