Russell W. Meyer Jr.

Russell W. Meyer Jr. (July 19, 1932 – March 4, 2026) was an American aviation executive who, after transforming American Aviation Corporation into Grumman American, became the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Cessna Aircraft Company, leading it for three decades. Meyer eventually rose to president of the parent company, Textron's, Aviation Sector (including Bell Helicopter and Lycoming Engines). His work included expanding the Grumman American line of light aircraft, radically expanding the Cessna Citation line of business jets to the world's largest and fastest, and salvaging Bell Helicopter's floundering V-22 Osprey program.

Meyer chaired the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) for three terms, and served on various Presidential national aviation commissions. He was a key driving force in the passage of the federal General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA), which limited aircraft manufacturers' liability, shielding a dying lightplane industry.

Meyer was a noted innovator in corporate and executive philanthropy, particularly noted for creating the Citation Special Olympics Airlift, reportedly the nation's largest peacetime recurring airlift, to transport thousands of disabled athletes to the Special Olympics. He, his wife, and his company created hometown facilities to aid struggling workers and the poor, which drew attention and involvement of U.S. presidents from both parties.

Meyer was awarded the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, and the Collier Trophy on two separate occasions (once jointly with Cessna), and the Meritorious Service Award from the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA), and top awards from other national aviation organizations, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and various other organizations, media and institutions. In 2009, he was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame.