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 his private at age 17, and started flying a Skywagon at the same time.
Now living at the Poplar Grove, Illinois airport (C77) just 46 nm northwest of O’Hare, Matt has spent most of his life living with an airplane in his backyard.
Matt retired from the technology industry in 2022 where he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Duck Creek Technologies, and previously was a Partner at Accenture. Today, Matt is a part-time advisor to private equity companies, and board member of an international technology company. Matt spends the rest of his time working on and flying antique-classic airplanes, and creating new adventures in his Skywagon.
Matt and his wife Sarah met at Purdue University while in college. Together they have raised two boys who are third generation pilots, and each have plans to pursue aerospace-related careers.
“Having known Matt for many years, I look forward to the business leadership and aviation experience he brings to The RAF Board,” said RAF Treasurer Mike Perkins. “We are fortunate to have him.”
630-362-9775
mfoster@theraf.org
MATT FOSTER
Director
A series of airplanes have served the McKenna family pleasure trips as well as John’s New York Life Insurance practice that has spanned 37 years. John’s wife Trish also flies and enjoys her Cub. They have three children who consider the airplane the family station wagon-it’s just “how you get there.”
The McKenna’s have enjoyed living in Bozeman since 1972, where a person can own their own airstrip in Big Sky Country and truly live the aviation dream. John and Trish characterize the backcountry pilot-they will pass on the fancy lunch, pressed slacks and shined shoes at the country club for the backcountry with tent, sleeping bags, well-worn hiking boots and a few groceries… and the dog.
John’s family also characterizes the spirit of volunteerism. In addition to serving long hours for no monetary reward as chairman of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, John and his family are passionate supporters of Special Olympics. His involvement with that organization provided relevant background for the formation of the RAF. It was this match of this passion for aviation-and his inability to wait for someone else to do it-that provided the momentum to form the RAF.
With a full tank of energy John looks forward to seeing where this flight will take him.
“It is the best journey I’ve experienced so far,” John says.
A series of airplanes have served the McKenna family pleasure trips as well as John’s New York Life Insurance practice that has spanned 37 years. John’s wife Trish also flies and enjoys her Cub. They have three children who consider the airplane the family station wagon-it’s just “how you get there.”
The McKenna’s have enjoyed living in Bozeman since 1972, where a person can own their own airstrip in Big Sky Country and truly live the aviation dream. John and Trish characterize the backcountry pilot-they will pass on the fancy lunch, pressed slacks and shined shoes at the country club for the backcountry with tent, sleeping bags, well-worn hiking boots and a few groceries… and the dog.
John’s family also characterizes the spirit of volunteerism. In addition to serving long hours for no monetary reward as chairman of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, John and his family are passionate supporters of Special Olympics. His involvement with that organization provided relevant background for the formation of the RAF. It was this match of this passion for aviation-and his inability to wait for someone else to do it-that provided the momentum to form the RAF.
With a full tank of energy John looks forward to seeing where this flight will take him.
“It is the best journey I’ve experienced so far,” John says.
