
Charity Navigator is America's premier independent charity evaluator. They help charitable givers make intelligent giving decisions by providing in-depth, objective ratings and analysis of the financial health and accountability & transparency of America's largest charities. Charity Navigator awarded the AOPA Foundation four out of a possible four stars. Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that the AOPA Foundation adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. Please click on the logo above to review our four star rating.
Elizabeth Tennyson
Senior Vice President, AOPA Foundation and Programs
Elizabeth Tennyson is the Senior Vice President of AOPA Foundation and Programs. 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.
Becky Johnston
Director, AOPA Foundation Giving
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 Lloyd
AOPA Foundation Major Gift Officer
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 Macdonald-Hutchins
Director of Database Administration and Reporting
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].
Laurie Whitaker
Development Research Manager
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].