Rod Hightower and EAA

[BRP]

Back in January of 2011 when Rod Hightower began his grass roots pilot tour, it all made sense. The purpose of the tour was to introduce himself to the membership, learn more about the inner workings of the organization and offer insights and other findings in his Tower Frequency column. Since then a pattern has emerged, and his commentaries are more about Rod Hightower then EAA or general aviation.

In his April 2012 Commentary about membership services for instance, Rod stands prominent over membership manager Vicky Norton. Why? And why is Hightower pictured sitting in a B17, covering almost a quarter of page 1 of the May issue commentary, when it is about unsafe hand-propping of an airplane? Then there is the June issue commentary, and it is all about Rod’s family, particularly his son’s soloing at age 16. I must admit that it is nice to know a little about his family, but his story was centered on it, not the experience of a first solo. And did you notice who stands out in the trio pictured in J. Mac Mcclellan’s column this month? Always bigger than life and usually on the left side is Rod, even though the column is about Bob Vuksanovic. Ok, so I’m being too critical, Rod is a big guy and would naturally stand out in any photograph. Obviously the problem is in the photography.

Rod owns a Stearman and a T-6? That seems to be the case according to Jeff Skiles June 2012 column. He also flies it in the dark without lighting on the instrument panel. As leader of a safety conscious organization such as the EAA, is this setting the right example? Is it wise? While practicing flying seat of the pants may be good practice if done with a safety pilot on board that is using flight instruments, it should not be condoned or considered safe.

With due respect to Rod who is I am sure is doing his very best for EAA, I am perhaps being too sensitive. I never had any issues with either Paul or Tom Poberezny, and perhaps I am acting like an old man that's resistant to change.

Bernie

[Floatsflyer]

Bernie, your insights and observations are revealing and could be a sign of something far more deeply disturbing. I have just one criticsm--don't be so apologetic even though some of it is dripping with sarcasm.

By way of comparative relevancy, I was a senior exec for a major television network for 10 years. My title and job description made me the highest profile and most visible person in the organization to the overall film and television industry. A few years into the job, I got a new CEO/President who did not come from the industry which made her virtually unknown to it. Long story short, the new CEO embarked on a well thought out treacherous strategy to greatly increase her profile by systematically reducing mine . Without getting into all the psychological factors that gave way to these events, I eventually left and within 4 years of her start date she was fired by the parent company.

[WLIU]

I will show my age by offering a more positive perspective.

When Tom Poberezny took over from his father Paul, the exact same thing happened and the exact same complaints appeared. It all turned out OK.

In order to be in charge, folks have to know who you are and why they should trust you. I see Mr Hightower in that phase now just like Tom P did that a number of years ago.

Patience grasshopper.

Wes
N78PS

[Burtles]

I don't believe Tom ever hired a full-time person to manage his self-image - see - http://www.eaa.org/careers/comm_specialist.asp
(http://www.eaa.org/careers/comm_specialist.asp)
This job posting created much recent discussion at our Chapter meeting of a "this is a disturbing" nature. Another thing we talked about is how many good staff members have quit EAA recently. Anybody with business experience will know this is a huge red flag.

[steveinindy]

I will show my age by offering a more positive perspective.

When Tom Poberezny took over from his father Paul, the exact same thing happened and the exact same complaints appeared. It all turned out OK.

In order to be in charge, folks have to know who you are and why they should trust you. I see Mr Hightower in that phase now just like Tom P did that a number of years ago.

Patience grasshopper.

Wes
N78PS

Thank you for pointing that out. I was thinking exactly that but wasn't sure since I was literally a kid just hanging around the local chapter when that happened. The same doom and gloom was put out about how he was going to destroy the EAA, etc, etc. Even as a eight or nine year old, I remember thinking people were overreacting.

[martymayes]

I don't recall a lot of gloom and doom predictions, or complaints. But we didn't have the internet then either.

[flyingriki]

It all turned out OK.

