The AOPA Air Safety Foundation (ASF), the nation's oldest and largest foundation dedicated solely to general aviation safety and education, has recently filled a number of key positions.
Harvey Cohen, Senior Vice President of Development
Harvey W. Cohen has been named senior vice president of development for the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. In his position at ASF, Cohen oversees all aspects of fund raising. The foundation is supported solely by contributions from pilots, the aviation industry, and other benefactors.
"Since ASF was founded in 1950, the general aviation accident rate has dropped dramatically. Much of the decrease in accidents is directly related to generous donations that enable the educational work of the foundation," Cohen said.
Before joining ASF, Cohen was the chief development officer of the Foundation Fighting Blindness in Owings Mills, Md. He also spent many years in various higher education fund-raising positions. The Pittsburgh, Pa., native is a graduate of Duquesne University and also earned a master's degree from Saint Mary's University in Winona, Minn. Cohen lives in Baltimore with his wife Katie and daughter Shira.
David Wright, Director of Training
David Wright has been named director of training for ASF. In his position, Wright serves as chief instructor for ASF Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics. He also manages ASF's online interactive Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic. He also contributes to both live and online ASF safety seminars that reach more than 100,000 pilots annually with up-to-date flight safety knowledge.
Wright began working at AOPA in May 2002 as a technical specialist in Aviation Services. He holds a bachelor's of science in aeronautics from the University of North Dakota. After graduation, Wright worked as a lead flight instructor with the University of North Dakota. Prior to joining AOPA, Wright was a first officer with USAIR Express.
Wright is a certificated flight instructor with multiengine and instrument ratings. He has logged more than 2,500 hours in a variety of aircraft. Wright lives in Leesburg, Va., with his wife Kami and daughter Morgan.
Robin Sharitz, Manager of Safety Programs and Services
Robin Sharitz, a 14-year veteran of ASF, has been named manager of safety programs and services. She will manage the logistics of ASF's acclaimed Flight Instructor Refresher Course and the more than 200 safety seminars conducted annually nationwide.
Prior to her promotion, Sharitz spent four years as ASF seminar coordinator, overseeing five seminar instructors and making the logistical arrangements for the scores of safety seminars. She has also served as convention coordinator, representing ASF's interests at numerous aviation conventions.
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is the nation's only private, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to providing continuing pilot education and safety programs for general aviation. It is funded by donations from individual pilots and organizations, which support the cause of improved general aviation safety.
Foundation safety outreach efforts are funded through voluntary donations by AOPA members and tax-deductible contributions from individual pilots and companies interested in promoting general aviation safety.
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