The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has named Darren Pleasance as its new president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Pleasance, an experienced pilot with more than 8,000 hours TT in more than 50 aircraft types, brings a background in both aviation and business leadership to the role. His appointment follows the retirement of Mark Baker, who served as AOPA’s president for more than 11 years and played an important role in advocating for general aviation.
Pleasance’s aviation experience includes flying for corporate clients, conducting charters in remote areas, and maintaining his status as a certified flight instructor. He operates several aircraft, including a Piper Meridian and a SeaRey floatplane. In addition to his aviation credentials, Pleasance’s career has spanned leadership roles at companies such as Cisco, Google, and McKinsey & Co.
Commenting on his new role, Pleasance said, “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, chairman of AOPA’s board of trustees, 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 praised his successor, noting Pleasance’s expertise as critical for navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead for AOPA: “He combines [his] excitement about aviation with leadership experience at some of this country’s top consulting and tech firms.”
Baker’s tenure at AOPA saw key partnerships with organizations such as NBAA and initiatives like 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,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “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,” Bolen added.