Avionics Make Him Tick
David Upchurch has over 28 years of successful marketing, technical sales, and program management experience in the aviation and avionics industries.
Since February 1983, as a founding member of Universal Avionics Systems Corporation’s start-up team (Employee No. 4), David has held various sales, marketing and management positions of increasing responsibilities representing Universal’s broad line of avionics products designed for corporate, airline and military aircraft. Universal Avionics is one of the world’s largest privately-owned avionics manufacturers.
In his current position since 1993, David is the Director of Marketing Administration and reports directly to the Vice President/General Manager of the Marketing & Product Support Division. In this role, David is responsible for the day-to-day administration of all sales and marketing programs for Universal’s OEM, dealer, airline, military, government and corporate customers worldwide.
Prior to joining Universal Avionics, beginning in 1981, David worked for Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, KS where he held the position of Engineer, Technical Sales Support providing engineering and technical support to customers of the Citation I, II and III business jets with respect to avionics and special modifications or equipment.
David’s aviation career began immediately after college graduation in 1979, when he was employed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in Washington, DC where he held the position of Staff Assistant, Airspace Technology Department in AOPA’s Policy & Technical Planning Division.
David is a 1979 graduate of Auburn University and holds a BS degree in Aviation Management.
He is a private pilot and a member of several aviation organizations including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA). David is also a lifetime member of the Auburn University Alumni Association.
In March 2005, David was elected as a member of the Aviation Management Advisory Board at Auburn University. The Board provides guidance, expertise, and networking in support of the University’s mission of excellence for the Aviation Management program’s instruction, research, and outreach. David’s role on the Advisory Board continues today, as he will serve as the Board’s Vice Chair beginning in 2008.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, David and his wife Jan now reside in Tucson, Arizona.