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President’s Special Recognition

2024 – Marcus Dial

Marcus attended Indiana State University where he majored in Professional Aviation Flight Technology and Aviation Management.  After graduation, he served as a flight instructor at the Terre Haute Air Center until being hired by the Indiana Department of Transportation in 2007.  He has held the positions of Chief Airport Inspector, Project Manager, Aviation Planner and currently State Aviation Director. In this role, he is dedicated to preserving and developing a safe, high quality air transportation system in the state.

He and his wife Carol reside on the north side of Indianapolis with their daughters Claire and Olivia.

2023 – Sean Smith

Sean is a Senior Aviation Engineer/Project Manager/Resident Engineer for Crawford, Murphy & Tilley (CMT) working on behalf of airports.  He has done pavement designs geometrics, grading, taxiway pavement markings, phasing and preparation of plans and specifications, taxiways and aprons.

Sean serves as the Chairperson for the sponsorship committee.  As Chair, Sean has reached out to new sponsors and better coordinated our sponsorship efforts amongst our members.  Sean has continually improved our sponsorship program that improves the conference and helps support our initiatives throughout the year.

Sean received both his BS (1998) and MS (2000) in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois.

2022 – Bill Sheley

Bill  graduated Bremen High School in 1981and attended classes at both Ball State and Ivy Tech.  In 2017, Bill become the Plymouth Airport Manager.

Early on as Airport Manager, Bill was instrumental in starting a CTE program at C65 focusing on providing dual credit to 40 students each year.  This is the most by any Ivy Tech CTE program in the state.  He has also started a second year class, which had never been done, for 10 current students in his district.

Under Bill’s leadership, the Plymouth Airport has flourished and was awarded the Aviation Indiana Airport of the Year in 2019. In January, 2022 Bill was asked to Chair a new Aviation Indiana committee focused on the advancement of aviation education in this State. Bill has worked with other airports across the state bringing new students into the aviation world.  Bill was selected by one of his students in 2022 as her most inspirational teacher and was honored at a banquet held by Culver Community Schools.

2021- Brian McMillen

Aviation has been a part of Brian McMillen’s life since birth. His earliest experiences included night flights with his father who flew actual, paper checks for night delivery to banks in different cities throughout the Midwest. As his passion developed, he learned to recognize planes on sight, as well as according to their flying capabilities and sounds.

Continuing in his father’s footsteps, Brian then joined the Air Force enjoying the world of military aircraft having especially fond memories of fighter jets flying over base housing EVERY day as well as the sweet sound jets of breaking the sound barrier. Though he separated from active duty, Brian could not separate from his connection to aviation. As a member of the reserves, Brian received an active duty assignment after 9/11 to establish security for the South Bend Airport.

Working at the South Bend Airport, as it was called then, created a new aviation opportunity for Brian. He was recognized for his leadership abilities and knowledge and offered a position at the airport as the maintenance manager, which enabled him to blend his knowledge of aviation, maintenance, heavy equipment operation and repair to lead his crew to absolute success. Despite the frequent, heavy snowfalls in the South Bend area, under Brian’s direction, the crew never lost the runway and never closed the airport.

Personally, Brian had another box to check, getting his private pilot’s license. Of course, flying can be pricy, so hearing of a “project” plane, Brian purchased a Beechcraft B19 Musketeer (well… a potential Beechcraft Musketeer). It was completely stripped of paint and most of the interior mechanical devices.  In short-time, his plane came to life complete with a blue, gray and white paint scheme that he designed himself. The little Beechcraft had one adventure after another, losing a magneto in the middle of a night flight in Michigan, trips to northern Michigan and Tennessee, literally going zero knots while flying into oncoming wind trying to make it home from a family gathering and more.

Brian leads by example and asks nothing of others that he wouldn’t do himself. As anyone who knows him can attest, Brian has the gift of gab. His conduct, actions and forming of sincere relationships highlight a person who can be relied upon and trusted. Brian would go out of his way for any colleague, would share any information, support any pilot, and help to elevate any airport.

Brian has worked at the South Bend and the Indianapolis International Airport with duties ranging from project management to operations.  In 2016, Brian took these experience to Anderson Municipal Airport in 2016 when he became the airport manager.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University in Business Administration and an Associate of Applied Science with focus on Business Administration from the Community College of the Air Force. Brian has completed the Airport Safety and Operational Specialists School, is a member of AOPA, Civil Air Patrol and the EAA.  Additionally, Brian served in the Air Force Reserve and the Army National Guard and has served overseas in deployments in Afghanistan and Kuwait.

Brian serves as the Aviation Indiana Secretary, serves as the chair of the General Aviation Committee, and has also served as Chairman of the Membership Committee and as a member of the Airport of the Year Committee.