I don't think you have 100% concurrence with that opinion......
If he had spent half the time on growing the chapters and the interest in experimental aviation that was spent on "airventure" then things may have turned out OK.
Without Van and a couple other visionaries it may have almost died out altogether.
The museum is nice too.

[steveinindy]

I don't think you have 100% concurrence with that opinion......

When is there ever 100% consensus on anything?

[steveinindy]

I don't recall a lot of gloom and doom predictions, or complaints. But we didn't have the internet then either.

Suffice to say around the local chapter there was enough of a concern about his ability to lead that a discussion of it was the first time I ever heard of cyanide capsules. Someone made a crack about "OK, so if it's that bad of a thing, when are you going to start passing out the cyanide capsules and whose dog are we going to test them on?". I remember it distinctly because I didn't get the reference at the time and had to ask my grandfather to explain it to me.

[Jeff Point]

I don't think you have 100% concurrence with that opinion......

+1. You said it before I could.

[flyingriki]

There is a pretty interesting conversation going on in the RV forum (the big, commercial one) about getting some folks on the board that actually believe in the original EAA instead of this new thing, whatever it is that wants to be all things to all people. Might be a chance to get some focus back to the roots and away from the AOPA wannabe circus.

[steveinindy]

Might be a chance to get some focus back to the roots and away from the AOPA wannabe circus.

It'll be interesting to see if anything comes of it.

[Kyle Boatright]

I don't believe Tom ever hired a full-time person to manage his self-image - see - http://www.eaa.org/careers/comm_specialist.asp
(http://www.eaa.org/careers/comm_specialist.asp)
This job posting created much recent discussion at our Chapter meeting of a "this is a disturbing" nature. Another thing we talked about is how many good staff members have quit EAA recently. Anybody with business experience will know this is a huge red flag.

Yikes. I work for an organization with 25,000 employees. We don't have anything like that position. Heck, Warren Buffett doesn't have anyone in that role...

[Jim Clark]

Look at the job description:
This position provides direct support to the CEO as that position's personal "press secretary," communications liaison and brand advocate. This position is to provide strategy and implementation for the CEO's internal and external communications. This position will also be expected to travel with the CEO and assist in event management and coordination pertaining to the CEO's event-specific role.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Develop the CEO's personal brand and align with the organization's brand.
Create internal and external public relations/communication strategies that help channel and deliver the CEO's personal/corporate brand.
Build strong media relationships to secure CEO press opportunities.
Write the CEO's personal/corporate messaging using channels such as press releases, social media posts, video scripts, speeches, etc.
Work in collaboration with EAA's marketing department and its Senior Communications Advisor as a liaison between marketing/communication efforts and the CEO's communication initiatives.
Assist in coordinating all CEO's appearances, including press conferences, Grassroots Pilot Tour, gala dinners, program launches, Chapter visits, etc.
Seek opportunities to elevate brand awareness for the organization via the CEO's communications.
Pitch brand and programs to media to attain editorial/speaking opportunities for the CEO.
So in layman's terms - this guy would be Jeff Dunham, and the CEO would be.....Walter?

[steveinindy]

Personally, I prefer Achmed.

[BRP]

The same doom and gloom was put out about how he was going to destroy the EAA, etc, etc. Even as a eight or nine year old, I remember thinking people were overreacting.

The situation was a bit different in that Paul would never had let Tom destroy what he had worked so hard to create. Rod isn't invested that way.


There is a pretty interesting conversation going on in the RV forum (the big, commercial one) about getting some folks on the board that actually believe in the original EAA instead of this new thing, whatever it is that wants to be all things to all people. Might be a chance to get some focus back to the roots and away from the AOPA wannabe circus.

Obviously EAA can't be everything to everyone, and changes take time to assimilate. AirVenture is nice but has become much like a big business convention rather than a community gathering. I expected to be blasted heavily for starting this thread, and it is interesting that at least some members feel that there are legitimate concerns about the change in management, and the direction in which we are heading. Part of the difficulty, perhaps, is that we are becoming way too big and are split between today's EAA and the old grass roots EAA Paul started years ago. The bigger EAA grows, the more bureaucratic it will be, the more staff like press secretary, etc., it will need. My hope is that we can manage ourselves carefully and appropriately, establish a balance with more emphasis on grass roots and maintain what we already have.

