REFLECTOR: Fw: Burton Takes On New Leadership Role As Florida Air Museum President

[Jim Agnew]

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James F. Agnew
Jim_Agnew_2 at Yahoo.Com
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 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
  For more information contact:
Jim Bernegger
      Director, Communications & Marketing 
     863-644-2431 x112
jbernegger at sun-n-fun.org
    

 April 22, 2011 
    


BURTON TAKES ON NEW LEADERSHIP ROLE AS 
FLORIDA AIR MUSEUM PRESIDENT

SUN ’n FUN CAMPUS, LAKELAND, FL. – (April 22, 2011) –SUN ’n FUN President John 
Burton is taking on a new role and a new challenge: raising the profile and 
prestige of the Florida Air Museum (FAM) at the local, regional, national and 
international levels, FAM officials announced today.  

“SUN ‘n FUN and the Florida Air Museum are all about education” said FAM Board 
Chairman and SUN ’n FUN Executive Committee member Pat Hill.  “The incredible 
new building at the entrance to campus that houses the Central Florida Aerospace 
Academy (CFAA) stands as testament to our commitment to education.  We are now 
taking a bold step forward in expanding our year-round mission by naming John 
Burton – a proven leader on a national stage – as the person who will lead the 
charge as we expand our vision, our programs and our presence.”

Hill said SUN ‘n FUN and the Florida Air Museum have a tremendous opportunity 
ahead and that it is critically important to ramp up for the future while taking 
advantage of the legacy that has been established over the past 37 years.  

“John came to SUN ‘n FUN more than 10 years ago and raised the profile of our 
event to a world-class aviation expo,” he explained.  “Now we are asking him to 
repeat his success with the Florida Air Museum.  His passion for community and 
his skill set in public affairs and industry relations could not be a better fit 
to lead the dreams of the FAM organization. And, his commitment to our overall 
mission offers the opportunity for us to sustain his deep involvement in making 
the SUN 'n FUN International Fly-In & Expo a continuing success.”

Hill said Burton will move from his current position as President of SUN ’n FUN 
Fly-In, Inc., to President of the Florida Air Museum effective June 1. A 
national search will begin immediately to fill the SUN 'n FUN leadership 
position.  Ernie Sanborn, interim FAM President for the past 18 months, will 
continue his vital role as head of programming and development and will serve as 
FAM’s Executive Vice President.

SUN ’n FUN Fly-In Board Chairman and FAM Board member Bill Eickhoff said 
Burton’s move to the museum is a tremendous “win-win” situation for all 
involved.

“In discussing the opportunity with leaders in aviation, with leaders in the 
regional associated partners and with donors, there is a consensus that John 
(Burton) is the type of leader we need to take on the year-round opportunities 
and challenges of the Florida Air Museum,” he explained.  “It is clear to 
everyone involved that he possesses the specific attributes we were looking for 
to take the FAM organization, as the primary driver of the educational mission 
of the SUN 'n FUN organization, to the next level and beyond by utilizing the 
strong working relationships he has already established within the industry, 
government and donor communities.”

Burton has been a member of the SUN ’n FUN staff since July 1999, when he was 
named Managing Director.  He was promoted to Executive Director on January 1, 
2000, and to President and CEO on January 13, 2001.  

“I’m ready, willing and able for this exciting new challenge,” Burton said.  “I 
have given my heart and soul to SUN ’n FUN for the past 12 years and am now 
ready to begin the next phase of my professional career.  And what better time 
than now, especially considering the remarkable Fly-In event we just concluded?  
I hope to apply what we learned these past few weeks – that there is no limit to 
what can be accomplished by a dedicated and talented team who share a common 
passion and a common purpose – in the dynamic new environment of the Florida Air 
Museum.  I relish the challenge and look forward to moving forward!”

Prior to joining the SUN ’n FUN staff, Burton worked for the Experimental 
Aircraft Association (EAA) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for nearly 15 years, most 
recently as Vice President of Corporate Communications.  He has also served as 
Public Relations Coordinator at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh; Publications 
Editor at Lawrence University in Appleton (Wis.); and Services Coordinator for 
the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association in Madison.

A 1979 Journalism graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Burton has 
also worked with ABC (television) Sports on college football broadcasts and the 
American League (baseball) Championship Series.  He is also an active volunteer 
in and around the Lakeland community.

Burton and his wife, Kristin, are the parents of three daughters: Tahlia (Phil) 
Combs, Alayna and Brianna.


________________________________


SUN ’n FUN, a 501(c) (3) not–for–profit organization based in Lakeland, Florida, 
is best known for its annual International Fly–In & Expo.  The Fly-In event is 
the primary source of funding for an expanding menu of year–round, 
aviation-oriented education programs offered through the Florida Air Museum 
(FAM).  FAM is a separate 501(c) (3) not–for–profit organization that was named 
the state’s “Official Aviation Museum and Education Center” by the Florida 
legislature in 2003.  FAM has initiated education programs for aviation 
enthusiasts of all ages – especially young people – featuring valuable “hands 
on” learning experiences primarily through science, technology, engineering and 
math (STEM) initiatives.  SUN ’n FUN and FAM provide ongoing support to the 
Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA), a high school career academy located 
on the SUN ’n FUN campus that was created in partnership with the Polk County 
School Board, Polk State College, the University of South Florida Polytechnic, 
Gulf Coast Avionics and other education-minded organizations. A growing 
scholarship program provides financial support to ensure these education 
programs are accessible to all.  
    
 
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