2020- Carlos Laverty

Carlos has a lifetime of broad and varied aviation experience.  For starters, Carlos managed to trick his high-school into letting him leave campus to attend flying lessons for credit.  After being told that he couldn’t fly as a Naval Aviator due to his corrected vision, he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps in 1995 as an Avionics Technician on the AV8-B Harrier “Jump-Jet.”  Not long afterward, however, Carlos noticed pilots walking around with glasses.  Recruiters got ‘em.
After leaving the service, Carlos earned his degree from Southern Illinois University in Aviation Management.  He then interned at the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport, which later hired him as their Asst. Operations Manager.  In 2008 Carlos joined the Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, Colorado, as an Operations and ARFF Officer.  In 2011 Carlos moved on to the Bellingham International Airport in Washington as their General Aviation Liaison to help bridge the Airline, Airport Sponsor, and General Aviation communities at an airport undergoing explosive growth.  After only six months, Carlos was promoted to the Operations Manager, overseeing all the day-to-day operations at Washington State’s third-largest airport.
Eventually, Carlos and his family desired to be closer to family.  He found a position with Brian Payne at the Columbus Municipal Airport as Brian’s Asst. Airport manager.  It was a different airport and life-pace in Columbus, but Carlos grew fond of Hoosier life, and even Brian.  In 2019,  after the retirement of the venerable Bruce Payton, Carlos landed his dream-job as Director at the Monroe County Airport.
Carlos is married to his beautiful and gracious Natalie, and together, they both raise their children Jayna, Leanna, and Sarah. Carlos is involved in his church and directs its Mercy Team, which lends helping hands to people in need.  Carlos enjoys backpacking, camping, and travel.  He and Natalie even managed to sneak a Cuba trip in before things became crazy this year.

2019- Brad Cozza

BS ’12, Aviation Management; MS ’13, Aviation & Aerospace Management
Airport Director for Indianapolis Executive Airport

Brad Cozza was born and raised in Indiana. With family members who had graduated from Purdue, and his own growing interest in airport operations, he felt a connection with Purdue during his campus visits.

Today, as director of Indiana’s fourth-busiest airport in terms of daily business flights, Cozza’s responsibilities are diverse.

“From weekly inspections of airfield infrastructure, monthly invoicing and annual budgeting, to attendance of civic meetings, the airport director does a little bit of anything and everything,” says Cozza. “My success can be attributed 60 percent to Purdue’s classroom education and 40 percent to real-world internships,” he says. “That balance of education and application has afforded me the personal and professional opportunities I have enjoyed throughout the past five and a half years.”

2018- Doug Joest

Doug Joest is the Executive Director of the Evansville Vanderburgh Airport Authority.  Doug, an Evansville native, became interested in aviation early; he earned his pilot’s license while attending high school.  He subsequently worked on the airport ramp while completing his BS in Accounting at the University of Southern Indiana.

After graduation, Doug worked in public accounting and then gained experience in corporate finance with a large energy company in Texas.  After several years, he eagerly moved his family home to Evansville, returning to Tri-State Aero, Inc. as its CFO and Business Manager.

After 13 years at Tri-State Aero, Inc., Doug left for other opportunities in financial management.  During this time, his enthusiasm for aviation led him to serving on the Evansville Vanderburgh Airport Authority Board for five years.

In 2007 he returned to the aviation industry full time when he joined the Evansville Airport staff as Financial Manager and Treasurer.  Since 2010, he has had the opportunity serve the Evansville community in his current role by maintaining a safe and attractive gateway to the region, and expanding air service to further connect Evansville to the world.

Doug is past president and on the board of Aviation Indiana.  He also is active with the American Association of Airport Executives, the board of the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and the EVV Pilot’s Club.  He is also on the Board of Advisors for the Romain College of Business at USI.  In 2015 he served as the Romain College of Business Executive in Residence.

Doug and his wife, Sally, have two married daughters and three grandchildren.

2017-  Mike Medvescek

Mike Medvescek joined the Indianapolis Airport Authority in 1989 and currently serves as the senior director of operations. Medvescek oversees five critical departments within the organization including operations, police and fire departments. Under his direction the Authority has had FAA Part 139 Inspections without discrepancies for 13 out of 14 years, and received five FAA safety and proactive awards from 2001 through 2010. He is both an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) and certified by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). He is also presently a member of the board for the Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy Program and the Aviation Association of Indiana (AAI). Medvescek earned a bachelor of science in business from the University of Phoenix and successfully completed a leadership program at Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

2016 – Ed Volk

Ed Volk is an Attorney with Newby, Lewis, Kaminsky and Jones in La Porte, Indiana. Ed is a licensed and instrument-rated pilot for more than 30 years, and has served on the La Porte Municipal Airport Authority and as a member of Aviation Indiana. He has also served on the Aviation Law Committee of the Indiana State Bar Association. This experience has led him to represent individuals, businesses and municipalities in various aspects of aviation law.
Because his clients’ businesses often extend across several states, Ed has established close ties with numerous attorneys across the country and, as a result, served as a founding member (and current Board Member) of the Legal Network Alliance, a worldwide organization dedicated to providing legal services in distant locations at reasonable costs.

