Victor Abbey

Jane Hatch

David Johnson

Alan Ritchie

Awarded since 1980, the EAA President’s Awards provide Tom Poberezny with an opportunity to personally acknowledge members whose participation and contributions represent the "essence" of EAA. Tonight, he’ll present awards to Victor Abbey, Jane Hatch, David Johnson, and Alan Ritchie at the Theater in the Woods.

Victor "Vic" Abbey is senior partner with South Beach Capital Partners, an investment firm he founded. Previously he was chairman and president of Busch Entertainment Corporation, the entertainment unit of Anheuser-Busch Companies best known for its SeaWorld and Busch Gardens theme park brands. Vic has 30 years of experience in consumer marketing, finance, and the operation of large public attractions.

"My passion for aviation began in 1980 when I joined EAA and dreamed of building my own airplane," he said—a dream he realized after the recent completion of an RV-9A. "I decided to become a volunteer when Tom asked me to help with the planning and operations of AirVenture."

Abbey’s expertise in that arena is being recognized with his award, Poberezny said. "Vic was chosen for his participation and leadership in our efforts toward continuous improvement of the visitor experience at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh."

Abbey holds a commercial pilot certificate with airplane multi-engine and instrument ratings and a private pilot certificate for rotorcraft-helicopter. He is already planning his next building project.

Jane Hatch has served as chairman of EAA’s Craft Tent at AirVenture for 32 years. She has always maintained a smile and a willingness to share her knowledge with others. Before most of us are even thinking about AirVenture, Jane spends many hours putting together the craft kits that are used throughout the week here.

"Jane has been a faithful and devoted volunteer at one of the largest and busiest tents on the convention grounds," Poberezny said. "Without Jane’s help, the Craft Tent would not be as well-organized and well-attended as it has been over the years."

Jane is at the Craft Tent from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day during the convention.

"I admire Paul and Tom Poberezny for all they’ve done for EAA, and I am very honored to receive this award," Jane said. "I love meeting people from all over the world. Everyone has such a great attitude at AirVenture."

David Johnson first visited Wittman Regional Airport when he attended the annual Oshkosh convention in 1984. Shortly thereafter, he was presented with an opportunity to work at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics.

In 1988 Johnson became Wittman Regional’s project manager and began a working relationship with the EAA staff. Along with many other individuals, he has helped develop the current infrastructure at EAA AirVenture.

"David has provided knowledge and leadership to AirVenture," Poberezny said. "He’s enhanced aviation throughout Wisconsin, especially at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh."

Johnson said he was honored to receive the award. "I have been very fortunate to be able to work with EAA in the environment best known as ‘Oshkosh,’ a unique place in the aviation community," he said.

Alan Ritchie has served on the EAA board of directors for the past four years. He is currently co-chair of the Human Resources Committee and also serves as a member of the Development Committee.

"Alan has helped with the core of the program and operations at AirVenture," Poberezny said. "In turn, he has increased the value of EAA to its members in the United States and around the world."

Ritchie has a private pilot certificate, with a single-engine land/sea rating, with more than 1,000 hours flown. He owns a Citabria 7GCBC and is also a homebuilder.

"I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with the EAA over the past years," Ritchie said. "The people I’ve met and the things that I have worked on have been very gratifying and have added a special dimension to my flying experiences."

In 1996 he completed a kit-built Aventura II amphibian, and he’s since started an RV-6A project.