EAAThursdayannounced that a reshaping of the organization will result in the termination of roughly 30 employees, but because other jobs will be added, the net reduction in workforce will be less dramatic. The change will “align our resources with our priorities,” EAA spokesman Dick Knapinski told AVweb. The net effect should be closer to 15 jobs lost. The changes were not, he said, a reaction to immediate financial concerns. In the words of EAA president Rod Hightower, “This will strengthen our organization in several key areas to more effectively meet the needs of our members, donors and aviators.”
As part of the changes, Jeff Skiles (co-pilot of the “Miracle on the Hudson” flight) has been named vice president, Chapters and Youth Education. He keeps his role as co-chairman of Young Eagles. Chad Jensen will serve as manager of EAA’s homebuilders community. Heidi Strand will lead EAA marketing while EAA seeks a long-term vice president of marketing. There will also be a vice president, AirVenture — to lead the annual trade and airshow — and that position has yet to be filled.