Prior to joining the firm, Ed practiced with a large Chicago-based law firm. he also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Jesse E. Eschbach, Chief Judge, U.S. District court for the Northern District of Indiana, who later served as a Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Admitted in Indiana and Illinois and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, and U.S. Supreme Court, Ed is a member of the La Porte County Bar Association (President, 1988-1989) and the Indiana State Bar Association, where he is a member of the Aviation Law Committee (Chairman, 1983-1991, 1997-1998). He is a fellow of the Indiana Bar Foundation.

Ed is current or past chairman of the following organizations: Unity Foundation of La Porte County, Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation. He was a founding member of Leadership La Porte County and served on the organization’s Board of Directors for 20 years.

Ed has earned and retains the highest possible Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating (AV) for legal ability and professional ethics.

2015 – Kevin Rector

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2014 – Don Manley

Don Manely
Don Manley had a career in airport planning and design after graduating in 1973 from Tri-State College, Angola, IN with Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. From 1973 to 1981 he served the Aeronautics Commission of Indiana (ACI), predecessor to the Department of Transportation, as assistant engineer. He is a licensed pilot and professional engineer. In 1981 he began his private consulting engineer career serving as a project engineer with Wetzel Engineers, Inc. (WE) and went on to become the aviation department manager. In 1993 WE was sold to Butler, Fairman & Seufert (BF&S) to begin an Airport Development Department. Don continued as aviation department manager with expanded duties as an executive vice president while with BF&S. Both duties continued until his retirement in 2015. During his career in Indiana aviation, Don had the distinction of being involved in surveying every public use airport and managing some of Indiana’s most public visible airport projects. These projects included the original 50 acres of apron serving Federal Express, Indianapolis International Airport runway 5R-23L and associated parallel taxiways with a CAT III ILS, and the only Watts glide slope antenna in Indiana, the first civilian runway in Indiana of 12000 feet at FWA. His visionary designs included the use of lime-fly ash soil stabilization by the injection method through existing runway pavement, a complete airport using LED technology, use of silicon joint sealant in fuel resistant applications, minimization of expansion joints, fiber reinforced asphalt pavement, full-depth asphalt pavement reclamation stabilized with cement, and doweling concrete pavement in all directions. Many of these projects received awards. He authored both a technical paper that received national recognition and a statute for the original noise sensitive purpose area (IC 8-21-10). His aviation volunteer work included memberships with AOPA, AAAE, AAAE Great Lakes Chapter and AAI. He had the great pleasure to serve as AAI secretary and then treasurer for many years until 2015. His proudest AAI achievement was developing the Airport of the Year award.

2013 – Corey Harper

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2012 – Travis McQueen

TravisMcQueen
McQueen graduated from Purdue University in Aviation Administration. He is a certificated private pilot and aircraft dispatcher. He serves on the board of the Huntingburg Airport as airport manager. He previously worked for INDOT, Office of Aviation and the Indianapolis International Airport Source: http://huntingburgairport.com/staff/

2012 – Kyle Kuebler

Kyle Kuebler1
Kyle Kuebler has been at the Porter County Regional Airport since May 1991. He is also a Captain/Training Officer of the Kouts Volunteer Fire Department. he has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.

2011 – Paul Shaffer

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2010 – Brad Stump

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2010 – Tory Richardson

Tory served as the Executive Director for the Ft. Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority and served on the AAI Board until 2012 and also held the position of  Secretary.   Tory was recognized for his work developing a white paper on funding that the Association used to promote increased funding for Indiana airports as well as to decide if Indiana should pursue becoming a Block Grant State.  Tory was also active with the Strategic Planning Committee that worked on restructuring the Board and Committees.

After leaving Ft. Wayne, Tory served as the Executive VP and COO at Columbus (OH) Regional Airport Authority and then to the Gerald R Ford International Airport Authority as the President & CEO.  Tory is also active in AAAE and has held various leaderships roles in the organization.

2009 – Nikki Anderson

Nikki Anderson has worked at the Wabash and Kokomo Airports and was later the manager at the LaPorte Municipal airport. Other Information unavailable. If you have something you would like to add, please let us know.

2008 – Ken Ross

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2007 – Robert Duncan

bob duncan
Bob Duncan is a senior level executive for the Indianapolis Airport Authority and an American Association of Airport Executives Accredited Airport Executive. He obtained his B.A. Degree in History with a minor in political science from Hanover College and his J.D. Degree from Indiana University Law School-Indianapolis where he currently teaches Aviation Law as an Adjunct Professor. Bob has extensive operational and legal expertise in airport operations as well as being instrumental in land acquisition for over 30 years to facilitate the expansion of Indianapolis International Airport. He is an active pilot holding Federal Aviation Administration issued Airlines Transport Pilot and Flight Instructor certificates and serves as an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor certificates in both single and multi-engine aircraft. He is well recognized as an aviation speaker and author. Bob’s memberships include many aviation and legal based organizations and he has been active in numerous civic organizations throughout his career.

