Dated 27.12.2025

The Board of Governors is pleased to announce the election of Don Desfosse as President of VATSIM effective 1 January 2026 for a two-year term. Don will serve as the eighth VATSIM President in VATSIM’s 24-year history.

After serving two successful terms as President, Tim Barber has decided to retire from the role. Pursuant to VATSIM’s Code of Regulations, the President of VATSIM serves a two-year term after which the Board of Governors hold an election for who shall serve in this role for the next two-year term. The current president may be re-elected should they wish to run again in the future.

Don is an 18-year member of the community, having gotten his start both flying and controlling in the Boston ARTCC (ZBW) in the USA. He served as Boston’s Training Administrator and then Air Traffic Manager before being asked to serve as the United States Division Director, a role he held for five years. In 2019, Don was elected to the VATSIM Board of Governors, serving as the Vice President of Membership before assuming his current role as Vice President of Operations in 2021.

Professionally, Don is a Mission Assurance Director for one of the world’s largest global aerospace and defense firms. He holds FAA Airline Transport and Flight Instructor Licenses, and flies single and multiengine, land and sea airplanes. Additionally, he is very active in his church and community volunteer organizations.

“I’m thrilled to lead this amazing community through our next chapter together. This is an exciting time for VATSIM, as we continue to seek the best and smartest balance of quality, immersion, excellence and fun in our air traffic simulation community,” Desfosse stated.

While stepping back from the President role, Tim will remain on the Board of Governors, assuming the Vice President At-Large role. We are glad to still have his experience on the Board.