RAF CELEBRATES CONTRIBUTIONS OF TWO RETIRING DIRECTORS

The RAF Board naturally evolves, and at this time, we are celebrating the extraordinary contributions to the vision, leadership, and success of the RAF provided by retiring Directors Pete Bunce and Todd Simmons. “The impact that Todd and Pete have had with the RAF has been tremendous, and they’ll remain valued friends of the RAF,” RAF Chairman John McKenna said.

Bunce joined the leadership team in 2012. He already had a mindset of a backcountry pilot and flew his Glasair Sportsman; he used that acquired passion to help the RAF make new aviation connections through his leadership role with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). “We could always count on Pete to help direct us on policy issues with public agencies and he would frequently draft others into creating solutions,” McKenna explained. Most notably, Bunce created the GRAF – the backcountry flying addition to GAMA’s annual strategy meeting, where members of the RAF board joined GAMA board members on backcountry flying adventures. It has become an annual highlight for both organizations and is held in varied places across the US – proving there are backcountry opportunities everywhere. Bunce remains passionate about the RAF mission and that will no doubt continue in and around his home state of Wisconsin. 

Todd Simmons, Cirrus Aircraft’s President of Customer Experience, brought his inspiration to the RAF in 2017, at a critical time in the evolution of the organization. The RAF was on a growth streak and intent on its mission, but was challenged to best portray it in rapidly evolving media. Simmons dove in with a team of talented marketing consultants. He assembled a diverse committee of RAF supporters who spent two days at the Museum of Flight in Seattle working on brand strategy. The outcome was a plethora of new approaches to communications, including a brand book emphasizing the spirit of the mission, and a style guide for identity consistency. A significant outcome was the simplified RAF logo that is easily recognized. He continued to lean in and help with the design of the RAF Outfitter Store, and helped build relationships with Garmin and Bose. He initiated the RAF’s first inReach campaign to put what he feels is “the most important piece of survival gear in the hands of as many backcountry flyers as possible, the InReach Mini.” RAF President Bill McGlynn said, “Todd served on our board for six years but his contributions will endure for the life of the RAF.” 

“The RAF is enriched by the time and care that these two industry leaders have shared with us . . . we appreciate their time, care, and love for the mission more than words can say,” McKenna says, adding, “While Pete and Todd have stepped away from the Board’s day-to-day roles, they continue to be involved and are just a phone call away.”

Submitted February 28, 2025