Who is Darren Pleasance?
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has appointed Darren Pleasance as its new president and CEO, effective January 1, 2025. Pleasance, author, keynote speaker, and business luminary is an accomplished pilot with over 8,000 hours total time in over 50 aircraft types, sharing history in both aviation and business leadership to the post. His nomination follows the retirement of Mark Baker, AOPA’s president for 11 years and a key advocate for general aviation. Pleasance’s aviation experience includes flying for business clients, doing remote charters, and maintaining his certification as a flight instructor. He flies a wide range of aircraft, including a Piper Meridian and a SeaRey floatplane. In addition to his aviation qualifications, Pleasance has held executive positions at Cisco, Google, and McKinsey & Company.
Responses related to the appointment
When asked about his new position, Pleasance responded: “I’m honored with the opportunity I’m being given to help steward AOPA forward into the future, and I’m inspired by the role AOPA will continue to play in protecting our freedom to fly.” Bill Trimble, who also serves as AOPA’s chairman said: “After completing an extensive national search, we met with many terrific candidates, but all agreed that Darren brings a wealth of experience coupled with a joy of flying that will be critical for leading AOPA’s mission going forward.” Outgoing president Mark Baker commended his successor, stating that Pleasance’s skills are crucial for managing AOPA’s difficulties and opportunities: “He combines (his) excitement about aviation with leadership experience at some of this country’s top consulting and technology firms.”

AOPA’s future regarding collaborations
Baker’s tenure with AOPA included important collaborations with groups such as NBAA and efforts such as the FAA’s Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) program. “For more than 10 years in the left seat at AOPA and throughout his entire career, Mark has been a steadfast advocate for the entire GA community and a true friend to business aviation,” Ed Bolen, the president and CEO of NBAA, said. “We’re profoundly grateful for his leadership, his friendship, and the incredibly positive impact he’s had on aviation.” “Naming Darren as the next AOPA president is clearly consistent with the kind of committed, powerful leadership for which AOPA is known and we look forward to working with him closely in the years ahead” stated Bolen.