Chad...you da man!

Brantel · Post by **Brantel** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 7:03 pm

Congrats Chad.

I just got my letter from your new boss.

You da man!

hydroguy2 · Post by **hydroguy2** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:05 pm

Yep, way to go Chad.

I never got a message in my mail, but saw Chad post on VAF. Did you get a email from EAA?

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:24 pm

Thanks guys! Gonna be challenging, but I'm up for it!

It was an email that went to Chapter officers I believe.

This is the letter...

Letter from Rod and Paul...

Dear EAA Chapters Leaders and Members:

As EAA chapters are among the most essential and valued parts of our organization, Paul and I are sending you this letter to update you on the facts regarding some of the changes within EAA announced last week and the background behind those changes.

During the past year, I have traveled extensively to our chapters and aviation events across this country, meeting thousands of members and learning their views and concerns regarding todayâ€™s aviation issues. We held 31 Grassroots Pilot Tour sessions that allowed up-close and personal dialogue with members and non-members alike, to better understand how EAA can best promote aviation and meet their needs.

Itâ€™s with this knowledge that we are strengthening our organization by adding key leadership positions, flattening the management structure, and concentrating resources in EAA chapters, youth education and homebuilding, while improving our capabilities in member services.

EAAâ€™s mission remains the same: to grow participation in aviation, by inspiring people to fly, build, volunteer and outreach to promote aviation. That hasn't changed since our founding and wonâ€™t change in the future.

What will change is how EAA operates its business. We will be more concentrated in areas that support our mission, just as described. We will respect our generous supporters by managing our costs, with the goal of spending 100% of donor dollars directly on the programs that we are all passionate about as we inspire the next generation of aviators, builders, and aviation professionals.

We will continue to support our members with knowledge and services that keep them flying, building and restoring so they can realize their dreams of flight.

In addition, EAA is welcoming Jeff Skiles to head our chapters and industry-leading youth education programs. Jeff is a passionate aviator who brings a wealth of experience and represents the very essence of what is possible and achievable in aviation. As co-chair with Sully Sullenberger of Young Eagles â€“ the worldâ€™s most successful aviation youth outreach program â€“ Jeff has been inspirational to thousands of young people who dream of flying.

Chad Jensen, Manager of Homebuilder Communities, has been promoted to EAAâ€™s senior leadership team and will report directly to me. You may be interested to know that Chadâ€™s position had reported three levels of management below EAAâ€™s president for many years. We have elevated Chadâ€™s role to a strategic level to ensure our continued leadership in amateur-built aircraft and to lead our future initiatives in homebuilding, including the expansion of our homebuilding area at AirVenture Oshkosh. Chad will also represent our special interest communities, including Homebuilt Aircraft Council, Ultralight Council, IAC, Warbirds, and Vintage by providing them a seat at the senior leadership table for the first time in decades.

Weâ€™ve said goodbye to some employees as well. EAA has treated its employees with the greatest respect, and we have provided them with generous severance packages and assistance to help them transition to their next steps. We have also invited them to remain part of our extended EAA family and join us at AirVenture for The Worldâ€™s Greatest Aviation Celebration.

Leading the worldâ€™s most dynamic aviation organization comes with unique challenges and wonderful opportunities that sometimes require making difficult decisions. We hope that what we shared with you today is helpful to better understanding EAA direction and plans for our continued success.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Weâ€™d be happy to talk with you personally at the numbers listed below. Thanks again for being a part of EAA.

Best regards,
â€‹

Rod Hightower
EAA President/CEO
Oshkosh, Wis.â€‹
(920) 573-5141 (mobile)

â€‹Paul Poberezny
EAA Founder
Oshkosh, Wis.
(920) 426-4814 (office)

Thermos · Post by **Thermos** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 5:40 am

Big congratulations, Chad...hopefully that means more money!

DaveS

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 7:50 am

Congrats Chad, sounds like your going to be a busy man now.
Hope you can still find some time to build.

jimpappas · Post by **jimpappas** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:23 am

Great news Chad!

I know you'll get r done!

Post by **Spike** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:55 am

Now that is cool!! I'm really proud to have you as a friend Chad!

John

jimpappas · Post by **jimpappas** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 2:33 pm

Hey Spike I still got pictures!!

Our little buddy's all growd up and kickin butt for the rest of us.

You said it well, it's an honor to say we know him and his lovely bride too!

Bob Barrett · Post by **Bob Barrett** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 4:01 pm

Chad, congratulations on the promotion! I will follow up later on my suggestion for home builders. I like the sound of Hightower's letter and it is great new to hear of Jeff Skiles new position. Again keep up the good work

Just so we don't all have to start drinking fruity beer

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 8:41 pm

Thanks all! It all started for me here too!

I just met Jeff today, really nice guy, and I'm really looking forward to working with him.

smithhb · Post by **smithhb** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 11:54 pm

Finally! EAA gets the message. Sorry to be putting all the pressure on you Chad, but, as Brantel said…. You da Man!

From: RB Lists - The Hangar [mailto:support@rivetbangers.com]
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2012 7:03 PM
To: hangar@rivetbangers.com
Subject: Chad...you da man!

Congrats Chad.

I just got my letter from your new boss.

You da man!

Brantel, RV-7/TU, #72823, N159SB
O-360 carbed, FP Metal Prop, Mag/P-Mag
Dual Screen Dynon, Dynon Dual Axis AP

rivetbangers.com - Discussion topic http://www.rivetbangers.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=38875#38875

Submitted via email

smithhb · Post by **smithhb** » Wed Jan 18, 2012 5:43 am

Finally! EAA gets the message. Sorry to be putting all the pressure on you Chad, but, as Brantel said.. You da Man!

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Jan 18, 2012 9:10 am

smithhb wrote:Finally! EAA gets the message. Sorry to be putting all the pressure on you Chad, but, as Brantel said.. You da Man!

I don't really see it as pressure...I just keep moving forward as a homebuilder, and it'll work out.

Thanks!

Vlad · Post by **Vlad** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:58 pm

From field tactician to Headquarters Strategist - quite a climb! Congratulations Chad with new responsibilities. They should send you to West Point or other well known academy for a crash course in Strategy

hydroguy2 · Post by **hydroguy2** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 5:58 pm

I think the word is: strategery

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptAoJedxFzU

Joe Parish · Post by **Joe Parish** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:26 pm

Congrats Chad! Movin up fast. Well deserved I'm sure.

Post by **Spike** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 6:38 am

Vlad wrote:From field tactician to Headquarters Strategist - quite a climb! Congratulations Chad with new responsibilities. They should send you to West Point or other well known academy for a crash course in Strategy

Something tells me that like Clinton, the brains behind this operation is the wife

John

Bob Barrett · Post by **Bob Barrett** » Fri Jan 20, 2012 6:19 pm

Spike, I think you hit the nail on the head

I know it isn't the fruity beer

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:18 am

May be a combination of both!

RivetBangers.com

Chad...you da man!

Chad...you da man!

Congrats!

Chad!

Chad...you da man!