Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2022 Digital Issue
WICHITA, KAN. – The Wichita Aero Club (WAC) board of directors announced April 26, 2022, that founding member and president, Dave Franson, will retire June 1. Franson, who has headed the organization since its founding in 2008, will transition to emeritus status and serve as a member of the board going forward. The board has selected Nicole Alexander to succeed Franson as president.
Retiring Wichita Aero Club President Dave Franson (center) is flanked by his successor, Nicole Alexander (left) and WAC Chair Ashley Bowen Cook of the Greteman Group (right).
“Dave Franson was among the founding members of the Wichita Aero Club and has done a remarkable job in guiding the organization as executive director and president during its first 14 years,” said Ashley Bowen Cook, WAC Chair and Greteman Group Vice President. “We are pleased that he will remain involved with the club and extremely grateful to him for his leadership and commitment to WAC and Wichita over the years. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”
“I have had the great privilege of being involved in the aviation industry for almost 50 years,” Franson stated. “It has truly been a blessing and a calling for me as I have worked with and learned from an exceptional array of outstanding leaders. Being a part of the Wichita Aero Club has been a distinct honor and privilege – a fitting cap to a most enjoyable career. I have great confidence that Nicole and the WAC board will continue to grow and expand the Club’s contributions to the Air Capital and the industry.”
Alexander brings a wealth of experience to the Wichita Aero Club. Earlier this year, she started her own consulting business, Nicole Alexander Co., after more than 15 years in the public and private sectors. A graduate of Kansas State University, she joined the staff of then-Kansas First District U.S. Congressman Jerry Moran as press secretary before moving to Hawker Beechcraft Corp. She spent nine years there leading communications and public affairs as the company transitioned to Beechcraft Corp. and subsequently became part of Textron Aviation. Most recently, she was the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at AGH CPAs & Advisors.
The Wichita Aero Club was established in 2008 to foster and promote interest in aviation, to provide a forum that focuses on the industry’s issues and achievements, and to bring together those with a passion for flight in an environment that expands and enhances professional relationships and furthers cooperation and understanding. Learn more at wichitaaero.club.