[Chad Jensen]

In his April 2012 Commentary about membership services for instance, Rod stands prominent over membership manager Vicky Norton. Why?
Bernie, I know there are conspiracy theorists out there, but I really think that your analysis of pictures as they may or may not relate to the story is a bit out there. Rod's column picture in the April issue (not with Vicky Norton, BTW) was taken with one of EAA's best MSR's, and the asking of 'Why' is almost troubling to me. Why not? It's a great picture representing the Membership Services department. That's it. Asking "what is behind this photo" prompts me to answer "page 2". :rollseyes:


And why is Hightower pictured sitting in a B17, covering almost a quarter of page 1 of the May issue commentary, when it is about unsafe hand-propping of an airplane?
Rod went for a ride in the B-17 with Paul and Audra (yes, Audra) at the controls. I think he feels that picture is special to him because of who was flying the airplane, and you'll see it as his column profile pic quite a bit, regardless of the subject.


Then there is the June issue commentary, and it is all about Rod’s family, particularly his son’s soloing at age 16. I must admit that it is nice to know a little about his family, but his story was centered on it, not the experience of a first solo.
Can't the guy be proud of his family and his son's accomplishment and write about it? Seriously...


And did you notice who stands out in the trio pictured in J. Mac Mcclellan’s column this month? Always bigger than life and usually on the left side is Rod, even though the column is about Bob Vuksanovic. Ok, so I’m being too critical, Rod is a big guy and would naturally stand out in any photograph. Obviously the problem is in the photography.
Too critical? Ya think? If I have to explain what's behind every picture in the magazine, I won't get anything done for the homebuilt community. ;) When I look at that picture, Paul stands out to me. He always does.


Rod owns a Stearman and a T-6? That seems to be the case according to Jeff Skiles June 2012 column.
And there's a problem with this because??? Look, we have a leader that LOVES to fly. He owns a couple of airplanes, and that's a BAD thing? When did Tom fly for fun as CEO? This is a GREAT thing guys! We had a flying club dinner last week, and you know who was GIVING rides in his T-6 until dark? Rod. He flies for fun!


He also flies it in the dark without lighting on the instrument panel. As leader of a safety conscious organization such as the EAA, is this setting the right example? Is it wise? While practicing flying seat of the pants may be good practice if done with a safety pilot on board that is using flight instruments, it should not be condoned or considered safe.
You need to re-read that column Bernie. There are no lights in the REAR cockpit...where Jeff was sitting. It was about Jeff flying at night with no cockpit lighting while Rod sat up front...yep, with lights...the safety pilot you speak of.

I know there is still a lot of animosity out there toward EAA and the leadership here, but as a flying organization, we need to fly. And as a CEO, Rod needs to be seen. He is the face of the organization...and he's a passionate aviator.

[CarlOrton]

Thanks, Chad; it's good to see you hopefully clarifying things.

I remember a few years ago, there was great consternation within the organization because no one wanted the Poberezny's to leave the picture. Well, gee folks, unfortunately we all suffer the same eventual fate, so we had to find *somebody* to take over the reins (sp?) before it became an emergency.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rod at the Chapter Leader's breakfast the day after his selection. I kind of embarrassed myself (which I do frequently) by saying to him, "When I heard you were selected, I said, 'Oh, crap...'" ...which REALLY threw him for a loop. I then clarified:

With all the hand-wringing in the organization over picking a successor, I thought that the board & the Poberezny's would pick just about anyone who could fog a mirror, just to let Tom retire. However, upon hearing the intro to Rod's background, and hearing him talk about his PASSION for aviation, I was convinced they found about as good a guy as they could have found.

