April 26 2025 Minutes

4/26/25 Minutes

AMA Executive Council Meeting

April 26, 2025

Hybrid/AMA International Aeromodeling Center, Muncie, Indiana

8:00 a.m.

Meeting began at 8:01

In attendance: President Rich Hanson, Fishers IN; Executive Vice President (EVP) Randy Cameron, Pittsburg MO; Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Marc Guerra, Rancho Mission Viejo CA; District I Andy Argenio, Smithfield RI; District II Eric Williams, Schenectady NY; District III Jim Martin, Fairfield OH; District IV Jay Marsh (virtual), High Point NC; District V Andrew Griffith, Jacksonville FL; District VI Gary Himes, Kansas City MO (virtual); District VII Randy Gibson, Lansing MI; District VIII Lawrence Harville (virtual), Hurst TX; District IX Brandon Koch, Mandan ND; District X Greg Stone, Yorba Linda CA; District XI Phil Tallman, Medical Lake WA; Interim Executive Director and Senior Director of Government Affairs Tyler Dobbs; recording secretary, Katie Albert.

Others present: Staff: Randy Batchelor (IT), Eric Bachmann (IT), Steve Haston (AMA Foundation director; virtual), Ilona Maine (club services senior director), April Conner (human resources), Angie Martin (membership), Rachelle Haughn (AMA Foundation deputy director; virtual); Advertising, Erin Dobbs; Communications Director, Rob Kurek. Paul Bretsen (FNIC Insurance), David Lindley (National Free Flight Society [NFFS]), Steve Brehm (I AVP)

1. 1.    Opening Business—Rich Hanson

   1. Introduction of guests
   2. Additions to agenda
      1. Eric Williams (II VP) said that Marketing will be added to Executive session
      2. Executive Director Selection will be discussed in Executive Session
   3. Recognition of those who have taken their final flight
      1. Rich Hanson (President) questioned if anyone had additions to the Final Flights list. Jim Frecy, Paul Winters, and Steven Pen were added.

2. 2.    Consent Agenda*

   1. Feb 24th, 2025, Approval of Jan 25 EC Meeting Minutes
      1. The staff has compiled, proofread, and provided the minutes for the January 11th Executive Council meeting to the Council. During the Council’s review of the minutes, corrections and/or modifications were noted. The staff incorporated these changes into the draft minutes, and the updated version attached constitutes the final minutes of the Executive Council meeting. On Monday, February 24, 2025, the Executive Council voted to approve the draft minutes as the official minutes of the January 11th, 2025, Executive Council meeting.
      2. The vote tally was 7 votes in favor, zero dissensions with 6 Executive Council members not responding to the issue.
   2. b. March 3rd,4th and 19th, 2025 Randy Adams (III) stepping down Jim Martin being appointed Interim VP of DIII

      On Thursday, March 3, Randy Adams (III) communicated his intention to resign his position as the Vice President for District III for personal reasons, effective at the close of business on Friday, March 4.

      Eric Williams moved, and Andrew Griffith (V) seconded, a motion to appoint Randy Adams’s alternate, Jim Martin, as the Interim Vice President for District III until a special election is held to elect a replacement candidate for the District.

      On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Executive Council voted unanimously to appoint Jim Martin as the Interim Vice President for AMA District III. Twelve votes were cast, with District III being vacant.

      Effective Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Jim Martin is appointed as the Interim Vice President for AMA District III until a special election is held to elect a replacement candidate for the District.

   3. c. March 21st, 2025. Move AMAs insurance coverage to Bridgeway Insurance Company

      Ilona Maine (Club Services Senior Director), Felix Gora (Attorney), and Paul Bretsen (FNIC Insurance) recommended that we move our insurance coverage from our current carrier to a restructured policy with Bridgeway Insurance Company.

      Randy Cameron (EVP) moved, and Greg Stone (X) seconded, a motion to accept the recommendation of our insurance program advisors and to move AMA’s insurance coverage from our current carrier to a restructured policy with Bridgeway Insurance Company.

      On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Executive Council voted in favor of moving AMA’s insurance coverage to a restructured policy with Bridgeway Insurance Company.

      The vote tally was 10 votes in favor, zero dissenting, with 3 Executive Council members not responding to the issue.

   4. d.  March 21st, 2025. Spending $13,200 drawn from reserves to improve asphalt.

      Randy Cameron (EVP) moved, and Jay Marsh (IV) seconded, a motion to approve spending $13,200, drawn from reserves, to address AMA IAC asphalt maintenance for 2025.

