The Virginia Airport Operators Council concluded their 50th Annual Virginia Aviation Conference, on August 8, 2024, which was held at the Westfields Marriott. During the annual banquet, Virginia Director of Aviation and WATF board member, Greg Campbell presented four Virginia Aviation Awards which were the Directors’, Airport Manager of the Year, Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards. The recipients are highlighted below:
- Virginia Airport Manager of the Year Award: Nick Sabo, Executive Director, Winchester Regional Airport
- Virginia Aviation Person of the Year Award: Carley Walker, Board member of the Winchester Regional Airport Authority
- Virginia Aviation Lifetime Achievement Award: Bud Oakey, President, Virginia Aviation Business Association
- Directors Award was presented to our own, President, Keith Meurlin
Greg’s comments while presenting the award to Keith included “Your efforts to advocate for aviation in the Commonwealth and Northern Virginia have and continue to be significant. You are an exemplary aviation leader, respected and admired by many, serving as a mentor for people like me and others around the Commonwealth. From your efforts to take the WATF to the next level, your previous leadership at MWAA, actively working legislative issues that have impacts on the airport system, etc., the selection was an easy decision!”
In Keith’s acceptance speech he said that aviation is a team sport and that the Task Force is dedicated to actively promoting economic development, jobs through aviation across the Commonwealth.
On the last night of the conference, WATF board member Chris Browne, Director of the National Air and Space Museum opened the doors to Udvar Hazy Center for an amazing self-guided tour of the museum and wonderful reception.
