The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) introduced Rod Hightower, its new president and CEO, to the business aviation community at a ceremony at the sport aviation organization's booth (No. 3246) at NBAA.

Hightower was named to the position this July at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., following an extensive search for a successor to long-time organization leader Tom Poberezny.

At his NBAA introduction, Hightower said his plans were to continue serving the organization's base of aircraft homebuilders while expanding offerings to members who fly certified aircraft. He also said the organization would continue and expand the outreach to youngsters that began with the Young Eagles program. Underscoring that commitment, Hightower was joined at the ceremony by "Miracle on the Hudson" first officer Jeff Skiles, current chairman of the Young Eagles program, which is aimed at introducing youngsters to general aviation.

Also joining Hightower were EAA board members Dan Schwinn, founder, president and CEO of Avidyne; Jack Harrington of Eclipse Aerospace, and Kermit Weeks, aircraft collector and creator of Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Fla.

Schwinn, a member of the EAA executive search committee, noted that Hightower's passion for aviation, manifested in his restoration of a Stearman biplane and ownership of a T-6 warbird, qualified him as having the EAA DNA.