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President's Perspective
Effective December 10, after nearly 14 years as USPA’s Executive Director, Chris Needels retired. He left the organization in an exceptionally strong position, with the general membership enjoying a 3.3-percent increase in the past year, increased visibility and sport promotion through national television network coverage of the USPA National Skydiving Championships, and an overall increased visibility of our dynamic sport that could have only been imagined 14 years ago. No one was more surprised than I was when Chris announced his desire to retire, but you can hardly blame him for wanting to leave with our great association in the strong position it currently enjoys to make room for the next executive director to take USPA to the next level. More on that later … Chris’ dedication and contributions to USPA predate his tenure as executive director. He served for several years on the board of directors as vice president, as well as chairman of the competition, judging, and finance and budget committees. The USPA membership was well served by this stalwart and tireless membership and drop zone advocate, and Chris will long be remembered for his efforts. But Chris is far from “retired.” As with all projects that he has undertaken with zeal and enthusiasm, he is working with the National Skydiving Museum trustees to keep the momentum for our sport’s development and advancement moving forward to fill the vacant lot next to USPA Headquarters in Fredericksburg, Virginia. As his accomplishments with USPA are in testament, I would be willing to bet that it won’t be long before we see ground breaking for our National Skydiving Museum. Once Chris had announced his retirement, USPA’s Executive Committee became the search committee to select qualified candidates to interview for the job of his successor. After narrowing the field, the committee invited three very strong and qualified individuals to Alexandria, Virginia, for interviews. At the completion of the selection process, the committee offered the executive director position to Ed Scott, who was currently serving as USPA’s Director of Government Relations and Group Membership. Ed’s extensive aviation and association background moved him to the top; he worked for the Aircraft Owner’s and Pilot’s Association (AOPA) before later working for the National Association of State Aviation Officials. For both organizations, he lobbied the FAA and Congress on a wide range of issues that brought him contacts throughout the aviation association world, the FAA and Capitol Hill. His experience and familiarity with the current challenges and issues confronting USPA make for a seamless transition of leadership for the headquarters staff, board of directors and USPA membership. Also a current pilot with a commercial certificate and instrument rating, an active skydiver, a former jumpmaster and a one-time Cessna 182 owner, he is well suited to take the reins of USPA’s daily operations and has a well-rounded perspective that can only bring positive benefits to USPA’s membership. As I said earlier, it’s the end of an era … and the beginning of another. Please join me as we all wish Chris “blue skies and soft landings” for all of his future endeavors, for we all know that USPA will always have a special place in his heart. And a hearty congratulations to Ed Scott, with the prospect of many great things for this association of ours—and looking forward to many years of USPA moving on to and beyond the next level of accomplishments! What do you think? Click here to send USPA your comments. |
