John Kussman

Board of Aviation Commissioners History

John Kussman was appointed to the Columbus, Indiana Board of Aviation Commissioners in 2004 by Mayor Fred Armstrong.

Aviation History

John has had a passion for flying as long as he can remember. He looked up to his older brother who was a pilot in the U.S. Marines during the 1950’s. John attended the University of Wisconsin, Superior because the school offered Air Force R.O.T.C. in which he was active during his three years there before transferring to Minnesota.

John currently flies a Piper Malibu Mirage for both personal and business purposes. He holds a private pilot certificate with an instrument rating and has logged over 2400 hours. His Malibu is kept in his hangar at the Columbus Municipal Airport.

Personal History

 John was born and raised in central Wisconsin. He and his wife, Judy, have resided in Minnesota, Tennessee, and now Indiana. John has been a resident of Columbus since 1990. John has five daughters and nine grandchildren.

Professional History

John has been in the manufacturing industry his entire career. The past 25 years have been in the plastic injection molding industry. He has served as plant manager for Schaper Toys in Minneapolis, MN; Vice President of Operations for Kusan, Inc. in Nashville, TN; and President of Kent Plastics in Evansville, IN. In 1990, John acquired Decatur Plastic Products in North Vernon, Indiana, which he currently owns and operates as CEO and President. John received his education from the University of Wisconsin, Superior and the University of Minnesota, majoring in Business Administration.

Memberships

Malibu Mirage Owners & Pilots Association (MMOPA)

Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA)

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)

Jennings County Chamber of Commerce (former board member)

Jennings County United Way (former board member, campaign chairman, President, and volunteer of the year)

Grace Lutheran Church, Columbus

Columbus Board of Aviation Commissioners