NEWS RELEASE

August 22, 2017

CONTACT:
Kimberly Wells
Public Relations Specialist
804-774-4634
Kimberly.wells@doav.virginia.gov

Virginia Aviation Pioneers Recognized at Annual Conference

Richmond The 43rd annual Aviation Conference was held at the Hotel Roanoke on August
15th through the 18th. On Wednesday, August 16th, The Virginia Department of Aviation
hosted a banquet to recognize Virginians who have made great strides in aviation.

Jason Davis, Manager of Blue Ridge Regional Airport, was awarded Airport Manager of the Year
in recognition of his dedication and commitment to the growth of the airport through social
media, local events and NASCAR. Troy Bell was awarded Person of the Year for his significant
contributions to marketing and communications, air service expansion and state and local
tourism on behalf of the Capital Region Airport Commission. Dave Young was recognized with
the Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifetime commitment to aviation through his
distinguished service in the United States Air Force as a Brigadier General, Civil Air Patrol
instructor pilot and Dean of Liberty University School of Aeronautics.

Daniel Bud Oakey, President of the Virginia Aviation Business Association, was given the
Special Recognition Award for his contributions to aviation business and his leadership in the
introduction, resurrection and eventual passing of the House Bill 1738 during the 2017 General
Assembly session.

The Young Eagle pilots who flew the most youth in the program over the last year were also
recognized. Barry Toole from Goochland, Robert Prange from Ashburn and Jake LaBello from
Midlothian were recognized for being the top 3 Young Eagle pilots.

The Virginia Department of Aviation continually strives to become the standard of excellence
amongst State Aviation Agencies through; its cultivation of an advanced aviation system, a
system that is not only safe for consumers, but one that will provide economic development
opportunities throughout the Commonwealth; its promotion and education of aviation and
aviation related issues, subsequently raising aviation awareness in the Commonwealth and
beyond; and by providing executive flight services for the Commonwealth leadership.

100 DOAVCE 20170822 Aviation Conference Press Release

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Virginia Department of Aviation 5702 Gulfstream Road Richmond, VA 23250-2422

Phone (804) 236-3624 Fax (804) 236-3635 www.doav.virginia.gov

100 DOAVCE 20170822 Aviation Conference Press Release