GALESBURG, IL  -- Stearman owner-restorer-pilot Rod Hightower will become president of the Experimental Aircraft Association on Sept. 7.

Hightower’s selection was announced Monday, July 26, on the opening day of EAA’s AirVenture week in Oshkosh, WI.

Currently a resident of St. Louis, MO, Hightower was introduced by current EAA chairman and president Tom Poberezny, who will remain as the organization’s chairman and head of the annual AirVenture fly-in. EAA was founded in 1953 by Poberezny’s father, Paul.

Hightower, who started flying as a teenager, bases the Stearman  he restored at the airport in Creve Coeur, MO.

At one time, he owned and flew a Cessna P210 for business. That craft, he said, was “the closest thing to a time machine we know of.”  The Cessna’s flexibility – go when and where as needed – provided a competitive edge in business, he said.

He holds a commercial certificate, and multi-engine and instrument ratings.

Hightower currently is a member of the board of directors of the National Stearman Foundation, parent organization of Galesburg’s annual National Stearman Fly-In, and previously was a member of the Fly-In’s board of directors.

A native of Texas, Hightower was graduated in 1981from Central Missouri State University with a degree in aviation technology and aeronautics.

In a business career of more than 25 years, Hightower led U.S. and international manufacturing and industrial companies with as many as 2,300 employees and annual revenues of as much as $470 million. He has been vice president of strategic accounts for Schneider Electric (Square D), vice president and general manager of York International, and president and CEO of Public Safety Equipment.

At EAA, Hightower’s duties will include directing the organization‘s day-to-day operations, EAA programs and strategy.

“Rod’s selection completes a process that began with an initial meeting of EAA’s executive board in 2005,” said Tom Poberezny, who succeeded his father as EAA president in 1989. An EAA member for more than 20 years, Hightower “…has the passion for aviation that is absolutely essential to serve EAA’s 160,000 members, as well as the extensive business operations background that is necessary to successfully meet the challenges ant opportunities ahead for EAA,” Poberezny said.

“This is a very exciting time for EAA and general aviation,” Hightower said. “I’m honored to be selected as the next leader of such a passionate group of aviation enthusiasts as EAA members. … There is much work ahead, but I am eager to start.”

Hightower was chosen from more than 700 applicants in a process directed by Korn/Ferry, an international executive recruitment firm. The field was narrowed to six finalists, who were interviewed in March before the final selection was made.

Hightower and his wife Maura have five children. They are attending AirVenture this week in Oshkosh.