By Taylor Mershon, IAC 442603
In the midst of the craziness of voting season, it’s easy to forget about any vacancies we had on the board of directors that were filled before the candidate bios started going out and votes started rolling in. So, let’s put the spotlight on one new member that the IAC board of directors welcomed into its ranks back in April, after decisions were made in the annual spring board meeting on the 24th of the month. Luke Penner has been appointed the new interim director, and his term shall run until July 2026.
Luke Penner has been a pilot and flight instructor since 2003. He learned to fly aerobatics in a Pitts S-2B, which led him to national and international competition. Some of Luke’s accomplishments include being winner in the Sportsman category at the 2016 U.S. National Aerobatic Championships, winner of the Intermediate category at the 2018 Canadian National Aerobatic Championships, third place overall at the 2019 U.S. Nationals in the Advanced category, third place overall in the 2020 Canadian Nationals Advanced category, and second- and third-place finishes at the 2021 and 2022 U.S. Nationals. He was named captain of Team Canada after finishing first overall at the 2022 Canadian Nationals. In 2023 he won 3rd at both U. S. and Canadian Nationals in Advanced, and most recently, Luke moved up to the Unlimited category, winning first place at the 2024 Canadian nationals and third at the 2024 U. S. nationals.
As a director, Penner’s role includes meeting with the rest of the board to gather data, weigh all options, and make informed decisions for the good of the organization, along with relying on subject matter experts on the rules committee, sequence committee, etc., to gain perspective. Part of the process for reaching decisions and taking action in the director role is debating and voting.
Congratulations to Luke Penner on your new position; we want to extend a warm welcome to you and we look forward to having you on board. Thank you for your willingness to step up and volunteer, and for your drive to personally move the IAC toward betterment and success through leadership in your new role.
