The Washington Airports Task Force (WATF) is soaring to new heights with our efforts to engage our network and community in submitting nominations for the 2025 Williams Trophy Awards recipients. The Williams Trophy was established in 1996 by the Board of Directors of the WATF. Carrington Williams, for whom the trophy is named and who was the founding chairman of the WATF from 1982 to 1996, was the first to receive the trophy on June 10, 1996. The trophy is awarded to recognize those whose "Leadership, Vision and Dedication in the Application of Aviation or Space Enriched the Quality of Life on Earth.” We are celebrating our 29th year of the Williams Trophy Award and are proud to have honored many remarkable recipients in the past. The recipient(s) are recognized at the WATF’s Annual General Membership meeting (AGM) to be held late in 2025. The AGM is one of the Task Force's biggest and most anticipated events of the year and attendance is expected to be at capacity.
The criterion for selection involves choosing an individual, group, or company that closely aligns with and respects the essence of the award. We invite you to submit your nomination here by answering three simple questions. The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2025.
Recent years recipients are noted below, and a more extended list can be found here:
- 2024 – Celebrating Women in Space and Aviation: Last year, the Williams Trophy collectively and publicly paid tribute to women leaders who have notably broken-down gender barriers, have led, and continue to lead, change for a better today and future for space and aviation. Recipients included: Ellen Ochoa, Angela Gittens, Candace McGraw, Col. (USAF, ret) Pam Melroy and Katelyn Miller.
- 2023 - Doug Parker was the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines. Doug was awarded the Williams Trophy in recognition of his remarkable 37-year career marked by exceptional leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to aviation.
- 2022 – The Task Force honored the Silver Line Metrorail, spearheaded by counties of Fairfax and Loudoun, the Town of Herndon, MWAA, and WMAA.
If you should have any questions, please contact lisa@washingtonairports.com.
