Five aviation professionals recognized for leadership, safety, service, and contributions to aviation business
Washington, DC, October 5, 2026 – NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) today announced five recipients of its 2026 Industry Excellence Awards, recognizing individuals whose contributions are strengthening their organizations and setting an example across the aviation business community.
Behind every safe operation, exceptional customer experience, and successful aviation business are professionals whose expertise, initiative, and commitment keep the industry moving forward.
“Honors carry greater meaning when they come from peers who understand the dedication behind the work,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “NATA’s Industry Excellence Awards are shaped by our members identifying colleagues whose leadership, service, and professionalism deserve the industry’s attention. These five recipients have earned that respect through contributions that strengthen their organizations, inspire others, and advance the aviation business community.”
NATA is pleased to recognize the following 2026 recipients:
NATA Airport Executive Partnership Award
Jeff Miller
Executive Director, Chicago Executive Airport
Miller is recognized for fostering strong relationships among Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), its aviation businesses, and the surrounding communities. During the airport’s centennial year, Miller and his team have used public events and community engagement to celebrate PWK’s history while reinforcing its economic and transportation value. Miller also serves on NATA’s Airport Business Committee, where he contributes valuable experience and perspective to the Association’s work on issues affecting airports and aviation businesses.
“General aviation airports are a central element of our nation’s transportation system and they’re part of the fabric of our local communities,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “Jeff Miller exemplifies the role airport leaders play in bridging the important gap between airports, aviation businesses, and communities and creating opportunities for partnership and shared celebration. Jeff was an ideal choice for this award.”
NATA Future Leader Award
Audrey Myers
Operations Safety Standards, Innovations, & SMS Manager, Atlantic Aviation
Myers has advanced from a line service technician to an enterprise-level safety leader during her 12 years with Atlantic Aviation. She has helped build and scale the company’s operational safety standards and safety management system framework, developed training and mentorship programs, and translated front-line experience into practical safety improvements across Atlantic Aviation’s network. NATA also appreciates Audrey’s service and expertise as a member of its Safety Committee.
“Audrey’s spirit, knowledge, and commitment have driven her success within Atlantic Aviation and in the broader aviation community,” said Castagna. “She has turned safety principles into practical programs that support employees and customers every day. I look forward to seeing her continued growth as a true leader in our industry.”
NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award
Mike McGuire
Shift Supervisor, Duncan Aviation
During more than 30 years with Duncan Aviation, McGuire has distinguished himself through technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to developing others. He has created make-and-model-specific training resources, technical curricula, and hands-on learning tools that help technicians perform complex maintenance work safely and consistently.
“Mike’s career progression reflects both his technical ability and the trust others place in his leadership,” said Castagna. “Throughout each role, Mike has identified opportunities to make complex maintenance work more understandable, efficient, and consistent for the technicians around him.”
NATA Safety 1st Certified Line Service Professional Award
Fabian Reyes
Lead Line Service Professional, Million Air Dallas
Reyes is recognized for his leadership, sound judgment, customer service, and unwavering commitment to safety. A trusted mentor to newly hired line service technicians, he also leads Million Air Dallas’ International Services Program. Reyes demonstrated extraordinary courage during an aircraft fire emergency when he entered a smoke-filled King Air to help four occupants evacuate.
“Fabian sets the standard for line service professionals, demonstrating exceptional leadership, dedication, commitment, and customer service skills,” said Castagna. “He’s everything a company could want in an aviaiton professional; Million Air is lucky to have Fabian on the team.”
NATA FBO Customer Service Representative Award
Barbara Bauer
Customer Service Supervisor, Banyan Air Service
Bauer is honored for her commitment to exceptional customer experiences, employee development, and continuous operational improvement. During more than a decade as a supervisor, she has developed structured onboarding resources, redesigned Banyan’s customer service training process, and fostered a collaborative, people-first culture.
“Barbara is an influencer in the best sense of the word,” said Castagna. “Her impact is felt every day and in every corner of Banyan Air Service and she has helped the company define the very best in customer service. Her passion for mentoring others has left a lasting impression on customers and colleagues alike, making her an outstanding representative of the aviation profession.”
The five recipients announced today will be honored alongside previously announced honorees Jerry Holland, posthumous recipient of the William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award; Todd Anderson, recipient of the NATA Distinguished Service Award; and Carol Giles, recipient of the NATA Distinguished Public Service Award.
All eight honorees will be recognized during the NATA Industry Excellence Awards Luncheon and Ceremony on November 10 at the Halcyon Hotel in Denver, Colorado. The luncheon and awards ceremony are included with registration for the 2026 NATA Aviation Business Conference, or separate luncheon tickets may be purchased by contacting NATA’s Jillian Williams at jwilliams@nata.aero.