Yeah, he comes from a different background, but so what? We all do. Rod does things a bit differently, but he's adapting as well. It's good to see that he still prefers the Stearman, and hasn't succumbed to travelling exclusively by bizjet.

There's no one out there that can match the expectations of 100% of the membership. As in life, everything's a compromise. If we can't find anything legitimately BAD about Rod, (other than interpreting positioning in a photo), then let him work his stuff. I'm thrilled that he's continued to maintain the same aviation values he showed us on his first day on the job. Give the guy a break.

[BRP]

Chad Jensen said: "Bernie, I know there are conspiracy theorists out there, but I really think that your analysis of pictures as they may or may not relate to the story is a bit out there."

Sorry Chad but I am clueless about any conspiracy theorists. All that I am pointing out is that the magazine featured Rod over the individuals about which a piece relates to or is written about.

Chad Jensen said regarding owning a T-6: "And there's a problem with this because??? Look, we have a leader that LOVES to fly. He owns a couple of airplanes, and that's a BAD thing? When did Tom fly for fun as CEO? This is a GREAT thing guys! We had a flying club dinner last week, and you know who was GIVING rides in his T-6 until dark? Rod. He flies for fun!"

No there is no problem with owning a T-6 and it's nice that Rod can afford it. It does make me think that in times when many are facing job loss, foreclosure and other financial problems that EAA should focus less on flying club dinners and rides in T-6s and more on ways for the little guy to get up in the air. Lets face it, aviation is a rich man's sport that by necessity excludes way too many of us.


Chad Jensen said: " You need to re-read that column Bernie. There are no lights in the REAR cockpit...where Jeff was sitting. It was about Jeff flying at night with no cockpit lighting while Rod sat up front...yep, with lights...the safety pilot you speak of.
I know there is still a lot of animosity out there toward EAA and the leadership here, but as a flying organization, we need to fly. And as a CEO, Rod needs to be seen. He is the face of the organization...and he's a passionate aviator."

Ok, perhaps I do need to re-read that column. It is good to hear that someone was acting as a safety pilot, but Chad, you too ought to re-read this entire thread and listen rather than re-act.

So why is there animosity toward EAA leadership? We can argue all day to no avail unless we make a conscious effort to open our minds and listen constructively to one another's view points. I have nothing against Rod and as I said before, I expected to be blasted for this post. It is instructive but disappointing to know that the criticism that came, with some amount of furry I might add, is from EAA staff rather than community members.

[Chad Jensen]

Sorry Chad but I am clueless about any conspiracy theorists. All that I am pointing out is that the magazine featured the Rod over the individuals about which a piece relates to or is written about.
Hehe...wasn't pointing to you as a conspiracy theorist...it was mentioned in jest is all. ;)


No there is no problem with owning a T-6 and it's nice that Rod can afford it. It does make me think that in times when many are facing job loss, foreclosure etc., EAA should focus less on flying club dinners and rides in T-6s and more on ways for the little guy to get up in the air. Lets face it, aviation is a rich man's sport that by necessity excludes way too many of us.
That's exactly what the EAA employee flying club is about...getting more people at EAA involved in flying...on the cheap. The employee flying club was established to make a model and consider it as a repeatable action on the chapter level to have a flying club. It's as cheap a flying as one can do, and we hope to make it a success so it can be utilized to get more people flying.

BTW...the flying club "dinner" was generic hot dogs and chips, a staple of any cost-conscious flying club (we have our own budget and operating account outside of EAA).


Ok, perhaps I do need to re-read that column. It is good to hear that someone was acting as a safety pilot, but Chad, you too ought to re-read this entire thread and listen rather than re-act.
I have read the entire thread...I'm just trying to clarify. Didn't mean to sound reactive, and listening to my community is the only way I'll be successful. I want to serve you all as best I can to ensure the EAB community continues to grow.