2005 – Maria Muia

Maria Muia began flying at age 15 at McDonald’s Field, a grass strip between two cornfields in Morgan County marked on the aeronautical chart as “hazardous.” She graduated from Indiana State University with a B.S. in Aviation Administration and is proudly known to hail, “Go Sycamores!” She is a private pilot with an instrument rating and an advanced instrument ground instructor training. She received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Management and has taught many courses as an adjunct professor in the field of aviation. Muia has served in both the private and public sectors, including 10 years as the Manager of INDOT’s Aeronautics Section and as many years as an aviation consultant. Maria has landed at every public airport in Indiana and served on the board of directors for AAI and the AAI Scholarship fund.

2005 – Terry Ranier

terry-rainier
Terry graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. His career in aviation began in 1976 when he joined the Engineering firm of RW Armstrong & Assoc., Inc. (RW Armstrong), a firm that specialized in aviation planning, design, and development. During Terry’s career with RW Armstrong, the firm grew from having two offices in Indiana, to having 18 offices throughout the United States as well as several international locations. He served as a Project manager through the 1980s for most of the firm’s civil and electrical airport design projects, and as Director of Airports Design through the 1990s. From 1998 through 2010 he served as Director of Airports, leading over 100 staff members on the Airports Team. After his role as Director of Airports he continued as a Board of Director and vice president for the firm providing strategic corporate oversight for the growth of Airport Services, while also staying engaged with design and quality control efforts. RW Armstrong merged in 2012 and is now known as CHA. Although mostly retired at this point, Terry continues to work as a Senior Principal Engineer in CHA’s Aviation Market.

Terry was elected to the AAI Board of Directors in 1995 and was also appointed to chair the Sponsorship Committee for the Association at that time. He started through the chairs of the management team in 2004 serving as Secretary (2004-2005), Second Vice President (2006-2007), First Vice President (2008-2009), and President (2010-2011). As a member of the Management Team, Terry was very active in the development of a Strategic Plan for the Association and in growing member participation. Terry was the recipient of the Association’s Special Recognition Award in 2005, and Person of the Year in 2015.

2005 – Kim Purucker

Kim Purucker has been involved in AAI since 1992.  Kim was Executive Director of the Association from 1992 – 2001 when she stepped aside to become the meeting planner for the association.  Kim graduated from the University of Evansville with a BS in Legal Administration and previously worked as a paralegal for a major law firm in Indianapolis.  Kim is an active Indianapolis community volunteer.

2004 – Dan and Andrea Montgomery

During Montgomery’s tenure, Montgomery Aviation expanded its facilities to include two 18,000-square foot hangars, central Indiana’s only covered ramp and an executive jet center terminal with corporate offices, conference rooms, pilot lounges and flight planning centers. The company also added two additional locations – Frankfort Municipal Airport in 2005 and Grissom Aeroplex in 2008.

The full-service fixed base operator provides aircraft services from maintenance, de-icing and fueling, and concierge services such as rental cars and hotel accommodations for passengers and crew. Montgomery Aviation also provides a full Cessna pilot & Cirrus training center flight school, Eagle Flyers Inc.

Andrea Montgomery  has served on Aviation Indiana’s board, including as president. She has also served on the board of the Boone County Economic Development Corp., the Zionsville Economic Development Commission, National Air Transportation Association, Indiana Chamber of Commerce and as an executive committee member of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce.

Recently, Andi has completed her recurrent training for corporate flight attendant with Flight Saftey and spends time as a substitute teacher.

Dan graduated from Vincennes University with an Associate Degree in Applied Science.  His aviation career started in 1976 as Director of Maintenance at Van S. Aviation. He’s a highly experienced aviation professional with extensive experience in airport management, fixed-base operations, and aircraft inspection and maintenance. Airport management highlights include managing multiple facilities, and overseeing significant growth in revenue and operations. FBO experience includes meeting/exceeding standards, honing negotiation skills, and overseeing dramatic growth in fuel sales. Nearly three decades in aircraft maintenance includes focus on preventive maintenance as well as topflight engine and equipment diagnosis and repair. Proven ability to select and lead teams, direct and perform under time constraints, and comply with OSHA, hazardous material, and FAA regulations.

Dan was the owner, president, and general manager of Montgomery Aviation from 1989-2015, where he founded, built, and led full-service FBO at Indianapolis Executive Airport (TYQ). He took Terry Airport with 40 planes—most gliders and 50,000 gal of fuel sales to an impressive Executive airport with 80 planes and over 600,000 gallons.He expanded to 2 more airports, organized, educated and worked hard to leave them better airports.and his wife Andi have formed DA Aviation and Dan now manages 2 jets, helps with owner annuals and is an approved auditor for IS-BAH (International Standards for Business Aircraft Handling).

