The aviation and marketing communities are mourning the unexpected passing of Mike Poznansky, a former board member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and a prominent marketing consultant based in Chicago, Illinois. Poznansky died suddenly in December 2023, leaving behind a legacy of passion, innovation, and service.
Mike Poznansky was a dedicated aviator who embraced every facet of flight. He piloted various aircraft, including a Cub, a Cessna 185 on floats, a Cirrus SR22, and a Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet, often flying for both personal enjoyment and charitable causes. His commitment to aviation extended to volunteer work with organizations like LightHawk, which focuses on conservation efforts, and Angel Flight, providing medical transportation to those in need.
In the professional realm, Poznansky was the founder and managing director of Neato, a marketing agency specializing in connecting brands with college students and Generation Z. His innovative approach to marketing and deep understanding of youth culture made him a respected figure in the industry. Prior to founding Neato, he served as the national collegiate marketing manager for Red Bull North America, where he developed and implemented the company’s college marketing strategy.
Poznansky joined the AOPA board of trustees in 2021, bringing his marketing expertise and passion for aviation to the organization. He was instrumental in developing strategies to increase engagement among AOPA members across diverse demographic groups. In 2023, he stepped down from the board to allow Neato to provide strategic consulting services to AOPA, further demonstrating his commitment to the organization’s mission. AOPA President Mark Baker noted that as the association implements these strategies, they will honor Poznansky’s legacy by attracting and supporting more aviators who aspire to experience the fun, adventure, and utility of general aviation as he did.
Friends and colleagues remember Poznansky as an adventurer, entrepreneur, pilot, friend, new father, and husband. His enthusiasm for life and dedication to helping others left a lasting impact on those who knew him. As one tribute expressed, “Mike loved life and loved to live. Mike loved seeing the world from the sky. Mike loved helping anyone who needed it. Mike left me better than he found me.”
His sudden passing is a profound loss to both the aviation and business communities. However, his legacy of passion, innovation, and service continues to inspire those who knew him and those who learn about his remarkable contributions.
