Named VP Of Marketing

Rick Larsen, a 25-year veteran of the aviation industry, has been named Vice President of Marketing for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Larsen will begin his new position April 12, 2004.

Larsen comes to EAA after most recently serving as Vice President of Marketing for ATA Airlines, Inc., where he led efforts that transformed the airline from niche player in air charter operations to the nation's 10th largest commercial carrier. Among the major accomplishments under Larsen's leadership were ATA's successful entry into the Chicago market; development of an effective e-commerce program; dramatic growth in ATA's travel club membership; and broadening the airline's market position into new growth areas.

"Rick Larsen's background and accomplishments will be superb assets for EAA, as we continue to develop more and better ways to serve our members and the aviation community as a whole," said EAA President Tom Poberezny. "Along with his impressive professional qualifications, Rick's interest in recreational flight and participation in aviation activities through the years also shows his enthusiasm for the type of flying enjoyed by EAA members."

Larsen, an aeronautical studies graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a master's of business administration in aviation degree, also worked in a variety of marketing capacities with Midway Airlines prior to joining ATA in 1991.

Larsen's interest in aviation extends deeply into recreational flight as well. He is an EAA member and has regularly participated at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh over the past decade. He enjoys flying light planes with fellow enthusiasts at his current home in Indiana, and has served as a member of the organizing committee for the annual Mount Comfort air show near Indianapolis.

Larsen is married with two daughters, and will be relocating to the Oshkosh area.

FMI: www.eaa.org