• Candidate Profiles •
NOTICE OF ELECTION
Members may cast their votes using the secure online ballot (member login required) starting June 26. Voting closes on July 23, 2024 at 6:00pm CDT. Our Webmaster can provide any assistance needed.
VOTE HERE
YOU MUST BE CURRENT IAC MEMBER AND LOGGED IN TO SEE THE BALLOT PAGE
A member may not vote in this election in person at the annual meeting; it must be done via electronic ballot.
An appointed Ballot Certification Committee will tabulate the election results and announce the election outcome at the annual meeting of members on July 26, 2024, at the IAC Annual Membership meeting will be held in the Vicki Cruse Educational Pavilion at the IAC Aerobatic Center at 8:30am during EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Robert Armstrong for President
Many of my IAC family have contacted me and encouraged me to run for IAC President. I have seen the IAC change over the years but never without good reason. The same members who encourage me running for office also describe many changes that they see as unnecessary and questionable.
I have been a member of IAC since 1980 and currently serve as a director. I have previously served as a director, the vice president, and the President. I have completed at all categories of IAC competition. I also have had the privilege of competing in CIVA world events 11 times, 9 as a member of the US Unlimited Team, and I came very close to being the World Champion.
The IAC is a member organization that exists to help and encourage the safe and enjoyable learning and participation in the art of aerobatics. It is not limited to pilots and many of our members are the critical volunteers that make a club such as ours operate. These volunteers are the core of the club. The ranks start with the chapter members who volunteer to chapter officers and continue with the new members who sit in the sun and help the volunteer judges at a contest. All are to be recognized as the internal structure that makes IAC work. Of course, this is not the full extent of the IAC volunteers. The pilots who compete in the annual CIVA world events are volunteering their time and money as well. Having worn that hat myself I will work to find proper management for them separately from the IAC as currently this is way short, in my opinion.
The current leadership has spent a tremendous amount of time with many revisions to internal policies and procedures that have functioned well for our 50 years. The most recent change involves IAC now having written procedures for exclusion of members from IAC Board activities. This has not been an issue for any other leadership members and I do not see that it would be an issue for me. An additional item that was proposed was to discontinue the print version of our Sport Aerobatics magazine. Sport Aerobatics has been the premier print magazine for aerobatics and a prime member benefit since the beginning of the IAC. This proposal came from a discussion of IAC budget, with the solution entertained being a transitioning to a digital version. As of the last board meeting leaders could not provide any numbers to show that this would provide any financial savings nor answer to many other questions in this regard. I feel losing the print Sport Aerobatics magazine that is mailed to members would be a tremendous loss to the membership. As President I would not continue pursuing either of these items.
All members get to vote. Please take the time and I will welcome your support.
Jim Bourke for President
With gratitude for the honor of serving as your IAC President for the past four years, I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for re-election. As a passionate advocate for aviation and aerobatics, I have dedicated myself to advancing our shared vision of excellence within the International Aerobatic Club.
I've been through some life changes this term. I now call Scottsdale, Arizona my home. My children, Haley, Raymond, Kara, and Camma are all on their own now and thriving with Haley settling in Miami, Florida, Raymond taking a new job as a software engineer for Boeing in St. Louis, and Kara and Camma exploring all that the Portland, Oregon area has to offer. I remain an active competitor, aerobatic judge, and coach.
Throughout my tenure, I have championed a culture of proactive problem-solving, encouraging our members to tackle challenges with creativity and determination. Drawing from my experience both in glider and power competition aerobatics, I firmly believe that there is no problem that IACers cannot solve when they work together.
Under my leadership, the IAC has thrived, achieving financial stability and bolstering our ranks with enthusiastic volunteers across all critical areas. Despite facing obstacles, our vibrant and dedicated Board of Directors has consistently risen to the occasion, finding solutions through constructive dialogue and strategic thinking.
Looking ahead to 2024, I am excited by the opportunities that lie before us. As we confront new challenges, from the rising costs of print publication to regulatory threats, I am confident in our collective ability to overcome adversity. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of excellence and uphold the legacy of the IAC as a beacon of innovation in aerobatic aviation.
