The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has named Chad Budreau as its new Executive Director. Budreau has held this position on an interim basis since April 2018, and previously served as AMA’s Public Relations and Government Affairs Director.
“With Chad’s extensive experience in model aviation and deep understanding of AMA’s mission, he is undoubtedly the best person to lead our beloved hobby. I look forward to continue working with Chad to preserve and protect this important hobby for future generations to come,” said Rich Hanson, President of AMA.
Budreau was first introduced to the hobby as a child flying model planes and rockets with his brothers and father. His passion in modeling, coupled with his academic and professional experiences, led him to a nine-year career at AMA to help promote, protect, and preserve the hobby and sport of aeromodelling.
“I am honored to be named Executive Director and continue the important work of protecting our hobby as we embark on a new chapter in AMA’s history, in which we have the opportunity to play an even larger role in educating the broader recreational community to promote and enhance model aviation,” said Budreau. “The passion AMA members demonstrate for their hobby and the impact they have on their communities is a legacy I hope to preserve as Executive Director.”
Prior to serving as the Interim Executive Director, Budreau was AMA’s Public Relations and Government Affairs Director. His duties included collaboration with the FAA Office of UAS Integration, Congress, UAS manufacturers, and industry leaders. At the federal level, Budreau participated in the UAS Tracking and Remote Identification aviation rulemaking committee, the Steering Committee for the Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team, and worked on the FAA’s Drone Advisory Committee. At the state and local level, Budreau has advised numerous local elected officials, helped shape numerous bills, and participated in dozens of hearings championing for the hobby.
Previously, Budreau led Miami University’s marketing and communications efforts and served eight years at a broadcast operation servicing multiple states in management, promotions, politics, and news. Budreau’s academic background includes a B.A. and M.A. focusing on corporate communication, political science, management, and marketing.
Today’s announcement follows a December 13, 2018 special meeting of the AMA Executive Council, under the AMA bylaw procedures for “emergency meetings,” in which the Council voted to elect Budreau to permanently fill the position of Executive Director. This special meeting concluded a six-month process which included reviewing over 100 resumes, multiple interviews and a systematic methodology to review each candidate.