      On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Executive Council voted to approve spending $13,200, drawn from reserves, to address AMA IAC asphalt maintenance for 2025, and to authorize AMA Headquarters to enter into a five-year contract with Grady Brothers to provide asphalt maintenance and conduct repairs for all IAC asphalt.

      The vote tally was 10 votes in favor, zero dissenting, with three Executive Council members not responding to the issue.

   5. e.  April 16th, 2025. Reinstate account 662 for Club Assistance Program.

      Rich Hanson (President) stated that this item was added to the budget through Basecamp.

      During the development of the 2025 AMA operating budget, Account 662, Club Assistance Program, was inadvertently deleted or omitted from the worksheet. Account 662 is the account from which funds are provided for the Flying Site Assistance Grants.

      In order to move forward with the 2025 Flying Site Assistance Grant awards, Account 662 needs to be reinstated.

      Andrew Griffith (V) moved, and Jay Marsh (IV) seconded, a motion to reinstate Account 662 to the 2025 AMA operating budget.

      On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Executive Council voted to reinstate Account 662 per the following calculation: 91,335 (Adult + Senior members last year) × .35 = $31,967

      The AMA Foundation will add $18,000 to this amount, bringing the total 2025 Flying Site Assistance Grant fund to $49,967.

      The vote tally was 12 votes in favor, zero dissenting, with 1 Executive Council member not responding to the issue.

      This vote constitutes a quorum of the Executive Council and meets the two-thirds affirmative vote required for electronic voting.

   The Consent Agenda was passed by acclamation.

3. 3.    President Report—Rich Hanson

   Rich Hanson (President) stated that he has been focused on membership growth and retention. He hasn’t traveled much.

4. 4.    EVP Report—Randy Cameron

   Randy Cameron (EVP) stated that he has participated in a lot of zoom meetings and committees. He hasn’t traveled. Randy (EVP) stated that AMA has received 81 Flying Site Improvement Grant applications

5. 5.    CFO Report—Marc Guerra

   Marc Guerra (CFO) stated that he has been in discussions with Melissa Elmore (Comptroller), who is the new Accounting Manager. He, Tyler Dobbs (IED), and Melissa Elmore will meet soon to discuss further. An audit is coming up soon, and Marc Guerra (CFO) expressed that he wants to be more involved than he has been in previous years.

   Based on pre-audited financials, we are in a good position. Although revenue was lower than in previous years, we still ended the year in the black. The results of the audit are expected to be presented in July.

   Regarding reserve accounts, there is some fluctuation due to uncertainty in the market.

