TRACEE FRIESS ANNOUNCED AS WICHITA AERO CLUB BOARD CHAIR

NIAR Communications Leader Brings Decades of Industry Experience to Role

Tracee Friess, incoming Wichita Aero Club Board Chair

Wichita, KS—February 6, 2025:  The Wichita Aero Club introduced Tracee Friess as the club’s new Board Chair at its Trophy Gala on Saturday. Friess succeeds Ashley Bowen Cook as chair. As immediate past chairperson, Bowen Cook will continue supporting the board as the head of the Trophy Selection Committee.

“As I pass the baton to Tracee, I know I’m leaving the Aero Club in trusted hands. She will ensure the club continues on an upward trajectory,” said Bowen Cook, President of Greteman Group.

Friess, currently the Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing for Industry and Defense Programs at Wichita State University, brings two decades of aviation experience to her new role. She has also served on the WAC Board for the past three years. 

“By virtue of her work with Wichita State University and NIAR’s regional and global projects, Tracee is an ideal candidate to be the next chairperson of the WAC Board,” said Nicole Alexander, president of the Wichita Aero Club. “With her extensive experience and great network of industry leaders, she will help us further the club’s reach and support for our aviation partners.”

“I look forward to working with Nicole and our established WAC board to continue building on our mission to foster and promote aviation and support STEAM for students in our community,” said Friess.

Former board chairs include Ashley Bowen Cook, John O’Leary, Jeff Peier, Patrick Tuttle and Bob Stangarone. 

Board Chair Announcement  (L to R): Nicole Alexander, WAC President; Ashley Bowen Cook, immediate past WAC Board Chair; and Tracee Friess, incoming WAC Board Chair