VA 'Airport Manager Of The Year', 'Person Of The Year', 'Lifetime Achievement' Awardees Named

The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) will present the 2010 Virginia Aviation Awards at the 36th annual Virginia Aviation Conference Aug. 17-20 in Virginia Beach. The awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jacqueline L. Shuck will be named "Virginia Airport Manager of the Year" for her achievements at the Roanoke Regional Airport. As Executive Director, she has worked to improve air service and help promote economic development in the Roanoke region for the last 21 years. In addition, she has worked on various projects benefitting airport operators across the Commonwealth. Her accomplishments have been extensive and diverse, and she has exemplified the characteristics and qualities for a top-rated airport manager.   

Ray Conlon will receive the "Virginia Aviation Person of the Year" award in recognition of his significant role in ensuring the safety of Virginia's airports as Chief Inspector of Austin Electrical Construction. His time and effort in maintaining runway/taxiway lighting systems, weather reporting systems, ILS, and approach path indicators has been noted and appreciated by airports across the Commonwealth. He has donated his personal time, resources and financial contributions for the education and betterment of the aviation community.

James E. Bennett will be honored with the "Virginia Aviation Lifetime Achievement Award" for his lifetime contributions to aviation in Virginia. As President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, he led a multi-disciplinary organization consisting of over 1,400 employees operating Washington Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport, and the Dulles Corridor for 14 years. Under his leadership, Dulles improved its position as a major transatlantic gateway. He also implemented passenger service improvements in both Dulles and Reagan National, a green program to reduce energy use and a host of operational improvements such as the new Dulles Tower, construction of the Dulles Rail System and its 4th and 5th runways. His 32 years of innovative thinking and planning have been an asset not only to the Commonwealth, but the national and international aviation community as well.

The recipients will be recognized at the Virginia Aviation Awards Banquet on August 18  at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel starting at 1900. DOAV continually strives to become the standard of excellence amongst state aviation agencies through; its cultivation of an advanced aviation system, a system that is not only safe for consumers, but one that will provide economic development opportunities throughout the Commonwealth; its promotion and education of aviation and aviation related issues, subsequently raising aviation awareness in the Commonwealth and beyond; and by providing executive flight services for the Commonwealth leadership.

FMI: www.doav.virginia.gov