6. 6.    IED Report—Tyler Dobbs

   1. 1.    Staffing update
      1. 1.1 Melissa Elmore (Comptroller) was recently brought on as the new comptroller and is settling in. Sue Ahlbrand is still a part of the process to get Melissa Elmore (Comptroller) to transition into this role.
   2. 2.    Event Travel Report
      1. 2.1 Tyler Dobbs reported on the Perry and Toledo events. No merchandise was brought or sold at either event. However, the events were productive in terms of memberships and donations: Perry resulted in 12 renewals, while Toledo saw a total of 53 new and renewed memberships.
      2. 2.2 At the Toledo show, AMA received product donations valued at over $10,000, including two autonomous mowers. Additionally, the AMA Foundation secured a $100,000 pledge from an anonymous donor. Steve Haston (AMA Foundation Director) explained that the donation is earmarked for the installation of a concrete pad or pillar outside the IAC, intended to support the display of a full-scale aircraft. The donor is fully committed to funding this project, leaving the next steps up to AMA leadership.
      3. 2.3 Steve also noted that Lymow donated an autonomous mower to be used in a sweepstakes campaign that has recently launched.
      4. 2.4 Tyler expressed that while a full-scale aircraft display would be a compelling addition, it would require ongoing resources for maintenance. He recommended further research before moving forward with the project.
      5. 2.5 Tyler also mentioned that several AMA staff members are currently attending the Dayton Modelrama event.
   3. 3. AMA Foundation – flying site grants – a detailed report will occur later.
      1. 3.1 Rachelle Haughn (AMA Foundation Deputy Director) discussed the Perry and Toledo shows that the Foundation attended.
      2. 3.2 With the current budget, more projects are able to be completed because the costs of each aren't as expensive. $126,000 to fund everything. At Dayton they got a few renewals and more prizes for sweepstakes.
      3. 3.3 Rich Hanson (President) brought up the Joe Nall event. Tyler Dobbs (IED) said that multiple AMA staff will be attending Joe Nall. Tyler Dobbs (IED) will be there for a membership meeting. Tyler Dobbs (IED) will send out communication to the VPs for the membership meeting.
      4. 3.4 Phil Tallman (XI) asked what the Know Before You Fly (KBYF) drone program is and how is it handled? Are clubs able to access it? Greg Stone (X) said that this program is more for the designated schools to request. KBYF is an FAA grant and needs to be done and distributed according to specific guidelines. Phil Tallman (XI) went on to ask how the schools are allocated. Greg said that there is a list that the FAA creates that says what schools can participate in the program. However, there are kits available for other schools outside of the list to request. Andy Argenio (I) is working with teachers to see what they are interested in and if they could benefit from the KBYF program.
      5. 3.5 Tyler Dobbs (IED) has already sent an email to the executive council with the KBYF website for application details. Around half of the kits have already been allotted for.
      6. 3.6 Eric Williams (II) asked that district VPs be alerted to programs that the schools in their district can apply for so that more schools can be awarded. Andy Argenio (I) stated that the VPs need to go out to schools with robotics and science programs and find out who can use the program.
      7. 3.7 Greg Stone (X) said that there is no cost for the kits. Tyler Dobbs (IED) stated that this might be the last time we can supply drones to classrooms due to the federal NDAA restrictions requiring drones to be produced in the US.
      8. 3.8 Greg Stone (X) said that judging preliminaries for the UAS4STEM is underway. The target date for finishing preliminaries is realistically at the end of May. The cost for UAS4STEM and going to Oshkosh was discussed. The cost is not clear to those who sign up because they are told the cost for just the kit, not including other fees and costs to participate. Greg Stone (X) will ask Kyle Jaracz (Education Director) about the total cost for participation.
      9. 3.9 Greg Stone (X) is interested in getting involved at the collegiate level so that high schoolers can see what is possible in college.
   4. 4.    PADCOM - Randy Cameron
      1. 4.1 Randy Cameron (EVP) stated that they are working on putting in new electric and water pedestals for the campgrounds at Site 4. We have also finished the pond well to ensure it stays full for the HVAC system. Tyler Dobbs (IED) stated that the maintenance contract has been finalized with Grady Brothers Asphalt for monthly asphalt maintenance. In addition, AMA has received bids for leveling off the west side of the museum for a runway. Randy Cameron (EVP) stated that this started with the $140,000 grant from Destination Indiana. This grant will be matched by the AMA Foundation. Tyler Dobbs (IED) added that netting has been put up to keep birds out of the pavilions. Electrical is also being installed in the pavilions.
      2. 4.2 It was asked where we are in the budget for the pavilion project. Tyler Dobbs (IED) said that that number will be ready after the electrical is completed, but we are over the initial budgeted amount. The total fees for the pavilions will be in excess of $100,000, and that does not include electrical work. There was a motion in 2021 to spend $22,000 in capital, then in 2023 an additional $51,778. Eric Williams (II) stated that electrical may not have been included in the original motion for the budget.
      3. 4.3 Jim Martin (III) asked about the runway on Site 3. Randy Cameron (EVP) said that it hasn't been fixed. Grady Brothers will make repairs before Worlds. JC Zankl (Competition Director & Technical) has met with Grady Brothers to discuss the project.
      4. 4.4 Brandon Koch (IV) walked around the IAC regarding PADCOM status. The HVAC system has been flushed and the filters replaced. Tyler Dobbs (IED) said that contractors were going to work on Thursday and Friday, but they needed to shut down the power and with the EC in town it was not possible to do on those days.
      5. 4.5 Phil Tallman (XI) asked about the site usage committee and if they are doing anything at the moment. Randy Cameron (EVP) said that there wasn’t anything going on. Phil Tallman (XI) stated that there should be a policy so that anyone who comes to the IAC can fly, no matter what event is going on. Brandon Koch (IV) mentioned site being constructed west of the museum. We don’t want a member to travel to the IAC and be told that they cannot fly due to events.
      6. 4.6 Rich Hanson (President) asked about the safety committee. Brandon Koch (IV) said the safety committee is reviewing applications for large model aircraft and turbine inspectors.
   5. 5.    Membership/Marketing Committee - Eric Williams (II)
      1. 5.1 Eric Williams (II) began by discussing the Member Energy Program. Eric Williams (II) mentioned that he received feedback concerning the growth retention plan and it hasn’t been working well.