So why is there animosity toward EAA leadership? Perhaps EAA leadership is not listening. Anyway, we can argue all day to no avail unless we make a conscious effort to open our minds and listen constructively to one another's view points. As I said before, I expected to be blasted for this post. It is instructive but disappointing to know that the criticism that came, with some amount of furry I might add, is from EAA staff rather than community members.
Agreed 100%. Fury was not my intent...my apologies. :)

[martymayes]

The employee flying club was established to make a model and consider it as a repeatable action on the chapter level to have a flying club. It's as cheap a flying as one can do, and we hope to make it a success so it can be utilized to get more people flying.

So what is the timetable for this to reach the Chapter level?

[Chad Jensen]

So what is the timetable for this to reach the Chapter level?No timetable at this point. We just launched the club here four weeks ago and we need to get a good sense of an operating model, then work out the repeatable details. We are very hopeful though!

[BRP]

I have read the entire thread...I'm just trying to clarify. Didn't mean to sound reactive, and listening to my community is the only way I'll be successful. I want to serve you all as best I can to ensure the EAB community continues to grow...Fury was not my intent...my apologies. :)

No apologies necessary, it is all good dialog. We do appreciate the good work you all contribute even though we don't always agree. Variety is the spice of life.

Bernie

[Chad Jensen]

Absolutely Bernie!!

[Jalsup]

Look at the job description:
This position provides direct support to the CEO as that position's personal "press secretary," communications liaison and brand advocate. This position is to provide strategy and implementation for the CEO's internal and external communications. This position will also be expected to travel with the CEO and assist in event management and coordination pertaining to the CEO's event-specific role.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Develop the CEO's personal brand and align with the organization's brand.
Create internal and external public relations/communication strategies that help channel and deliver the CEO's personal/corporate brand.
Build strong media relationships to secure CEO press opportunities.
Write the CEO's personal/corporate messaging using channels such as press releases, social media posts, video scripts, speeches, etc.
Work in collaboration with EAA's marketing department and its Senior Communications Advisor as a liaison between marketing/communication efforts and the CEO's communication initiatives.
Assist in coordinating all CEO's appearances, including press conferences, Grassroots Pilot Tour, gala dinners, program launches, Chapter visits, etc.
Seek opportunities to elevate brand awareness for the organization via the CEO's communications.
Pitch brand and programs to media to attain editorial/speaking opportunities for the CEO.

So in layman's terms - this guy would be Jeff Dunham, and the CEO would be.....Walter?

I badly need one of these. I need to work on my personal brand, alignment with company brands I'm in charge of, and my personal messaging. And I need the person to get me coffee and sandwiches too. They used to call this "secretary" which evolved into "personal assistant" which has apparently evolved into "Communication Specialist". Oh...and donuts. Coffee, sandwiches and donuts.

[vaflier]

Chad, Part of the problem as I see it, is that most of us have not had any opportunity to meet and get to know Rod. Certainly with an organisation as large as EAA it is not possible for everyone to get to know him well, but there may be a way for the " masses " to have an opportunity to speak with him in a sense of the word. Perhaps he could host a live web chat for 1 or 2 hours per month, thereby giving all the members a chance to ask the questions that are most important to them. This would certainly help improve his image. It would definetly help him to be seen as more aproachable and help lessen the us against them attitude that I have sensed on so many of these threads. If he seen as being more available to the members at large it would be a great chance to really learn what is on the minds of the membership first hand. Your thoughts ?????.Randy Powell

[Kyle Boatright]

And as a CEO, Rod needs to be seen. He is the face of the organization...and he's a passionate aviator.

The issue, IMO, is that for a while Mac's face was front and center in a lot of SA articles. Now Rod seems to be front and center a lot.

Honest to gosh, Rod and Mac are not interesting to me. Find the 20-something couple building an RV-10 and publicize them. Find the guy who drug a Bonanza out of the weeds and built it back to a showplane. Follow up on a few kids from the EAA Air Academy. Heck, restart the CAFE foundation articles. Those are interesting. A magazine that spends much ink building Rod or Mac's brand is a lost opportunity.

