Director

A couple of weeks ago, fellow RAF director Joe Brown and I were discussing the idea of tipping the line person for fueling our aircraft, or the person who offers some other form of assistance. I felt good to be able to tell Joe that, yes, I do hand a few bucks to the person…

When RAF Administrative Director Tricia McKenna met Matt Jewett and his display of locally made Mtn Straps products at the Bozeman farmers market, she loved the looks of their dog collars, dog leashes, and ski pole straps. Knowing that many RAF folks have dogs, she asked Matt to create RAF-branded collars and leashes t

The RAF honored Daher Aircraft CEO Nicolas Chabbert with its “Golden Pulaski” award July 21, 2025 during AirVenture’s opening day. Chabbert was recognized for his outstanding contributions toward the RAF’s mission to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. RAF President Bill McGlynn and Directors Steve Taylor and Matt Foster handed the smiling Chabbert…

A group of 27 volunteers organized by RAF Director Jeff Russell gathered at Gillette’s Lakewood Lodge, 14WS near the hamlet of Stone Lake, Wisconsin to prepare the airfield and property for summer flying and recreating. Russell reports that this annual spring work party was a great success in spite of challenging weather. “Regular Lakewood volunteers,…

RAF Director Jeff Russell was honored with AOPA’s 2025 Laurence P. Sharples Award at their annual Hoover awards reception on March 19 in the historic Terminal A Lobby at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. AOPA Chairman Darren Pleasance introduced Russell, saying, “This is AOPA’s most important award, named after AOPA’s first chairman, and recognizes someone…

The RAF Board naturally evolves, and at this time, we are celebrating the extraordinary contributions to the vision, leadership, and success of the RAF provided by retiring Directors Pete Bunce and Todd Simmons. “The impact that Todd and Pete have had with the RAF has been tremendous, and they’ll remain valued friends

RAF Arkansas Liaison Dave Powell received a Holiday card from The Nature Conservancy’s Arkansas Director Roger Manghan. The entire Arkansas staff had signed it, and Roger had penned the following message that we want to share with you: “RAF is such an important org and we are so very lucky for both your partnership & f

Director Matt Foster grew up immersed in aviation. At a young age, Matt’s dad introduced him to flying and camping in the Idaho backcountry. He was a successful business owner who was able to use General Aviation aircraft for business as well as pleasure. Raised on an airpark, Matt soloed on his sixteenth birthday, got

The RAF is pleased to announce that Joe Brown of Cornwall, Vermont has agreed to step into the role of Director. RAF President Bill McGlynn said, “Joe is a great addition to our board. He has decades of experience running businesses but understands and values the nature of the RAF.”  Brown spent 33 years in the aviation industry and in a family business with his father and brother. Until 2023, he and his brother owned Hartzell Propeller, Hartzell Engine Technologies and Hartzell Aerospace Welding. His professional life, social life and family life are deeply connected to aviation, “and the friendships that unfold in our magical flying community,” Joe says. He flies a Glasair Sportsman and a Cessna 185 off his grass strip in Cornwall, and explores the backcountry of the Northeast. He says that of late, some of his best moments are flying with his kids who are adding to their aviation ratings or are in early stages of training. Brown is a past chairman of General Aviation Manufacturers Association, (GAMA) and remains active in the aviation community as a pilot and member of several associations. He and his wife Kristen are co-founders of The Yellow House Community, a residential program for adults with special needs based in Vermont. “We are very lucky to have someone with Joe’s insight and instincts join our board and help us set course for the future,” RAF Chairman John McKenna said. Submitted on October 29, 2024.