      2. 5.2 Eric Williams (II) discussed shifting to the Building Energy Program, which demonstrates energy and enthusiasm within the hobby. Within the program there are three stages that make up the onboarding journey: Excitement (marketing phase), Engagement (support phase), and Enablement (preservation phase). Eric Williams (II) is working with staff to gather data and determine the next steps.
      3. 5.3 Eric Williams (II) next discussed the AMA Member Benefits Program. He showed the web page where this program lives. He stated that this website informs members but doesn't necessarily excite them about model aviation; he wants to excite them first. He then showed videos promoting fun and excitement.
      4. 5.4 Eric Williams (II) noted that 40–50% of new memberships come from Google ads. The next phase of outreach, Engagement, will involve personalized and automated emails tailored to local clubs, events, and nearby AVPs. Following that, the Enablement phase will focus on supporting clubs with tools like how-to videos and member testimonials to help them grow and connect with potential members. Lastly, the importance of visually promoting the AMA experience was emphasized—using photos and videos that highlight members enjoying themselves to attract new interest.
      5. 5.5 Eric Williams (II) emphasized the need for age-appropriate marketing campaigns, noting that while efforts have targeted youth and seniors, the middle-aged demographic is being overlooked. He highlighted the importance of promoting the emotional value of membership and the appreciation for AMA, using an EAA video as an example. He stressed messaging that frames benefits as “because of AMA and its members” and the impact of “without AMA.” Additionally, he reviewed issues with email communication, pointing out that too many unsubscribe options may be causing members to miss important updates. He suggested simplifying these tiers and consulting with Felix Gora to determine which communications must legally reach all members.
      6. 5.6 The Member Support Network focuses on ongoing communication with members by sharing club info, events, resources, and AMA benefits. It aims to better connect members to local clubs, prepare VPs and AVPs as key contacts, and support clubs with tools for websites, social media, and leadership. Surveys and feedback tools will help understand why people join and what motivates or discourages engagement, with IT involvement needed for some connections.
      7. 5.7 Eric Williams (II) shared results from a lapsed member survey sent by Kenny Cassidy. Of those surveyed, 56% were open to rejoining, 25% needed more time, and 18% were not interested—prompting a desire to understand why. The main reasons for not joining were age, health, and lack of time. Williams suggested offering less time-intensive activities to retain these members. Next steps include reviewing the current email strategy, coordinating with IT, creating leadership training and club tools, and developing targeted surveys for better insights.
      8. 5.8 Eric Williams (II) asked Tyler Dobbs (IED) about staff response, and Tyler confirmed that retaining current members is the top priority. They discussed creating a list of immediate marketing tasks and planning others to align with the POW, potentially developing a club toolkit to aid in member retention.
      9. 5.9 Eric Williams opened the floor to questions, and President Rich Hanson asked about current membership trends. Eric explained that the focus is on identifying people interested in aviation or model aviation and guiding them through an onboarding journey—starting with ads or searches, followed by targeted communication to keep them engaged. The goal is to empower clubs, with support from leader members and AVPs, to take over the onboarding process and connect with new members. Eric also proposed a future virtual leadership academy, similar to EAA’s, to better support clubs and officers. The emphasis for now is on club-level engagement, with AMA becoming more involved later.
      10. 5.10 And y Argenio (I) asked how to differentiate engagement from enablement and how to build excitement. Eric Williams (II) explained that excitement is the initial marketing phase to spark interest, while engagement involves educating and supporting new members. Concerns were raised about members not wanting to join clubs, and Eric emphasized showing club value while offering alternatives like events. Social media remains a key, low-cost tool for local engagement. As the onboarding model develops, it may need refining, especially to better support and identify clubs that are growing or struggling. SIGs were also discussed, with Eric noting insights from David Lindley (NFFS) that could be applied to both clubs and other SIGs.
      11. 5.11 Rich Hanson (President) expressed concern that despite the discussion, there's still no clear path to growing or retaining membership. He pointed to survey data showing that 44% of members don’t renew after the first year and 62% leave after two years, indicating that new members' needs aren’t being met. Phil Tallman (XI) suggested training for new members, which Eric Williams (II) agreed fits within the engagement phase and could be enhanced through personalized survey pathways. Andy Argenio (I) asked about expanding outreach beyond Google ads. Eric responded that outreach must happen at the club level, with each club developing its own process. He emphasized using existing tools to start moving forward, analyzing and adjusting as needed, and focusing on understanding why members stay or leave. Rich Hanson (President) said that 20-30% of new members try out the hobby and quickly realize that it is not for them. Because of this we should be targeting a 70% retention rate. We need to find out the best target market and Rich Hanson (President) thinks that the targeted market is the empty nesters.
      12. 5.12 Eric Williams emphasized that multiple departments must work together to create a seamless onboarding process, making it as easy as possible for new members. Phil Tallman noted the limited time to capture a new member’s interest and asked how to convey the fun and excitement of AMA. Eric explained this will come from welcoming committees and positive club interactions. When Phil raised concerns about unengaged members, Eric said the desire to grow their clubs would be the motivator. Andy Argenio added that not all clubs will engage, so efforts should focus on those already active and open to growth.
      13. 5.13 Eric Williams noted that the council approved the retention plan in the fall and emphasized building on existing materials, like brochures, while progressing with the new plan. The plan needs to be inspirational, with volunteers driving most engagement and retention, and clubs, communication, and support playing key roles. Andy Argenio pointed out that it's difficult for VPs to visit clubs, so AVPs and others should take the lead, focusing on the best clubs to help others. Eric added that the marketing team should collaborate with VPs individually and simplify SIG presentations by asking SIGs how AMA can support their growth. Rich Hanson expressed confusion about the marketing pathway, noting that it had not been fully embraced.

