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Fred Poole, INCUMBENT-Nominee from the Nominating Committee
Fred Poole
Candidate for BFA Board (At‑Large)
Commercial Balloon & Fixed‑Wing Pilot | USPA D‑License Skydiver
GM, Peavey Electronics
Dear BFA Members,
First, thank you. Your membership helps protect and grow the sport we all love, and I’m truly grateful to be part of this community.
Last December, I was honored to be appointed to the BFA Board to serve the remainder of a vacant At-Large position. I’m now asking for your vote to continue that work, and I’d like to share a little about who I am and what I bring to the table.
A Lifetime in Aviation, A Career in Leadership
My passion for aviation began in 1999 as a skydiver, earning my USPA D-license with 700+ jumps, followed by my fixed-wing pilot certificate in 2002. Over the years, I’ve flown airplanes, PPCs, and now operate Champagne Sunrise, a successful balloon ride company in Meridian, Mississippi, where we’ve flown hundreds of passengers safely and professionally.
But beyond flying, I bring decades of real-world business leadership. I serve as General Manager of Peavey Electronics, a globally recognized brand in professional audio, operating in over 130 countries. I manage P&L statements, lead cross-functional international teams, develop long-term strategic plans, and guide complex budgets, experience that gives me a deep understanding of what it takes to run and grow an organization sustainably. I’ve also worked extensively in brand building, marketing, and social media engagement. Peavey now reaches over one million followers across platforms, a skill set I believe the BFA can greatly benefit from.
I’ve spent 23 years leading teams, managing budgets, and building a high-performing business. That’s the kind of hands-on experience the BFA needs right now—especially when it comes to growth, operations, and transparency.
A Record of Service and Progress
In just a few short months on the Board, I’ve been able to provide positive value to your BFA Board:
- The Blue Sky Memorial (In process) - A digital tribute honoring balloonists we’ve lost.
- The BFA Podcast (launching July 2025) - A new platform to improve communication, give members a voice, and build community.
- Appointed BFA Treasurer - I’m honored to have been appointed Treasurer of the BFA. Together with our CPA volunteer, Christel Dinkler, and the team at Barlow Capital Advisors, I will be working to provide timely and accurate monthly and quarterly financial reports to the Board. I deeply appreciate the Board’s confidence in me and my financial experience, and I am committed to serving in this role with integrity and dedication.
I’ve also contributed ideas like bundled membership and safety seminar registrations, pilot databases for easier event coordination, and local outreach programs that promote goodwill between pilots and the public. From flying letters to Santa with local schools to organizing tether rides for Shriners Hospital fundraisers, I believe in using aviation to connect, inspire, and give back.
A Vision for Unity and Progress
Tensions within the ballooning world, declining membership, and a shortage of new pilots are real issues. But I believe these are solvable if we work together, not against one another.
I’ve built my career by bringing diverse teams together across cultures, languages, and time zones. I know firsthand that the most successful organizations thrive when people feel heard, respected, and united. That’s the leadership I offer. Not politics. Not personal agendas. Just progress, built on teamwork.
As a member of other national organizations like USPA, AOPA, PADI, and the Shriners I’ve seen how strong, unified associations can flourish, and I know the BFA can do the same.
If Re-Elected, I Commit to:
- Advocate for all balloon pilots, not just current members
- Communicate clearly, transparently, and regularly
- Grow membership by delivering real, visible value
- Represent our sport strongly and respectfully to the FAA
- Make the BFA a modern, member-focused organization
I’m not running to divide or disrupt. I’m running to build, on progress already made, and on the belief that this community deserves leadership grounded in both experience and mutual respect.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I hope I’ve earned your vote.
God Bless and Blue skies always,
Fred Poole
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