2003 – Maria Muia

Maria Muia began flying at age 15 at McDonald’s Field, a grass strip between two cornfields in Morgan County marked on the aeronautical chart as “hazardous.” She graduated from Indiana State University with a B.S. in Aviation Administration and is proudly known to hail, “Go Sycamores!” She is a private pilot with an instrument rating and an advanced instrument ground instructor training. She received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Management and has taught many courses as an adjunct professor in the field of aviation. Muia has served in both the private and public sectors, including 10 years as the Manager of INDOT’s Aeronautics Section and as many years as an aviation consultant. Maria has landed at every public airport in Indiana and served on the board of directors for AAI and the AAI Scholarship fund.

2002 – Troy Allen

Troy Allen
Troy Allen began his aviation career in 1990 as the Airport Inspector for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Aeronautics Section. As an inspector, he was responsible for the state certification process for airports, seaplane bases, heliports and ultralight flight parks located within Indiana. He then became a Project Manager where he was responsible for a variety of areas including oversight of Indiana’s tall structures regulation, pavement condition index (PCI) surveys, and the aircraft traffic counting program. During his tenure with the Aeronautics Section he logged over 1,400 hours of flight time in a variety of aircraft including a Piper Cherokee Six, Cessna 182, Cessna 206, Cessna 172 and Bell Jet Ranger. In 2002, Troy was hired as an Assistant Professor at ISU in the Aerospace Department where he teaches a variety of aviation administration and professional pilot courses. He was elected to the faculty senate in 2007 and serves on a variety of departmental and college level committees. He is also the Assistant Dean for the college of Graduate and Professional Studies.

2001 – Nikki Anderson

Nikki Anderson has worked at the Wabash and Kokomo Airports and was later the manager at the LaPorte Municipal airport. Other Information unavailable. If you have something you would like to add, please let us know.

2000 – Susan Zellers

Susan is a Licensed Professional Engineer, and is an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). She is active in Aircraft Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Projects, and was a co-owner of the aviation planning firm Aerofinity, Inc. from 2000-2010. Sue is a licensed and active Instrument Rated Private Pilot. Historically, her past efforts involved spearheading the bi-annual Economic Impact Study when it was accomplished in-house for AAI.

Susan’s other memberships include the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Hendricks County Aviation Association, and the Illinois Public Airports Association.

1999 – Larry Creakbaum

Larry started his lifelong aviation career at INDOT (Indiana Aeronautics Commission) where he established their first ever Capital Improvement & FAA Grant Program.  He later assisted airports working for various engineering firms  and retired from Woolpert.   Larry graduated from Purdue, was a member of AOPA,  American Society of Civil Engineers (Indianapolis Chapter Past President), Aviation Indiana (served as Treasurer), the National Shuffleboard hall of Fame (Founding Director), and several other organizations.

Larry was born and raised in Mentone, IN.  He and his wife Patti raised 3 sons (including one who is an airline pilot captain) in Indianapolis.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes Larry Edward Creakbaum as part of the prestigious FAA Airmen Certification Database.

1998 – Bart Giesler

Bart Giesler, of New Palestine started working for John Frick and Associates in 1992. Bart’s initial responsibilities for AAI were focused on assisting at the Annual Conference and the hospitality room and lobbying for AAI. In 2002, Bart was appointed to serve as the Executive Director for AAI and assumed all of AAI’s daily activities. Since that time, Bart has led AAI’s successful lobbying efforts at the State House and serves as the spokesperson for the association. Bart was instrumental in changing how the AAI’s Economic Impact Study was conducted and connecting the importance of aviation to jobs in the local community.

1997 – Gene Olson

Gene worked for the INDOT Aeronautics Section from 1994-2000.  Gene worked with Maria Muia to establish the criteria for the State/Local Grant program for Indiana airports.  After leaving INDOT, worked at the Evansville Regional Airport from 2000 – 2009.  Gene then went on to work as the Director of Airports for the Peoria International Airport.

1997 – Maria Muia

Maria Muia began flying at age 15 at McDonald’s Field, a grass strip between two cornfields in Morgan County marked on the aeronautical chart as “hazardous.” She graduated from Indiana State University with a B.S. in Aviation Administration and is proudly known to hail, “Go Sycamores!” She is a private pilot with an instrument rating and an advanced instrument ground instructor training. She received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Management and has taught many courses as an adjunct professor in the field of aviation. Muia has served in both the private and public sectors, including 10 years as the Manager of INDOT’s Aeronautics Section and as many years as an aviation consultant. Maria has landed at every public airport in Indiana and served on the board of directors for AAI and the AAI Scholarship fund.

