AOPA CEO Darren Pleasance Steps Down | Aviation International News

Training and Workforce

AOPA CEO Darren Pleasance Steps Down

Baker and Pribyl to serve as acting co-presidents while search is ongoing

AOPA headquarters — AOPA is undergoing a leadership transition for the second time in as many years. © David Tulis/Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

By Kerry Lynch • Editor, AIN monthly magazine

February 4, 2026

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has named CFO Jill Baker and senior v-p of membership strategy and growth Katie Pribyl as acting co-presidents to run day-to-day operations while the association searches for a permanent successor to fill the role of president and CEO Darren Pleasance, who has stepped down. In an announcement today, AOPA said that Pleasance is moving into an advisory capacity supporting the association and its board of trustees.

“Over time, it’s become increasingly clear that the AOPA CEO role should be based full-time in Frederick, Maryland, at AOPA’s headquarters,” the association said in a statement. “The AOPA Board appreciates the substantial time Darren has spent traveling from his home in Bend, Oregon, to be present in Frederick and with members across the country. Recognizing this, now is the right time to transition leadership in a way that best supports the organization’s long-term needs.”

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The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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