The Spirit of Volunteerism
Bob is the Senior Vice President – Membership for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He oversees the day-to-day management of EAA staff responsible for all EAA activities, benefits and services, including field-based, volunteer-accomplished programs for recreational flyer’s and aviation enthusiasts.
He also oversees EAA’s Chapter services, aviation web content and aircraft builder education programs, as well as management and oversight of EAA’s three Divisions and the affiliated National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). Bob serves as a member of the EAA Senior Management Team providing leadership and direction to all EAA efforts.
Prior to joining EAA in 1992, Bob was Executive Vice President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) for seven years. There he implemented a number of education programs for state and local officials as well as generated a number of research papers on state aviation efforts. From 1970 to 1985, he was with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). His role at AOPA began as a cooperative education student and eventually led to his position as Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs.
Bob graduated from Auburn in 1974 with a degree in Aviation Management. During his time at Auburn, Bob was active as an officer in Alpha Eta Rho and was a founding member of the War Eagle Flying Team. He later trained at the National Transportation Safety Board’s Aircraft Accident Investigation School. He has also completed Association Management training at the University of North Carolina and executive development training at the Wharton School.
A 3,000-hour commercial pilot with instrument and seaplane ratings, Bob recently sold his custom-built RV-6A, the seventh plane he has owned since 1977. In September 2002, Bob and his wife (and EAA volunteer), Noel Marshall, were selected as Flag Bearers for the State of Wisconsin in the Flight Across America, a volunteer-pilot effort that paid tribute to the victims and heroes of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Flag Bearers from each state were united in an Honor Flight to Shanksville, PA, Washington and New York City.
Bob will transition from an employee of the EAA to a volunteer in early 2008 as he and Noel begin a new adventure in their lives. Bob and Noel reside near Omro, Wisconsin with their “flying dog” Boomer and 4 miniature horses.