1996 – Greg Sweeny

OldTimersGreg8-29-13
Greg Sweeny was born in St. Albans, Vermont, and he grew up in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. He graduated from the University of Vermont Burlington in 1970 where he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He received an M.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of California Berkeley in 1981. He joined FAA in 1970 and for 10 years his work consisted of site surveys, design surveys, preparation of design plans and specifications, resident inspection, and installation of FAA airway navigation facilities. For 30+ years after this, his work consisted of assisting airports, their consultants throughout the state of Indiana, and the Indiana State Aeronautics department on airport projects and issues; administering the Airport Development Aid Program (ADAP) and Airport Improvement Program (AIP), administering the Passenger Facility Program (PFC), airport planning (Master Plans and Airport Layout Plans, obstruction evaluation (OE/AAA), compliance and more. The majority of the time, he worked with General Aviation airports with development projects such as runway, taxiway, and apron construction and lighting, instrument and visual navigational aid establishments, land acquisition, and terminal building construction and associated facilities. This work included planning (Master Plan and Airport Layout Planning, Capital Improvement Programming), issuing FAA grants, reviewing plans and specifications, grant administration including project design reviews and construction oversight.

1995 – Dan Orcutt

Dan Orcutt1
Dan has over 30 years of experience in airport management, planning and development and serving four years in the USAF. He also was the Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority and Director of Airports for the City of Oklahoma City. He recently retired from Black & Veatch, Airport Management Consulting Group, as a Principal Consultant and served on assignments for Madrid and Barcelona, Spain; Argentina; Augusta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Pensacola, Florida; Paso Robles, California; Los Angeles International and El Toro in Orange County California. As an airport executive, Dan has been responsible for the planning, construction and operation of new airport terminals, runways, airline facilities, highway and parking structure projects. He has also developed airline special purpose facilities including reservation centers, airframe maintenance and overhaul facilities, and major cargo facilities. His experience includes the packaging of finance options, airline, community and rating agency presentations for these projects. He also has extensive hands on experience coordinating airline operational requirements with those of the airport and airline passengers during major construction projects. As a consultant, Dan’s assignments in Madrid, Barcelona and Argentina involved the development, evaluation and selection of alternative terminal schematic designs as well as runway alternatives and associated airfield development alternatives. Dan is a graduate of Syracuse University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He is an Accredited Airport Executive and served as Past President of the American Association of Airport Executives. He also is a commercial pilot with instrument and multiengine ratings.

1994 – Bob Stroud

Robert Stroud served Purdue University Airport for almost 40 years retiring in December 2000 and served as Director from 1981 until his retirement. During his service at the Purdue Airport the facilities at the Airport experienced consistent and continuous improvement. He worked hard to maintain commercial air service at the Airport following deregulation of the airline industry in 1978 and over nine different carriers provided air service to Purdue including Air Wisconsin, Delta and USAir. Robert also served in the United States Air Force.

1993 – Jim Purucker

Jim is President of John Frick and Associates and as such was a significant participant in moving AAI in the direction of a professionally managed trade association from a more social contact driven organization. Jim’s history of lobbying for aviation interests and desire to implement the vision articulated by Jim Wade at RW Armstrong and the AAI Board were the small steps necessary for the organization to become what it has today.

1992 – Larry Hirschinger

Hirschinger was a general manager and vice president of the Phillips 66 fixed base operation that is the Delaware County Airport of Muncie, IN Other Information unavailable. If you have something you would like to add, please let us know.

1992 – Irene Porter

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1991- Sylvester Chapa

Born 10/4/36 Died 12/9/16; served as a Navy Seabee; worked for FAA for 34 years in the Chicago Airports District Office; coached youth football and baseball.

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1991 – Alice Quakenbush

Worked at the Indiana Department of Revenue from 10/4/1975 to Feb. 2010; she handled aircraft taxation issues and also served as manager of tax administrative division.

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1990 – Mildred “Mid” Cassidy

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1989 – Robert Duncan

bob duncan
Bob Duncan is a senior level executive for the Indianapolis Airport Authority and an American Association of Airport Executives Accredited Airport Executive. He obtained his B.A. Degree in History with a minor in political science from Hanover College and his J.D. Degree from Indiana University Law School-Indianapolis where he currently teaches Aviation Law as an Adjunct Professor. Bob has extensive operational and legal expertise in airport operations as well as being instrumental in land acquisition for over 30 years to facilitate the expansion of Indianapolis International Airport. He is an active pilot holding Federal Aviation Administration issued Airlines Transport Pilot and Flight Instructor certificates and serves as an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor certificates in both single and multi-engine aircraft. In 1996 he was named Indiana “Aviation Person of the Year” and is well recognized as an aviation speaker and author. Bob’s memberships include many aviation and legal based organizations and he has been active in numerous civic organizations throughout his career.

