About

Elizabeth Tennyson is the Chief Operating Officer of AOPA. In this role, she leads AOPA’s philanthropic arm as well as the You Can Fly program. Elizabeth works with a team of dedicated professionals who focus on building and funding programs that grow the pilot population, improve safety, introduce young people to aviation, and make flying more accessible and affordable. Tennyson first joined AOPA in 1998. Her past positions have included executive director of You Can Fly, managing editor of Flight Training magazine, executive editor of AOPA Pilot magazine, vice president of publications, vice president of eMedia, and senior director of communications. Tennyson was a television, radio, and Associated Press reporter in Los Angeles, Miami, and Raleigh, North Carolina before joining AOPA. She also served as editor-in-chief for a collection of legal and golf magazines. Tennyson serves on the boards of the Aerospace Center for Excellence and the Aviation Accreditation Board International and is a member of the Board of Advisors for the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals.

As the AOPA's Vice President of Corporate Relations, Peter works closely with aviation businesses and leaders. Peter is a private pilot with an extensive background in sales. He studied business administration at Loyola University and business economics at the University of Chicago. Peter is the past owner of the WACO Aircraft Corporation, manufacturer of the WACO YMF-5 series of aircraft and the aerobatic Great Lakes 2T-1A-2. Peter is an aerobatic pilot, with multi, instrument and seaplane ratings. When he isn’t flying from his home base in Michigan, Peter enjoys mountain biking, sailing, iceboating, and snow sports. Contact Peter at (301) 695-2151 or [email protected].

Sam joined the AOPA Foundation team in 2019. Sam is responsible for internal and external communications that convey the impact the Foundation makes in the General Aviation community. Prior to joining the Foundation team, Sam worked as the Marketing Director at the YMCA in Frederick, Maryland for six years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. Sam is looking forward to becoming a Private Pilot. Contact Sam at (301) 695-2333 or [email protected].

Becky joined the AOPA Foundation team in 2017. She serves as the liaison for President’s Council and Legacy Society members. After graduating from Salisbury University in 2004, Becky began her career in fundraising for an order of Catholic priests and Brothers where she held several positions during her twelve-year tenure. Becky is a private pilot and is enjoying her "license to learn!" Contact Becky at (301) 695-2274 or [email protected].

Morty serves the AOPA Foundation as the major gifts officer and has over 30 years of experience in fundraising and business development. He enjoys sharing stories of the transformational work of AOPA with supporters to help fund needed aviation programs. He states, “There is nothing like being able to align a donor’s passion for flying with their giving. It brings an incredible sense of satisfaction to them, in knowing that they’re helping fund programs to secure the future of general aviation.” Morty understands their passion. He is a second-generation commercial pilot with over 2,700 hours in 80 different types of aircraft. When not traveling on business, Morty and his wife, Joyce, enjoy flying to relaxing destinations in their Cirrus SR-22. Contact Morty at (301) 695-2101 or [email protected].

Agnes joined the AOPA Foundation in 2009 after working in AOPA’s marketing department for seven years. During her tenure, she has worked on many projects to help the organization achieve its goals. She works closely with the Executive Director and Director of Development Operations to help drive the strategic direction by assisting with creation and execution of budgets, ongoing systems management, research and process improvements. Prior to AOPA, she worked for a direct marketing firm and managed a printing company, where she was highly involved with other nonprofit organizations. Agnes holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in management with a nonprofit specialization. She began her private pilot license training and hopes to get back into flying soon. Contact Agnes at (301) 695-2112 or [email protected].

Katie rejoined AOPA in 2023 and is the Vice President of Corporate Relations for the AOPA Foundation where she works with donors and supporters of the transformational programs under You Can Fly and the Air Safety Institute. Katie graduated from ERAU in Arizona. She achieved her dream of becoming an airline pilot at the age of 21 when she was hired to fly the CRJ-200 for a regional carrier. Katie’s career took a turn when the airline she was flying for went out of business. Living in Washington, DC, she decided to try something new and landed a job as the director of communications for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. In 2012, Katie joined AOPA as the VP of Communications. Katie was promoted to SVP, Aviation Strategy and Programs in 2016 where she was responsible for its You Can Fly program and the Air Safety Institute. Katie “retired” from AOPA in 2019 to move back to Montana to take over her family’s 130-year-old cattle ranch. Today, Katie logs most of her time in her 1956 Cessna 180 which she loves to land at the strip on the ranch. Contact Katie at (301) 695-2067 or [email protected].

Kim joined AOPA more than 40 years ago, and since October 2016, provides key administrative support to the AOPA Foundation team. Prior to joining the Foundation, Kim served as a Member Services Representative, where she used her experience communicating with the members and knowledge of the AOPA database to provide excellent service to members. Prior to that, Kim was the Program Specialist for the Airport Support Network Program (ASN). Contact Kim at (301) 695-2208 or [email protected].

Hannah joined the AOPA Foundation team in 2023 as a development coordinator. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana. Prior to joining the Foundation, Hannah was a customer service professional with nonprofit experience. Contact Hannah at (301) 695-2013 or [email protected].

Carli has been with AOPA since 2017 and joined the AOPA Foundation in March 2020, where she currently serves as Donor Relations Manager and the Hat in the Ring Society liaison. Prior to joining the Foundation, Carli was a Member Services Senior Specialist where she provided comprehensive assistance with membership needs and provided excellent customer service. Carli earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of Maryland University College in 2018. Contact Carli at (301) 695-2207 or [email protected].

Laurie joined the AOPA Foundation in July 2019 with more than 20 years of prospect research and development experience. She works closely with the Vice President of the Foundation and other team members. Laurie helps drive the strategic direction by working on proactive and reactive prospect research projects and assists in maintaining database integrity. Prior to joining AOPA, she worked for cultural, educational, and healthcare organizations in Alexandria, VA, Baltimore, MD, and in her native MA. Laurie had a prospect research and consulting business for several years as well. She has a BA from Assumption College, JD from Catholic University, and Certificate in Fundraising from UMass Amherst. Laurie enjoys travel, sports, spending time with family and friends, and supporting animal welfare issues. Contact Laurie at (301) 695-2173 or [email protected].