Washington, DC, September 28, 2026 – Today, NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) announced that the late Jerry Holland, founder of Sheltair Aviation, will be posthumously presented with NATA’s highest honor, the 2026 William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award. Sheltair Chief Operating Officer and NATA Immediate Past Chair Todd Anderson will receive the 2026 Distinguished Service Award.
The awards will be presented November 10 during the Industry Excellence Awards Presentation and Luncheon at NATA’s Aviation Business Conference in Denver.
Holland’s recognition honors a pioneering aviation entrepreneur whose vision shaped Sheltair and made a lasting impact on aviation businesses, airports, and communities nationwide. Anderson’s award honors more than four decades of industry leadership and sustained service to NATA and its members.
“Jerry Holland’s extraordinary vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to serving others embody the very purpose of NATA’s highest honor,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “He built an enduring family business grounded in opportunity, relationships, and a genuine dedication to the aviation community. Under the leadership of his daughter, Sheltair President Lisa Holland, the company continues to carry forward his vision and family-first values. Todd Anderson has contributed to that legacy through decades of hands-on leadership at Sheltair and exceptional service to NATA. Honoring Jerry and Todd during this year’s awards program is especially meaningful and reflects Sheltair’s lasting influence on aviation.”
Jerry Holland founded Sheltair in 1963 and grew the company into the nation’s largest privately owned aviation network. Under his leadership, Sheltair expanded its aviation real estate, development, property management, and fixed base operations (FBOs) while maintaining a family-owned culture centered on service. Today, the company operates award-winning FBOs and manages more than 4.6 million square feet of aviation-related properties across the country. Holland’s influence extended beyond the company he built through his support of aviation, airports, workforce development, and the communities Sheltair serves.
The William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award, NATA’s highest honor, is named for the association’s co-founder and first president. Presented for extraordinary achievement and extended meritorious service to the general aviation industry, the award recognizes Holland’s lifetime of entrepreneurship and leadership. His influence continues through Sheltair, its employees, and the many aviation communities shaped by his work.
Anderson has more than 40 years of aviation and airport management experience and has served Sheltair since 2000. Appointed chief operating officer in 2020, he oversees the company’s day-to-day FBO and Real Estate operations, strategic growth, marketing, construction, and financial direction while fostering relationships with airports, customers, government agencies, and industry partners. Before joining Sheltair, Anderson served as assistant director of properties for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, overseeing aeronautical real estate activities at Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports.
A respected leader within NATA, Anderson was elected Chair of the Board of Directors in 2023 and now serves as Immediate Past Chair. His Board leadership helped guide Association initiatives focused on member value, workforce, safety, innovation, and the future of aviation businesses. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual or organization that remains active in general aviation and has provided outstanding service and ongoing contributions to the industry.
“Todd brings a rare combination of airport, real estate, operational, and association leadership to every conversation,” added Castagna. “He has consistently made time to listen, build consensus, mentor others, and turn good ideas into practical action. NATA and the broader industry are stronger because of his sustained involvement.”
The 2026 NATA Aviation Business Conference will bring together leaders from across the aviation business community November 9–11 at the Halcyon Hotel in Denver for education, collaboration, and recognition of this year’s Industry Excellence Award recipients.