AFA Delegates Elect New Board Members, Directors

September 10, 2023

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Sept. 10, 2023 — Air & Space Forces Association delegates from around the world congregated at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center for the annual AFA National Convention. The assembly voted on four open positions on the Board of Directors on Sept. 9, and AFA Chair Bernie Skoch announced the results on Sept. 10. 
 
Chris Canada was elected as Vice Chair of the Board for Field Operations. Canada has been an AFA member since 1980 when he was a member of the Arnold Air Society. He is the former Director of Staff for the 55th Wing, the second largest wing in the U.S. Air Force, and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He has held various Field Leadership roles throughout his time at AFA in addition to various Board positions at other nonprofits. 
 
Todd Freece was unanimously approved for the uncontested position as National Director of AFA’s East Area. Freece has served as the AFA Florida State and Region President and served in the Air Force for more than 26 years. 
 
Bill Harding was elected for one of two open positions for National Director, at Large. Harding is the former president of AFA’s Schriever Chapter and set the stage for its achievement as AFA’s Outstanding Large Chapter in 2022. A 28-year veteran of the Air Force, Harding is a strong advocate for Space Operations. He co-chaired AFA’s Space Working Group (SWG) for more than two years, a group that was pivotal in AFA’s rebranding to the Air & Space Forces Association.  
 
Robin “Baba” Rand was elected for the second open seat as National Director, at Large. Previously an Appointed National Director on the AFA Board, Rand is currently the Chairman of the Board for the Arnold Air Society & Silver Wings. He is a retired four-star general who served more than 40 years with the Air Force, including as the Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and U.S. Strategic Command. 

Jim Simons accepts an award from AFA Chairman of the Board Bernie Skotch at the Air & Space Forces Association National Convention on September 9, 2023, at National Harbor, Maryland. Photo by Mike Tsukamoto/Air & Space Forces Magazine

Skoch also presented the departing Vice Chair of the Board for Field Operations, Jim Simons, with an Arnold Fellowship plaque in recognition for his dedicated service. In addition, the Board acknowledged six Region Presidents who are stepping down from their positions:  

  • Ken Spencer of AFA Central East 
  • Jennifer Cunningham of AFA Europe 
  • Todd Freece of AFA Florida 
  • Dan Murphy of AFA North Central 
  • Jeff Putnam of AFA Northwest 
  • Paul Weseloh of AFA Texoma.