[Chad Jensen]

Chad, Part of the problem as I see it, is that most of us have not had any opportunity to meet and get to know Rod. Certainly with an organisation as large as EAA it is not possible for everyone to get to know him well, but there may be a way for the " masses " to have an opportunity to speak with him in a sense of the word. Perhaps he could host a live web chat for 1 or 2 hours per month, thereby giving all the members a chance to ask the questions that are most important to them. This would certainly help improve his image. It would definetly help him to be seen as more aproachable and help lessen the us against them attitude that I have sensed on so many of these threads. If he seen as being more available to the members at large it would be a great chance to really learn what is on the minds of the membership first hand. Your thoughts ?????.Randy Powell This has been discussed Randy, and it was well received. It's a great idea and one I think I'll follow up on.

[Joe LaMantia]

Interesting discussion!

The world keeps turning and things change, people resist change especially as they get older. Managing change in large organizations is the most difficult problem a leader can face. Given the state of General Aviation and the smaller pilot population we have a new environment. EAA was established in the early 50's, when the original grassroots scratch built homebuilder was helping grow GA. Today that is a smaller portion of the environment. I read Sport Aviation and my focus is on Brady Lane and the feature articles on specific aircraft or projects. Like most members I would like to fly more and have a hanger full of aircraft, but the economics aren't strong enough to support my wishes. I Club fly because it's cheap, Mac writes to a different segment of GA but that is OK with me. I think Rod is handling the new environment as best he can, maybe he should rebuild and cub and fly to a few grass strips around Wis that would be well received by the "old school" members.

Joe:cool:

[Jim Heffelfinger]

I noted yesterday that this thread might get people “thinking”. I was not disappointed.
I had the pleasure of meeting Rod last year at Golden West. Despite all the publicity there were only 40-50 people in the audience - 4 from my chapter (52). Commentary enough on the level of energy left in our chapters.

Rod was approachable enthusiastic and a keen listener. He handled questions from the floor with ease and when emotionally challenged about some of the same issues as expressed here – “ the way it used to be” and lack of chapter development, he allowed a few of us on the floor to provide perspective. I got a thank you nod for my contribution. I am sure he has really good answers to those questions now.

I had the chance to meet Paul at Leadership Feb of 2011 – sadly both Tom and Rod were traveling out of town. Paul and Tom both have that quiet Midwest presentation style. Rod on the other hand is a much larger man in size and energy. He is outwardly passionate and “walks the talk”. EAA needs a charismatic leader for the next crucial 20 years. Exactly (IMHO) what aviation needs.

RE the open position for personal assistant – Many charismatic leaders need someone to keep them on track and focused. Their personal dynamics require a “handler” to keep things tidy and moving ahead in this fast paced world. Personally, I could really benefit from a PA. I would be able to get reports in on time and not forget appointments. I suspect Rod has the same disability as I.

Change for some is not welcome. It invites the need to flex and learn new things. It changes relationships. It causes worry and for some generates fear. My parents are in their 80s. They live with others in their 70s-80s–90s – they really like it - as change happens on their terms and in their way. It gives them great comfort. A luxury that businesses do not have in a dynamic world. EAA is a business – no longer a hand typed newsletter.

I for one like change – I may not do it well and it does require effort – but to stay stagnant drives my ADHD crazy.


If I might digress a bit. Take a look at your chapter. What is the average age? Twenty years ago what was the average age? - 20 years younger than today? We missed a whole generation in chapter recruitment. To attract the next immediate generation we need a different way of doing things - because today’s young eagles will have not have mentors when they need them. .

[steveinindy]

you know who was GIVING rides in his T-6 until dark? Rod. He flies for fun!"

Can I join your flying club? Please? LOL


Take a look at your chapter. What is the average age? Twenty years ago what was the average age? - 20 years younger than today?

The chapter I was "part of" 20 years ago has about the same median age (mid to late 40s). The chapter's gotten bigger but a lot of the same ol' guys are still around so the average age is kind of skewed a bit.

