THE WATHEN CENTER IS THE NEW NAME FOR THE WATHEN FOUNDATION

Riverside, CA – The Thomas W. Wathen Foundation has changed its name to The Tom Wathen Center to affirm its role as a leading provider of aviation-related educational programs. The change takes effect immediately.

At its home on historic Flabob Airport in Riverside, California, the Tom Wathen Center offers over two dozen educational activities, using the fascination of flight to inspire a love of learning and aviation. The Center’s diverse programs include air academies, airplane restoration and building programs, school visitations and after-school programs, Young Eagle enrichment activities and more. The Tom Wathen Center hosts an aviation-themed charter secondary school for which it is planning expanded facilities.

In addition to the name changes, The Tom Wathen Center announced personnel changes to strengthen its operations. Tom Wathen will retain his title as Founder Trustee. John Lyon has become the Chairman of the Board. Bill Sawin has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer of the Tom Wathen Center, assuming management responsibility for the entire organization.

The Tom Wathen Center also announced plans to expand its Board of Directors up to 15 members, with plans for three meetings annually and a new executive committee.