On June 17, the ICAS Foundation announced that Michael Kaufman would assume the role as its first full-time executive director and CEO, effective July 15.
Kaufman, who has served three decades with the Boy Scouts of America, will be providing strategic direction, leading the expansion of Foundation programming, nurturing aviation workforce development and other educational initiatives, and fostering relationships with air show professionals and other key constituencies.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work for the ICAS Foundation, an institution that shapes the future of the aviation industry,” Kaufman said. “The organization has already had an impact on me, and I hope that I can give the Foundation its wings to prosper for another 30 years.”
Kaufman has led multiple capital campaigns nationwide that raised millions of dollars. In his tenure with the Boy Scouts, Kaufman conceived and produced many unique development activities, including the Boston-Portsmouth Air Show and the New Hampshire Moose Parade.
“Mike comes to us at a critical juncture in the evolution of the air show business and the organizations that represent it,” said ICAS President John Cudahy. “He brings invaluable experience, perspective and energy to our shared effort to improve and further professionalize the air show industry.”
