NBAA Welcomes Announcement of New AOPA President

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said, "We are pleased to welcome a longtime AOPA member, businessman, and pilot to this important leadership position in the general aviation community. AOPA is a vital association and a great champion for general aviation."

Bolen added that "NBAA has long had an extremely close and effective relationship with AOPA, one that has involved successful advocacy on behalf of important general aviation issues, and we look forward to continuing to build on this relationship."

"We congratulate the Board of Trustees on their selection, and welcome Mark to his new leadership role," Bolen said. "He has served as an executive with several NBAA Member companies, and we look forward to partnering with him on issues that affect general aviation."

According to the AOPA announcement, Baker is an aircraft owner and pilot with more than 7,500 hours of flight time, and a successful businessman who has served as president and CEO of Orchard Supply Hardware Corporation, president and COO of Scotts Miracle-Go Company, president and CEO of Gander Mountain Company, and COO of The Home Depot.

Baker will be the fifth president of AOPA.