7. 6.    Executive Session and Lunch

8. 7.    ED Selection Committee - Phil Tallman (XI)

   1. 7.1 A short discussion took place regarding the ED Selection Committee and process.

   Motion IV: by Phil Tallman (XI) and seconded by Andrew Griffith (V) to appoint Tyler Dobbs as the AMA Executive Director for a 3 year term effective Jan 1st, 2025 as recommended by the Executive Director Selection Committee. 

   Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent

   Motion V: Greg Stone (X) moved and Randy Cameron (EVP) seconded a motion as follows:  All officers of the Academy of Model Aeronautics must have expressed authorization to expend and/or encumber  AMA Corporate, Foundation, or any other AMA member funds. AMA officer authorization to expend resides within the annual AMA operating budget and is limited to and restricted to the line-item accounts to which they have such expressed authority. Moreover, AMA officer expenditures are governed by the policy and procedures established in AMA’s EC Travel & Entertainment Policy. Unauthorized officer expenditures, expenditures that exceed budgetary limits, and/or violations of AMA’s EC Travel & Entertainment Policy are subject to censure by the AMA Executive Council and may result in the loss of expenditure privileges. 

   Motion passed: 12 yes, no, 1 absent

9. 8.    Old Business

   1. 1. National Fun Fly - Gary Himes (VI)
      1. 1.1 Gary Hines (XI) mentioned that many members at the Toledo event asked about the absence of the National Fun Fly (NFF) this year.
      2. 1.2 Phil Tallman suggested that instead of an NFF, an open house could be held to reduce costs and staff involvement. Tyler noted that the staff resource demands for NFF were high, and the AMA Foundation had expressed concerns, though Steve Haston clarified that the foundation was willing to participate. Members from other districts expressed disappointment over the event cancellation.
      3. 1.3 Greg Stone (X) communicated to members that the cancellation was due to cost concerns, while Eric Williams (II) emphasized that costs should be carefully considered. Tyler Dobbs (ED) mentioned Cal Orr may want to run the event in 2026 and proposed getting a proposal from him. Phil Tallman (X) argued that AMA should retain control of the event, with Cal as a CD or sponsor, and suggested setting a strict budget ceiling.

10. 9.    Awards*

    1. 1. Randy Cameron (EVP) said that he would like to award Gary Fitch with the fellowship award. He has helped in a lot of ways on committees and such and been an officer for about 25 years. He has not received a fellowship award in the past. Eric Williams (II) explained that Gary Fitch was an AVP, then VP, then EVP, then he had to step down. Then he came back and has been Eric Williams’s (II) senior AVP for the last 9 years. He has a ton of accomplishments. Katie Perry (Administrative Assistant) was able to look up Gary Fitch in Netforum and saw that he already had a fellowship reward. He was awarded the fellowship award in 2017.
    2. 2. Next, Andrew Griffith (V) presented district service awards for Bill Daniels (Florida) and Don Cleveland (Tennessee). Rich Hanson (President) said that the council does not need to approve this. Katie Perry (Administrative Assistant) added that district VPs get three district service awards to give out each year.

11. 10.    Adjournment

    1. Meeting adjourned at 3:05pm

    *Requires EC Vote

Release Date

Wed, 06/04/2025 - 11:58