Audrey Poberezny

Audrey Ruesch Poberezny was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1925 and became a foundational figure in the development of one of aviation’s most influential organizations. She and Paul Poberezny married in 1944 and, in 1953, together founded the Experimental Aircraft Association while Paul was serving in the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

From EAA’s earliest days, Audrey was instrumental in building the organization and turning its vision into reality. In the organization’s formative years, when Paul’s military duties frequently took him away, Audrey provided the leadership, organization, and continuity that allowed EAA to keep moving forward. She managed finances, membership, communications, and helped shape the systems and culture that became the foundation of EAA. She was also Paul’s most trusted advisor, challenging ideas, solving problems, and helping turn plans into action.

Audrey worked alongside volunteers to help prepare the site for EAA’s first fly-in convention, beginning a tradition that would eventually make Oshkosh the home of the world’s largest annual gathering of recreational aviators. Throughout the decades that followed, she welcomed visitors from around the world and continued to play an important role in creating the atmosphere and sense of community that became hallmarks of EAA and AirVenture Oshkosh.

Known throughout aviation as the “First Lady of EAA,” Audrey brought determination, warmth, and an exceptional understanding of people to the organization. Paul often said, “Without Audrey, none of this would have happened.”

In 2014, Audrey received EAA’s Freedom of Flight Award, its highest honor, recognizing her extraordinary contribution to the organization she helped build.

Audrey Poberezny’s quiet leadership helped transform a small Wisconsin organization into a worldwide aviation institution. Her legacy is woven into EAA, AirVenture Oshkosh, and Wisconsin aviation.