The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has announced its warm welcome for Darren Pleasance as the new president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), effective January 1, 2025. Pleasance will succeed Mark Baker, who is retiring after a decade of service to the aviation community.
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen praised the appointment, emphasizing the long-standing collaboration between NBAA and AOPA. “Over the course of decades, NBAA and AOPA have developed an extremely strong working relationship based on promoting the freedom to fly,” Bolen said. “Naming Darren as the next AOPA president is clearly consistent with the kind of committed, powerful leadership for which AOPA is known.”
Pleasance, who has logged over 8,000 flight hours in more than 50 types of aircraft, comes with a wealth of business experience. He previously led Cisco’s Acceleration Center and global customer acquisitions at Google, as well as working at consulting firm McKinsey & Co. NBAA and AOPA have collaborated on key industry issues under Baker’s leadership, including promoting pilot rights, strengthening the general aviation workforce, and fighting against the privatization of air traffic control (ATC). Both organizations have also championed the removal of lead from aviation fuel through the FAA’s EAGLE initiative.
Bolen expressed deep gratitude for Baker’s service, stating, “For more than 10 years in the left seat at AOPA, Mark has been a steadfast advocate for the entire GA community and a true friend to business aviation.”
Founded in 1947, NBAA represents more than 10,000 company and professional members, providing services that support the business aviation community.
IMAGE CAPTION: NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen noted Pleasance’s business and aviation experience, while also thanking departing AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker for his service. SOURCE: NBAA