1988 – Ray Vansickle

Owner of Terry Airport (now known as Indianapolis Executive Airport) ; served in the United States Air Force; graduated from Purdue with an Air Transportation Degree in 1956; from 1956-1965 worked with his dad in the petroleum business; business was sold and in the fall of 1965 Van Sickle bought Terry Airport and operated the airport from 1965-2003 when it was sold to Hamilton County.

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1987 – James Wade

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1986 – Susan Schalk

Sue Mowery-Schalk
Sue Mowery-Schalk has a Masters of Public Administration focusing on Urban and Regional Planning from Indiana University and a BS (magna cum laude) in Aviation Administration from Indiana State University. In addition, she became an Accredited Airport Executive in 1986, was certified as an American Institute of Certified Planners in 1990. Sue became licensed as a commercial pilot with an instrument-rating in 1980. She joined the FAA as the Great Lakes Region’s Airports Division Manager in 2010. In 2012, Sue was asked to lead the Office of Airports national initiative to standardize the field operations. She joined the FAA with diverse professional experience in the airport industry having spent 27 years in the private sector, specializing in airport planning and environmental documentation, after beginning her career as the Assistant Airport Director of a commercial service airport in Terre Haute, Indiana. Sue served as Chair of the Airport Consultants Council in 2001-2002. Sue also received the following aviation awards: 2011 Secretary of Transportation’s Partnering for Excellence Award, 1999 Airport Consultants Council’s President’s Award, 2007 Aviation Association of Indiana Person of the Year Award.

1985 – Edwin Petro

After serving in the Navy in World War II, Ed graduated as an air transportation engineer from Purdue University in 1947. His career in Airport Management began as Manager of the New Castle County Airport in Wilmington Delaware, later the Director of Aviation for the Indianapolis Airport Authority and the Airport Manager for Charlotte, N.C.

1984 – George Grote

Worked for FAA and was manager of the Chicago Airports District Office

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1983 – Dale G. Mason

Dale was the president of Astro Tech Co. for 27 years, retiring in 1972. Before that, he was the vice president of Roscoe Turner Aeronautics Corp. Mr. Mason was a traveling companion of Turner, a flamboyant pilot in the 1930’s who set several speed records and was known to fly with his pet lion.

1982 – James M. Ross

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1981 – Daniel Orcutt

Dan Orcutt1
Dan has over 30 years of experience in airport management, planning and development and serving four years in the USAF. He also was the Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority and Director of Airports for the City of Oklahoma City. He recently retired from Black & Veatch, Airport Management Consulting Group, as a Principal Consultant and served on assignments for Madrid and Barcelona, Spain; Argentina; Augusta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Pensacola, Florida; Paso Robles, California; Los Angeles International and El Toro in Orange County California. As an airport executive, Dan has been responsible for the planning, construction and operation of new airport terminals, runways, airline facilities, highway and parking structure projects. He has also developed airline special purpose facilities including reservation centers, airframe maintenance and overhaul facilities, and major cargo facilities. His experience includes the packaging of finance options, airline, community and rating agency presentations for these projects. He also has extensive hands on experience coordinating airline operational requirements with those of the airport and airline passengers during major construction projects. As a consultant, Dan’s assignments in Madrid, Barcelona and Argentina involved the development, evaluation and selection of alternative terminal schematic designs as well as runway alternatives and associated airfield development alternatives. Dan is a graduate of Syracuse University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He is an Accredited Airport Executive and served as Past President of the American Association of Airport Executives. He also is a commercial pilot with instrument and multiengine ratings.

1980 – Raymond Komnick

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1979 – Phyllis Haupt

Her dad introduced her to aviation with a ride in a Ford Tri-Motor at the Marion Airport. She started her flying career in 1944 with Marion Flying Service; she flight instructed at Roscoe Turner’s Flight School at Indianapolis Weir Cook Airport and later and also at Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport in the 1960s; She joined the Indiana Aeronautics Commission in 1973 as an aeronautical inspector and served as Chief Pilot for 8 years starting in 1974.

1978 – W.M. Hollingsworth

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1977 – Jim McCormick

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1976 – John Frick

John Frick served as the president of St. Joseph County Airport authority. He served in the Indiana House from 1964-1968 and the Indiana State Senate from 1968 – 1972. He was a Lobbyist at from 1973 – 1990 at the Indiana State House.

1975 – Bill Wilson

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1974 – Watson Whitesdie

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1974 – Dorothy Wentz

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1973 – Chuck Thompson

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1972 – Chuck Gruen

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1972 – Henry Kazimer

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1971 – Keith Pettigrew

Keith Pettigrew specializes in aviation law and authored the state of Indiana aviation laws. Other information unavailable.
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1970- Willarde Pederson

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1969 – Kenneth Kent

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1968 – Robert Rock

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1967 – V.P. McConochie

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1966 – Max Olson

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1966 – James Maris

Professor Jim Maris (1919-2008) during World War II was an American bomber pilot based in England. He flew and survived the required number of missions flying an aircraft named the “Bad Penny” (the Bad Penny was lost the very next mission with the replacement crew) and rotated back to the United States where he spent the rest of the war as an instructor following which he earned a college degree under the GI Bill and went to work for Purdue University in its aviation department and in a few years became the head of its Department of Aviation Technology. Prof. Maris had a tremendous enthusiasm for flying and motivated many students to major in aviation including future astronauts.