I am deeply grateful for the warm relationships I have forged within our community and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with those I have yet to meet. With your support and trust, I am committed to leading the IAC towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Sara Arnold for Secretary
Fellow IAC Members- I have had the pleasure of serving as your secretary these past four years and I am running to serve you for another term.
Aviation and aerobatics have been a part of my life since I was little flying with my father. I also have had the pleasure of later in life flying and competing against each other in competitions. My first competition was in 2014 and ever since I have tried to become more involved every year. I have been everything from being on the corners, recording on the line, contest director, scheduling webinars, writing articles and facilitated the American Champion medallion. Most recently I have joined the AirVenture, IAC Merchandise and Nationals planning teams.
My full-time career is a Project Engineer at the Des Moines International Airport and prior to that I was an Airport Operations Supervisor. Both jobs have helped me keep on top of the ever-changing climate of aviation along with being able to handle multiple projects within the safety and guidelines that are set. In 2018 I founded the Women in Aviation Heartland Chapter and in 2019 was able to have the Governor of Iowa sign a proclamation for the Girls in Aviation Day to be October 5th.
Grassroots aviation is where I am the happiest as I enjoy the pure excitement of seeing people realize what they are capable of and finding a new love of aerobatics. The comradery at camps and competition is the heart of this club. I will continue to do my best to represent those beginning in the sport and stand for clear rules and safety.
Monique Hartmann for Secretary
Hello! I'm Monique Hartmann, a fellow aviation enthusiast from sunny Florida. After many years as Communications Director at Nationals and Chapter President of the Chapter 138, I’m throwing my hat in the ring for the IAC Board Secretary position.
With over 19 years of volunteering at IAC contests, I've seen a lot and care deeply about where we've been and where we're headed as a Club. I have a broad spectrum of interests, from grassroots initiatives to supporting our unlimited and Advanced Teams.
My perspective is from a non-pilot volunteer, which I feel is a great addition to our Board. I have enjoyed being a part of the contest volunteer ground crew for many years and believe I am ready to contribute where I can on our IAC Board. I would love the opportunity to represent our Members and work with our Board to continue the work IAC is doing. Thank You for considering me!
Doug Bartlett for Director
I have been a member of the IAC for 20 Years and I am a President Emeritus for the club. I started at the chapter level in Chicago with Chapter 1. It was there that I ran contests in Aurora and Peru, Illinois, and served the local chapter as a treasurer and president.
When asked to become active at the national level, I ran for the position as treasurer and served for three years. At the untimely passing of then President Vicki Cruse, I stepped into the position of IAC President and served for three years in 2009-2011. After stepping away from the leadership role for several years, I was asked by the Board of Directors in 2018 to be the vice president in support of President Robert Armstrong. I was reelected to that position by the members and served two additional years. I served as the Contest Director for the U.S. National Championships in 2007 and again for the 2021 U.S. National Championships.
I worked my way up the ranks as a competition pilot from Sportsman to Unlimited, but those days have passed with my last competition being in 2018. Most recently my efforts have been in supporting and coaching local pilots in Wisconsin and Illinois.
I am passionate about grassroots aerobatics and understand it is the foundation of our club. Further, I believe safety is job number one at the IAC. The P&P’s, rules and historic protocols have made the club a cohesive and safe organization over its first 50 years. I know the way to provide future world class competition pilots is to encourage fun and safe activities along with competition at the local levels. The stronger we make the base of the pyramid, the stronger the top will be. Both levels are important.
Over the last two election cycles, the members have elected several grass roots pilots back onto the board of directors. The aerobatic enthusiasts and grassroots members (over 90% of our members) are now again properly represented at the board level. I believe my re-election to the board will provide experience and stability to the IAC along with giving the grassroots members a continuing strong voice. I am asking for your support by voting for me as a director to our board.
Shad Coulson for Director
I am running for the Board of Directors and am asking for your support. I have a short tenure compared to many in the IAC. I joined IAC Chapter 62 of Arizona in 2017, attending my first competition at the Tequila Cup that Fall. I was immediately intrigued by the flying and captivated by the community. I have continued to compete since and have had the honor of winning the Advanced Glider National Championship in 2023. I have also had the honor of representing the U.S. at two World Advanced Glider Aerobatic Championships. While I have enjoyed the competition, it is the people and the many friendships I have forged that keep me coming back.
