Executive Director Named for EAA’s Countdown to Kitty Hawk

Randal Dietrich, who has more than 12 years of experience producing national touring events, has been named Executive Director of EAA’s "Countdown to Kitty Hawk" initiative, which is celebrating the centennial of the Wright brothers’ first flight by re-creating it in December 2003 at Kitty Hawk, N.C.

In this new role, Dietrich will be responsible for a national promotional program for Countdown to Kitty Hawk, help coordinate the nationwide touring exhibit, and work closely with other organizations involved in the project, along with other key elements.

"It is a privilege to be joining EAA and its members in celebrating the Wright brothers’ first flight," said Dietrich. "This is the single most significant moment of the last century, and Countdown to Kitty Hawk will allow a global audience to step back in time."

Prior to joining EAA, Dietrich most recently worked as Executive Producer of the Bancroft Arnesen Expedition. That project followed two women as they skied across Antarctica in early 2001, completing the longest cross-country ski journey in history. In that role, Dietrich handled marketing, sponsor relations, media coverage and identity issues for the mission.

Previous to that, he gained event management experience with such diverse programs as the Twin Cities (Minn.) and Chicago AIDS Ride cycling events, and coordinated logistics for a 100-person, 3,000-mile bicycle trip in support of The Hunger Project, which culminated at the 1990 Goodwill Games in Seattle.

Dietrich graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology, psychology and sport management. He has also done post-graduate work there in human development. "Countdown to Kitty Hawk" was created by EAA, The Leader in Recreational Aviation, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of powered flight. Highlighting the initiative is the planned flight of an exact reproduction of the 1903 Wright Flyer on Dec. 17, 2003, at Kitty Hawk, N.C.