1965 – Louise Crane

Louise Crane
Louise received her private pilot’s license in 1955. She was the first woman to receive the Aviation Woman of the Year Award and the Special Aviation Recognition Award in 1965. She was the former secretary and treasurer of the Indiana Aviation Trades Association.

1964 – Esther Berner

Esther Berner (1911-1997) was a member of the Women AirForce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. WASP was form in 1942 as women pilots were needed to perform ferry, transport, testing, and other noncombat flying which would allow more male pilots to be used for combat duties. There were 1102 women who served as WASPs. After the war Esther worked for the Indiana Aeronautics Commission first as Special Projects Officer and ultimately as Director. She was the first woman to hold the position as Director.

1963 – Keith Pettigrew

Keith Pettigrew specializes in aviation law and authored the state of Indiana aviation laws. Other information unavailable.
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1962 – Richard Ristine

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1962 – Fred Sommer

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1961 – William Renshaw

Bill Renshaw was the secretary of the Indiana Aeronautics Commission. He started flying in 1929. According to the 1950 October issue of Flying Magazine, Renshaw was one of the nation’s best-known Flying Farmers. He was also the executive secretary of Flying Farmers of Prairie farmer Land.
Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=d0l3TO8cCKAC&pg=PA12&lpg=PA12&dq=william+renshaw+indiana+aviation&source=bl&ots=Du-ZcQo6ED&sig=XvSYg57YkvvgDilGaSO9i0vQ_v4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CC0Q6AEwBGoVChMIjZSNqpmIxgIVBQ2SCh0cMQDM#v=onepage&q=renshaw&f=false
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1960- Col. Roscoe Turner

Colonel Roscoe Turner was a nationally renowned American Aviator. He was a three-time winner of the Thompson Trophy air race. Founder of the Roscoe Turner Flying circus, which consisted of one aircraft – a Curtiss Jenny – and he had a flare for showmanship by wearing a pointed waxed mustache and military style uniforms for the sole purpose of appearing larger than life to his fans. Turner also flew in racing and other events with a lion cub named Gilmore for a period of six months. The lion eventually went to live at the Los Angeles Zoo, but after Gilmore’s death, Roscoe had him stuffed and placed on display in his trophy room and at his FBO.
Colonel_Roscoe_Turner_and_Gilmore_1930

1959 – Georgia Orbaugh

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1959 – Joseph Clark

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1958 – William K. Mollenhour

The creator of the column in the Time and Union called “Sky Writing.” This column was in the paper every other day, three times a week. Mollenhour was interested in airplanes as a hobby and learned to fly in 1940 with his private pilot’s certificate. The column was written in non-technical terms so that private pilots and those who simply enjoyed aviation could understand and enjoy it as well.
Sources: http://yesteryear.clunette.com/Skywritingindex.html
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1957 – Gordon Graham

Gordan Graham, Born 1915 in Geneva, Indiana, was a pilot and radio and TV news anchor – simultaneously! Honored by the Indiana Association of Broadcasters with induction into their Hall of Fame, he likewise was honored by the Indiana Aviation trades as their first “Hoosier Aviator of the Year” in 1957. And in 2021 the Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame has named him to their Class of 2021.

After studies at Miami University, Oxford OH, his voice first became known to Muncie, IN residents in 1983 at WLBC Radio. Promotions in broadcasting took the Graham family to many locations, for WLW to Washington DC among them., where he served as a TV journalist. When WLW opened an operation in Indianapolis , he became WIBC – Channel 13’s news editor and anchor.

Gordons aviation history started in 1928, as a teenager at Stockert Aviation in South Bend. As his daughter and son went off to their careers, his rekindled interest in flying lead him to acquire a series of planes; a Swift, Bonanza, Stinson and Pacer. The Bonanza was emblazoned with WLW-I for the broadcaster and off he went to nearly all active airports in the state. Interviewing local pilots and airport operators, Gordon would produce a 15 minute General Aviation in Indiana program each Saturday morning for many years.

He even participated in on-the-scene reporting with the Indiana Air Guard, helping to deliver bales of hay to snowbound herds of cattle throughout a blizzard. It was reporting/ flying at its best.

Gordon Graham – being a good newsman – knew everyone in Indiana politics, and they respected his efforts to promote aviation in general for the State of Indiana by naming the newest airport in Indiana the Gordon Graham field [ 2R2 –Danville,  Hendricks County ].

1956 – Frank Sipe

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