NATA Recognizes Outstanding Contributions To The Industry
The Distinguished Service Award is given to an individual or organization still active in general aviation on a regular, day-to-day basis and recognizes outstanding service and ongoing contributions to the industry.
2026 Winner | Todd Anderson, Sheltair Chief Operating Officer
It may seem a bit unusual for one company to secure two major awards in the same year, but for those who know Sheltair’s success and culture, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
It should also be no surprise that for his unparalleled contributions to the aviation industry, Todd Anderson, Sheltair’s Chief Operating Officer, has been bestowed the NATA’s Distinguished Service Award. The honor is presented to an individual or organization “still active in general aviation on a regular, day-to-day basis and recognizes outstanding service and ongoing contributions to the industry.”
Named COO in 2020, Anderson represents a line of leadership begun by the late Jerry Holland, Sheltair founder and winner of this year’s NATA Ong Award.
“I first met Jerry 28 years ago, and he said, ‘Hey, I need somebody like you to help me grow my company outside of South Florida’,” Anderson recalled. “I rewind and look at the map of where we were, what we’ve done, and how we’ve grown. To know I was part of that over the years – that is how I define success.
Current Recipient
2026 – Todd Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, Sheltair
Past Recipients
2025 – Michael Grossmann, Founder & CEO, Castle Aviation
2024 – Andy Priester, Chairman, George J. Priester Aviation
2023 – Greg Schmidt, President & CEO, Pentastar Aviation, LLC
2021/2022 – William “Bill” Bohlke, former President of Bohlke International Aviation
2018 – Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service
2016 – David Todd Duncan, Chairman, Duncan Aviation
2015 – Mark C. Willey, CEO and Managing Partner, Napa Jet Center
2014 – Amy Koranda, former Vice President of Operations, National Air Transportation Association
2013 – Marian Epps, Epps Aviation
2012 – Jim Miller, Nextant Aerospace
2011 – Mary M. Miller, Signature Flight Support and BBA Aviation
2010 – James C. Christiansen, Hawker Beechcraft
2009 – Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL), Chairman of US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation
2008 – James J. Ballough, Director, Flight Standards Service, Federal Aviation Administration
2007 – Mike Sweeney, Chairman and CEO, United States Aviation Underwriters
2006 – Dr. Bruce J. Holmes, Associate Director for Airspace and Vehicle Systems Integration, Airspace Systems Programs Office, NASA Langley Research Center
2005 – Michael W. Delk, Air BP Aviation Services
2004 – Arlene and Clarke Thomas, Owners, Fostaire Helicopter
2003 – Deputy Secretary Admiral James Loy, Department of Homeland Security
2002 – Tom Slavin, General Manager, Million Air – Cleveland
2001 – The Honorable Jane Garvey, FAA Administrator
2000 – Congressman Jimmy Duncan
1999 – Guy Hill, Sr., President, Hill Aviation
1998 – Robert P. Anderson, former President of AMR Combs
1997 – James E. Timmons, Air BP
1996 – Malcom S. (Mack) Graham, Business Jet Solutions
1995 – Ed Stimpson, President, General Aviation Manufacturers Association
1994 – J. Robert Duncan, Chairman, Duncan Aviation
1993 – Peter G. Tanis, President, Tanis Aviation
1992 – A.M. Weather, a service of Maryland Public Television
1991 – Aviation Sales Department, Phillips Petroleum Company
1990 – J. Patrick Murphy, Vice President, Marketing & Product Support, AVIALL
1989 – Arlene E. and Herbert R. Elliott, founders, Elliott Flying Serice
1988 – Sky-Life Foundation, Inc.
1987 – Honorable Norman Y. Mineta, U.S. House of Representatives
1986 – Howard V. Gregory, founder, Des Moines Flying Service
1985 – United States Aircraft Insurance Group
1984 – Neward Sector TRACON Team, FAA