The chapter I'm sort of involved with now has about the same median age as the group I hung around with as a kid. I'm 31 and most of the guys are in their late thirties to fifties with a smattering of older folks (one of whom refers to that little subgroup as the "Ragtag Ragwing Rascals" because they are the "classic airplane part" of the group). I haven't seen any kids around that weren't with a member parent.


We missed a whole generation in chapter recruitment.

Technically, wouldn't that most directly be a problem at the chapter level and not necessarily directly the fault of the national organization?


Rod on the other hand is a much larger man in size and energy. He is outwardly passionate and “walks the talk”. EAA needs a charismatic leader for the next crucial 20 years. Exactly (IMHO) what aviation needs.

You want to know why the EAA will never be another AOPA? Because our leader has more passion and exuberance than anyone I know in the upper echelon of AOPA. Don't get me wrong, I like and respect the guys at AOPA but they are a lot "drier" than Rod. He comes across as an oversized aviation addicted kid who never grew out of it. Chad, you can tell him I said that too.

[MEdwards]

Chad, Part of the problem as I see it, is that most of us have not had any opportunity to meet and get to know Rod. Certainly with an organisation as large as EAA it is not possible for everyone to get to know him well, but there may be a way for the " masses " to have an opportunity to speak with him in a sense of the word. Perhaps he could host a live web chat for 1 or 2 hours per month, thereby giving all the members a chance to ask the questions that are most important to them. This would certainly help improve his image. It would definetly help him to be seen as more aproachable and help lessen the us against them attitude that I have sensed on so many of these threads. If he seen as being more available to the members at large it would be a great chance to really learn what is on the minds of the membership first hand. Your thoughts ?????.Randy PowellUnfortunately, after what we've learned this week, all during Rod's webcast I'd have visions of his "Communications Specialist" sitting at his right hand, feeding him cue cards.

Other posts on this thread indicate that would not be the case. Unfortunately the Big Business feel of the job posting, "branding" and all those Harvard Business School buzzwords, makes me wonder where the organization is going, and how far I want to go with it.

[steveinindy]

Unfortunately the Big Business feel of the job posting, "branding" and all those Harvard Business School buzzwords, makes me wonder where the organization is going, and how far I want to go with it.

Just out of curiosity, wow would you have worded it? I used to hire folks for an ambulance service. You either use those buzzwords or your posting doesn't show up in Internet job search engines. You should see how some of the descriptions for EMTs and paramedics make the job sound especially given that an EMT has, on average, under 150 hrs of job related training.

[Kyle Boatright]

Can someone post a link to the job listing that has been quoted in this thread? I can't find it on the EAA homepage. Was it an old listing, has it been pulled, or did I just miss it?

[Frank Giger]

I don't see what the whole big deal is about.

If I were to sit down at the counter of a Waffle House next to the head of the EAA I would think it absolutely stupid for a requirement that either of us recognize one another.

Ditto the head of the AOPA or any other nationwide alphabet organization.

So, let's review the options:

A) Advertise yourself for the membership to have them get to know you and you're whoring yourself for the masses or are a self-important martinet.

B) Simply handle business without a bunch of PR crap and you're an aloof out-of-touch elitist that isn't working with transparency.

This is why I never want to have any sort of political job - one can never win.

Plus we'll never hear the unvarnished truth that Job One is keeping the organization's coffers full and the membership numbers padded, as both equal political clout....you know, so they can influence Congressmen and Senators to protect us GA pilots in general and homebuilders in particular?

They really don't care if they piss me off with feature articles of fancy new business jets (and snub the fact that at Airventure last year there was a homebuilt Morane replica right next to it to show lineage; I guess Mac couldn't lower himself to even look at something with a price tag under a million dollars or without electronics that would shame the Space Shuttle).

You know what? I'll live. In fact, I'll laugh it off as they do the things that really matter to me like fend off user fees or the stupid NTSB recommendations for homebuilt certification.

[RV8505]

So Rod is looking for a Excutive Assistant! So what?!

