Member Spotlight

For the February member spotlight I had the pleasure of meeting James Cherry, CCE the Executive Director of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. For this interview I traveled to Muncie where the Academy has been headquartered since it moved from Reston, Virginia in 1993. The office is housed on 1100 acres of property that is also the home of the National Model Aviation Museum. The land also serves as the site for the IAC Nationals Tournament, which brings thousands of modelers to the city each year to compete in the different arenas. Fully equipped with 8 flying sites, campgrounds and parking there is no better place to hold the event! The land also provides some interesting sources of revenue for the Academy. Currently they are landlords for a few of the homes that are still standing on the property and farmers for the corn crops that are planted among the flying sites. As interesting as their unique situation may be, it seems to work for the Academy.

During my visit I was surprised by more than the fact that the Academy's Executive Director also holds the titles of landlord and farmer. I was shocked to find out just how large the hobby was, and in turn, how much support that the Academy provides to the hobby. The Academy has a staff of 53 to support the 148,000 members across not only the US, but also internationally and includes those that model anything that flys. For this diverse membership they provide a number of services that include organizing clubs, distribution of publications, hosting events/competitions, education and the Park Pilot Program. The Academy was most recently recognized for their work when one of their publications, Model Aviation, won a 2009 ISAE STAR Award for Best Magazine in the over $750,000 budget category.

I had an opportunity to sit down with Jim and find out a little more about his journey to the Academy. As a graduate with a degree in music this seems like an unlikely career. Jim originally aspired to be a singer, but after further consideration he obtained a business administration degree from the US Chamber of Institute of Organization Management where he also served as an instructor for 12 years.  Following a 28 year long career in Chamber of Commerce he retired to Florida with his wife. As a modeler himself, he applied purely on a whim when the position for the Executive Director came open at the AMA. To his surprise he was invited in for an interview. Jim knew that as a member for many years that this was his opportunity to share the leadership changes that he felt were necessary for the association. After a very candid interview he did not expect the process to go any further.  To his surprise he was offered the position as the Executive Director without a second interview! This opportunity took him from a long time member to now the lead staff contact. Jim has now been with the Academy for three years.  

During my time with Jim I took the opportunity to find out more about the challenges and rewards of his job:

Q: What do you like most about working for the Academy?
A: Having the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of staff members. I also like having the opportunity to occasionally cash a psychological paycheck.

Q: What is a psychological paycheck?
A: It is when you get the opportunity to see first hand that the work you do is making a difference. An example would be at the AMA when you get to see a young boy learn to fly and spending time with their dad or grandpa. To know that you are a part of that is a great feeling.

Q: What is the largest challenge that the Academy is currently facing?
A: With so much competition from video games and other activities it is simply keeping the young members engaged in order to grow the hobby and membership.

Q: What is the most important thing that you have learned from working with associations/non-profits?
A: Never underestimate a small group of people to get things done.

Q: What do you look for in professional development?
A: Accessibility of information such as the ASAE Body of Knowledge

My visit to the Academy of Model Aeronautics was anything but boring! The staff and volunteers are friendly and excited to be a part of the organization.  It was great to experience first hand the hospitality of the Academy.