The Commonwealth’s aviation community gathered to honor 2024’s Virginia Aviation Award recipients.
At a banquet held on August 7, at the Virginia Aviation Conference in Chantilly, Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation Greg Campbell spoke about the significance of honoring these remarkable residents.
“One day, the time will come when our descendants will be amazed that we did not know things that are so plain to them… But they will know the people in our field who helped them get there. The Virginia Aviation Awards assures this,” Campbell said during his remarks at the banquet.
Every year, the DOAV seeks nominations from the public recognizing the contributions made in aviation by the Commonwealth’s residents. Recommendations come from across the country for Virginians who enrich aviation in the state. Awards are presented for “Airport Manager of the Year,” “Person of the Year” and a “Lifetime Achievement Award.” A “Director’s Award” is also presented by the head of the DOAV.
The 2024 recipients of the Virginia Aviation Awards
- Director’s Award is awarded to Keith W. Meurlin, who has been president of the Washington Airports Task Force since 2014. He was previously head of operations for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. During his tenure, Dulles International was the fastest growing airport twice. In his last year, Dulles served its most passengers ever: 27 million. Meurlin is a Major General in the Air Force Reserves and established the Wounded Warrior Office for the Department of Defense.
- Airport Manager of the Year was awarded to Nicholas Sabo, who has been executive director at Winchester Regional Airport for six years. In the last year, he has overseen $19 million in active construction projects, including a new terminal. Sabo has also helped to launch several new aviation educational programs to bring the local community into the airport. He is a former Air Force officer and an air traffic controller.
- Carley Walker of Winchester was awarded Person of the Year Award. She presides on the board of the Winchester Regional Airport Authority. She is also director of development for STEM Flights, a national nonprofit that uses aviation to educate students in science, technology, engineering and math. Walker has established the Winchester Regional Aviation Foundation, and helped launched several educational initiatives at Winchester Regional Airport.
- Lifetime Achievement Award went to Daniel “Bud” Oakey for 2024. Some of the titles that Oakey has earned during his lifetime are Virginia Aviation Board member, president of the Virginia Aviation Business Association and lieutenant colonel in the Civil Air Patrol. Among his accomplishments, Oakey led the effort to reduce taxes on aircraft parts and maintenance in the Commonwealth. Working alongside the executive branch, he reestablished the Virginia General Assembly Aviation and Aerospace Caucus, which educates lawmakers on important issues in the industry. Oakey has also worked to secure funding for aviation education, flight training and A&P training.
The Virginia Aviation Awards are held annually by the Virginia Department of Aviation. Applications and eligibility requirements can be found online.
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Rebecca Barnabi