I have served in various roles at regional contests and currently serve as the IAC Glider Chair and as a member of the IAC Sequence Committee. I have served as the contest director for the Advanced & Unlimited Glider National championships since 2020. I was given the honor and opportunity to serve as the Contest Director for the 2023 U.S. Nationals in Salina, KS. Having attended Nationals in 2021 and 2022, I knew there were areas needing improvement. My focus during last year’s contest was to bring the community and FUN back to Nationals. With the help and support of the amazing volunteers and the members who attended, the 2023 contest was a success. I have been given the honor to serve once again as the Contest Director for the 2024 U.S. Nationals and hope to build on the success of 2023 later this year.
As the CD of Nats, I had the unique opportunity to interface and talk with many of our members about the contest and the status of our club. Many expressed feelings of being unrepresented, unheard, and concerned about the IAC not evolving with the sport or supporting the current membership. The overwhelming response centered around the fact that many did not find the IAC to be fun anymore. As a member of the Board, I hope to provide fresh perspectives and ideas that will help to restore the interest and participation in the IAC. I will explore and promote ways to enhance our support of our membership, chapters, and regional aerobatic contests. Finally, I will continue to advocate for modernizing elements of the IAC and contest administration. As a competitor, volunteer, enthusiast, or dreamer, all should find the IAC to be welcoming, engaging, and fun. It would be an honor to be your representative on the Board of Directors and to be a voice for all members, especially “grass root” members. I pledge to be available and accountable to the membership and will seek out your feedback and ideas on ways we can improve our club, support our community, and promote our beautiful sport. Regardless of whether you vote for me, please vote in this election, and encourage your friends to do the same. It is your opportunity to help shape the future of the IAC.
Rob Dumovic for Director
Rob Dumovic is a seasoned competition aerobatic pilot and professional flight instructor with over 20
years of aviation experience in all levels of teaching. Rob is currently the owner of Spread Aviation
specializing in aerobatic instruction for aircraft owners, Designated Pilot Examiner, and Upset Prevention
and Recovery Training advocate. With a proven track record of safety and promoting aerobatics to the
aviation community through his social media channels, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique
perspective from his background in grass roots aerobatics to strategic decision-making and governance
necessary to hold a Board of Directors position with the International Aerobatics Club.
Beginning his career at Kent State University, Rob quickly earned his certificates and ratings while
attending their 141 program, and flew tailwheel and aerobatic lessons in the part 61 world of his
hometown airport under the expert tutelage of Master CFI-Aerobatic John Dye. He was hired in 2013 by
Red Bull Air Race and Airshow pilot Michael Goulian to teach aerobatics at his family school in Boston.
There Rob was honing his skills in not only flying and competing in aerobatics, but also his coaching
skills. Rob’s unique coaching approach draws from his expertise as a flight instructor to give pilots
guidance on control inputs to make, which goes beyond just the perceived quality and character of the
maneuver flown.
In his role as an Assistant Chief Flight Instructor for a 141 school, Rob helped to mentor his aerobatic
students and organize their attendance at a variety of contests around New England from as early as
2014. He has been a supporter of IAC Chapter 35 by volunteering at contests and practice days
throughout the Northeast, even being featured in local newspapers during International Aerobatics Day.
His YouTube series “Flight to a Championship” was well received by audiences and continues to be an
example of the realities of the sport.
Rob holds a B.S. in Flight Technology from Kent State University and has further enriched his expertise
through work with Rich Stowell, Spencer Suderman, and Michael Goulian. Committed to lifelong learning,
he has also completed training at industry powerhouses such as Flight Safety International, and gives
DPE Seminars for local flight schools and Southern New Hampshire University focusing on tips and
techniques that go beyond just “passing the check ride”.
An active Board of Directors member of the Society for Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), Rob
contributes his skills to the advisory board, helping the organization navigate through critical transitions
and leverage opportunities for growth and impact that benefit its membership. This experience will benefit
Rob and the membership as a Director on the Board of the IAC.