[Jalsup]

So Rod is looking for a Excutive Assistant! So what?!

I think people are just poking fun at how the job is titled and written - with the "branding" buzzwords and such.

[Joe LaMantia]

Well said Frank!

I danced around that very point in my post, you nailed it in what I hear in actual hangers!

Joe
:cool:

[Burtles]

Can someone post a link to the job listing that has been quoted in this thread? I can't find it on the EAA homepage. Was it an old listing, has it been pulled, or did I just miss it?

It has been pulled within the last 24 hours perhaps as a result of the on-line and off-line chatter! Google still has it cached:

Title: Communications Specialist
Department: Marketing
Reports To: President/CEO
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Oshkosh, WI
SUMMARY
This position provides direct support to the CEO as that position's personal "press secretary," communications liaison and brand advocate. This position is to provide strategy and implementation for the CEO's internal and external communications. This position will also be expected to travel with the CEO and assist in event management and coordination pertaining to the CEO's event-specific role.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Develop the CEO's personal brand and align with the organization's brand.
Create internal and external public relations/communication strategies that help channel and deliver the CEO's personal/corporate brand.
Build strong media relationships to secure CEO press opportunities.
Write the CEO's personal/corporate messaging using channels such as press releases, social media posts, video scripts, speeches, etc.
Work in collaboration with EAA's marketing department and its Senior Communications Advisor as a liaison between marketing/communication efforts and the CEO's communication initiatives.
Assist in coordinating all CEO's appearances, including press conferences, Grassroots Pilot Tour, gala dinners, program launches, Chapter visits, etc.
Seek opportunities to elevate brand awareness for the organization via the CEO's communications.
Pitch brand and programs to media to attain editorial/speaking opportunities for the CEO.
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum three years experience in a communications role (preference on experience with employee/internal communications)
College diploma or university degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related experience in the field
Experience in developing and executing communication strategies and tactics
Excellent writing and editing skills that translates across several business units
Proven ability to develop effective relationships and gain credibility across all levels of the organization and diverse client groups
Ability to question and propose alternatives for communications that need to be developed and delivered
Familiarity with the features and benefits of different communications methods
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage a large number of tasks and responsibilities
Strong influencing skills as this position advises and partners with individuals at all levels in the organization
Active listening skills and the ability to identify areas of development, as well as create an action plan and deliver results
Ability to maintain information in confidence and exercise good judgment
Demonstrate ability to work in a dynamic, fast paced, changing environment
Ability to thrive under pressure and deliver communications within tight deadlines
Proven ability to operate independently with minimal direction

[Kyle Boatright]

It has been pulled within the last 24 hours perhaps as a result of the on-line and off-line chatter! Google still has it cached:


"No, really. We didn't post a job to push Rod's personal brand. Really. How would that look to the membership?"

"What do you mean they found out?"

;-)

[steveinindy]

"No, really. We didn't post a job to push Rod's personal brand. Really. How would that look to the membership?"

"What do you mean they found out?"

;-)


It has been pulled within the last 24 hours perhaps as a result of the on-line and off-line chatter!

And you know that's specifically why they pulled it how? ;) Maybe they just filled it or something.

[Chris In Marshfield]

The number of conspiracy theorists that frequent these forums is mind-boggling :cool:

[Kyle Boatright]

And you know that's specifically why they pulled it how? ;) Maybe they just filled it or something.

I'd appreciate if you'd correct the mis-attributed quote in your post.

[steveinindy]

Sorry. I will fix it ASAP when I have access to a computer again. It doesn't seem to work using my phone for some odd reason. Once again, my apologies.

[BBARTONB]

Agree;Sport Avation does seam to resemble some other magazine that starts with a "F".EAA is about homebuilding,restoring.Does seam like we have went astray.

[rosiejerryrosie]

Agree;Sport Avation does seam to resemble some other magazine that starts with a "F".EAA is about homebuilding,restoring.Does seam like we have went astray.
Didn't you mean "seem"?