NATA Recognizes Outstanding Public Service To The Industry
NATA’s Distinguished Public Service Award is a special honor awarded by its Board of Directors and members—recognizing outstanding public service and contributions to the industry.
2026 Winner | Carol Giles, President/CEO of The Giles Group
It’s hard to pin down Carol Giles, just like it was hard to pin down and simply label her 40+-year aviation career. Her contributions to the industry and the nation are as far reaching as the outposts she’s occupied, the mentors from which she learned and the expertise she has shared.
From civilian aircraft mechanic to FAA leadership and respected consultant, Carol’s career has shaped virtually every corner of the industry.
For this lifelong dedication to keeping our airspace the safest in the world, Giles has been awarded NATA’s Distinguished Public Service Award, a special honor awarded by NATA’s Board of Directors and members that recognizes “outstanding public service and contributions to the industry.”
For someone so insightful, the award took Giles completely by surprise.
Current Recipient
2026 – Carol Giles, President/CEO of The Giles Group
Past Recipients
2025 – Chris Rocheleau, Federal Aviation Administration Deputy Administrator
2024 – Lirio Liu, former FAA Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service
2023 – Congressman Sam Graves, Missouri – District 6, Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman
2023 – Congressman Rick Larsen, Washington – District 2, Ranking Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
2019 – Dorenda Baker, former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Executive Director of the Aircraft Certification Service (AIR)
2018 – Dr. Gerald Dillingham, former U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Director of Civil Aviation Issues
2017 – Michael Huerta, former FAA Administrator
2017 – Peggy Gilligan, former FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety
2017- Eddie Angeles, former FAA Associate Administrator for Airports