Rob is passionate about grass roots aerobatics, and he is eager to bring his expertise in critical thinking
and governance to the International Aerobatics Club Board of Directors. With a strong commitment to
ethical leadership and sustainable business practices, Rob is dedicated to fostering an environment of
accountability and innovation within the boardroom. Thank you.
Marty Flournoy for Director
Fellow aerobatic enthusiast,
I would like your support to continue the process of building our Club to be more inviting to a wide range of pilots and those aspiring. My experience in competing and safety piloting in over a hundred contests is that with competitive pilots is that most started at grass roots level. Then many worked their way up having an IAC Chapter mentor and most shared an aerobatic airplane.
Those members in the IAC Having two place aerobatic planes have the key to the ultimate aerobatic promotional weapon and are important to our recruitment of new members and growth .
My vision for our IAC is to put emphasis on member recruitment and continue to build alliances with Aviation schools and CFI’s to encourage more young aspiring pilots to join the IAC as “The authority on safe precision aerobatics” . We have a great safely record and can help avoid the risk of pilots learning by trial and error.
I'm active in mentoring and training new judges by hosting and teaching annual judging schools to ensure our regional contest run both fairly and efficiently .
My background with IAC includes:
-Twenty eight years of regional contest experience volunteer in all roles : as recorder, boundary , judge Contest director, volunteer coordinator and CFI safety pilot in 100 plus events
-Regional &National judge for 22 years
-Advanced Team member 2012, ‘14,’18,’20,’23
-CIVA judge team At unlimited WAC 2015,2017,2019& 2022
Doug Jenkins for Director
I am humbly asking for your vote to continue serving on the IAC Board of Directors. Having served on the Board the last two years has been enlightening. I am certainly not the best at the job, but I believe I have made some positive impact. I hope I have been, and will continue to be, a voice for all IAC members. Each decision the Board makes I attempt to assess from every perspective…the non-competitor member, the volunteer-only participant, the elite world-class pilot, and those of us who compete and do the best we can in the middle categories!
Those are often diverse and divergent views, with competing priorities and needs, and reconciling them is not always easy. My own personal perspective, of course, informs my decisions. As most of you know, I fly in Intermediate at the regional contest level only and I tend to look at issues from that perspective. For better or worse that is the viewpoint I bring to the table. I also attempt to strongly support those who, for whatever strange reason, show up and volunteer to make IAC contests possible while not flying themselves. Without these folks a lot of contests would simply not be possible.
I greatly value the enjoyment, challenge, friendship and feeling of accomplishment that flying at an aerobatic contest gives. I would like as many people as possible to have that experience. The IAC is the mechanism to make that happen and the IAC Board of Directors steers the ship that is the IAC. I feel privileged to have a seat at that table, thanks to your support two years ago. If you believe I should continue in my role, please vote for me again and I will do my best to represent all of you fairly and equitably for another two years.
If you would like to know anything else about my history, or my vision for the future, please contact me at bagsf15@yahoo.com or 210-485-8025.
Thanks for considering my candidacy.
Joe McMurray for Director
My name is Dr. Joe McMurray, and I am a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon with over 30 years of experience and in full-time practice. Since I was a young boy, like many of you, I have always harbored a deep love for planes. Growing up on a US Naval base in Pensacola, Florida, in the early '70s, I was fascinated by the sight of a Blue Angel F4 positioned in front of the base. I used to ride my bike to the airfield and watch them for hours. However, during high-school career week, I learned that my poor eyesight and height would prevent me from pursuing a career in naval aviation. As a result, my career path took a different direction.
Despite this, my passion for aviation never waned. In 2000, I ventured back into aviation, obtaining my private pilot certificate in 2001. I approached flying with a professional’s discipline, acquiring new ratings over time: IFR, Commercial, CFI, ATP and finally SES. My unexpected journey into aerobatics began with a UPRT course, leading me to view the sport of aerobatics from a different perspective.
I’ve been actively involved in fostering community engagement through aviation. I co-founded “The Food Truck Fly-In” at San Martin airport. My aim is to bring a distinct perspective to the IAC, focusing on fresh ideas, community relations, advocacy, and collaboration. I believe in exploring how the IAC and the aerobatic community can enrich the communities around them.
