Changing of the Guard

[Hoss Cain]

April 15, 2011
Contact:
Chris Brooks, APR
765-287-1256, ext. 276
chrisb@modelaircraft.org

Academy of Model Aeronautics selects new executive director
 

M U N C I E - The Academy of Model Aeronautics has appointed past AMA President Dave Mathewson as its new executive director, effective immediately. Mathewson was the AMA's prior president and leader of its governing Executive Council.

Succeeding Mathewson as AMA president, per the bylaws, is former Executive Vice President Mark Smith. Smith will remain president until a special election for AMA president on the regular ballot for AMA officers in September. The Interim Executive Director Joyce Hager, will resume her duties as staff director and assistant executive director.

"Dave has been an exemplary leader for the AMA," said Smith. "The Executive Council is behind him 120 percent. For more than three years, Dave has been an outstanding president and we're very confident he will bring this level of success to his new role."

Mathewson will move from his home near Syracuse NY to Muncie IN on or around

June 1.

 
 

[john e. holliday]

Yep, got an E-Mail from AMA about this.   Have met Dave and agree he will be a good replacment.   Don't ask me about the other one.

[peabody]

Dave is a terrific guy!
He'll even admit to having flown control line!

[Hoss Cain]

Dave is a terrific guy!
He'll even admit to having flown control line!

Absolutely, however, IMO, he serves AMA much better as President than an administrator over headquarters.

Now for you that do not pay attention to AMA, this is the first time in my memory (Leader for 47 years) that the AMA Presidency and the Executive Vice President (Treasurer prior to the early '80s) are being elected in the same year.  The membership has a GREAT OPPORTUNITY to change the overall composition of the AMA Executive Council and get some new direction there.

Mark Smith will be the sitting President in this election. I strongly suggest you review his history as the EVP as well as his DVP years.

For anyone qualified to run in these elections, may I request you get on the list quickly for the ballot. Pres. and EVP requires a previous time as an elected or appointed official.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/aboutama/Organization/nominations.aspx

As a qualified person (2 terms as DVP district VI '79-'82) I am available for the DVP, but not Pres.