In 1989, the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Aviation Officials established the State Aviation Distinguished Service Award to honor State Aviation personnel who have excelled in their service and dedication to aviation progress and development in their state. Recognizing that the vitality and effectiveness of a state aviation agency directly reflects the quality of agency personnel, NASAO resolved to identify and honor a staff member that has performed in an exemplary manner and whose contributions will serve as an inspiration to other state aviation agency personnel. The recipient will receive the award at the NASAO Annual Convention & Trade Show.

ELIGIBILITY

The State Aviation Distinguished Service Award is open to any employee of a state aviation agency, excluding the director or acting director. Nominees must have been employed by the state aviation agency during 2024.

Previous nominees may be renominated provided they still meet the eligibility requirements and their nominations are updated to include their latest achievements.

NOMINATION PROCEDURE

Nominations must be typed, submitted electronically and include:

• Please provide a 250-350 word impact statement which speaks to the service of the individual. This statement can include information such as years of service, projects under their management, awards, positions they held at NASAO, as well as how they have impacted aviation on the state or national level. 
• A cover page on the presentation which should include the name, title, address and telephone number of the nominee and the name, title, address, and telephone number of the person making the nomination.
• An Executive Summary prepared by the person making the nomination describing the nominee’s contribution that qualifies the individual for consideration.
• A current résumé of the individual.
• Supporting documents, not to exceed 5 pages, double-spaced. Please do not send videos, books, etc.

JUDGING

The NASAO Executive Board shall serve as the judges. Judges will be asked to rank each nominee and to consider the degree to which they: (1) have made an extraordinary contribution to the aviation community through their superior service to their state agency program; or (2) have made an outstanding contribution on either a sustained basis or through performance of a single exceptional deed or project; and/or (3) have made a contribution within their area of responsibility which can be readily adapted by other state aviation personnel to improve the quality and effectiveness of state aviation services.

THE NOMINATION DEADLINE

Each state may submit only one entry. All entries must be received by Friday, June 28, 2024.

CONTACT

Please send the electronic nomination to: info@nasao.org

PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE STATE AVIATION DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

• 2023 Tom Tomczyk (Pennsylvania)
• 2022 Mike McHugh (North Dakota)
• 2021 Tina Wilson (Louisiana)
• 2020 Grayson Ardies (Oklahoma)
• 2019 Shahn Sederberg (Colorado)
• 2018 Cliff Burnette (Virginia)
• 2017 Andre Aman (Nebraska)
• 2016 Roger Maggard (Alaska)
• 2015 Malinda Weninger (North Dakota)
• 2013 Carol L. Aldrich, PE (Michigan)
• 2012 Frank Farmer (Alabama)
• 2011 Mark Noel PE (Michigan)
• 2010 Dale Williams (Oklahoma)
• 2009 Cynthia Kever (Missouri) and Karon Wiedemann (Texas)
• 2008 Scott Brummond (Wisconsin)
• 2007 Mark Young (Idaho)
• 2006 Daniel McDowell (Minnesota)
• 2003 Kurt Haukohl (California)
• 2002 Terrance L. Schaddel (Illinois)
• 2001 Duane A. Haukebo (Minnesota) and James L. Bland (Virginia)
• 2000 Bruce F. Mundie (Maryland)
• 1999 Paul Kramer (Illinois)
• 1998 Gordon Hoff (Minnesota)
• 1997 Roger L. Pfeiffer (North Dakota)
• 1996 A. Dean Gretschmann (South Dakota)
• 1995 James L. Bildilli (Illinois)
• 1994 Janice Draper (Illinois)
• 1993 Duane E. Esse (Wisconsin)
• 1992 Kenton R. Hoeper (Minnesota)
• 1991 Roger H. Barcus (Illinois)
• 1990 Steven R. McNeely (Virginia)