FAA Eastern Region Awards Burdette with Henry O Memorial Award

The FAA Eastern Region presented Randy Burdette, retired Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation, with the Henry “O” Memorial Award during the agency’s 35th Annual Awards Ceremony held in New York on June 21st.

Henry Michael Ogrodzinski (Henry “O”) served as President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) for 19 years. Henry O’s strong leadership qualities, extensive experience in the aviation industry and ability to effectively communicate on Capitol Hill made him one of the most recognized and respected spokespersons regarding aviation related matters nationally. This external memorial award was created by the FAA Eastern Region to recognize the achievements of an individual who exemplifies Henry O’s passion for aviation.

Jennifer Solomon, Eastern Regional Administrator provided welcoming remarks and Acting FAA Administrator Daniel K. Elwell provided the keynote address.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.