The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that Joan Sullivan Garrett has been selected to receive the 2025 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for her pioneering work in aviation telemedicine.
“The NAA’s Wright Trophy recognizes a living American for significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States,” said Amy Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “Joan’s visionary leadership and dedication have enhanced aviation safety for over four decades, permanently raising industry standards and saving countless lives. Her innovation embodies the spirit and legacy of the Wright Brothers.”
In 1983, Sullivan Garrett, then a critical care flight nurse, responded with her helicopter crew to a vehicle rollover accident in remote Arizona. Among many victims was an 8-year old boy named Ralphie who tragically could not be saved. Her time with this child made a lasting impression and became the impetus and inspiration to found MedAire in 1985. The company focused on addressing aviation medical preparedness. Her vision for MedAire was to provide flight crews with knowledge, skill, resources, and access to medical expertise to manage in-flight medical emergencies. Initially, she introduced the industry’s first Manual for In-flight Medical Care and updated medical kits. In 1987, she launched MedLink, the first 24/7 global aviation medical response center staffed with emergency physicians. Today, MedAire is the world’s leading provider of remote medical safety and security services, managing approximately 900 emergency calls daily, over 157,000 cases in 2024 alone. The company serves over 180 airlines worldwide and 6,800 private aircraft, significantly enhancing aviation safety.
“Through innovation, resilience, and the fortitude to challenge norms, the Wright brothers changed the world,” said Sullivan Garrett. “To be cast in their light is humbling to the core. I am deeply honored. And I’m hopeful the brothers’ legacy, the Wright Memorial Trophy, and all those who have received it serve as a testament to aeronautical professionals everywhere: you can make a difference. My heartfelt thanks to both the NAA and selection committee members.”
Since 1948, the Wright Trophy, which is on display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, has been presented in partnership with NAA member the Aero Club of Washington. This year’s celebration will occur at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, Washington, D.C., on December 11, 2025. Tickets and sponsorship will be available on the Aero Clubs website, and like last year, the event is expected to sell out.
“The Aero Club was honored to celebrate last year’s recipient, the late Ben Baldanza, with a capacity crowd,” said Steve Morrissey, Aero Club of Washington President. “This year, thanks to the hard work of the Wright Trophy Selection Committee, we have another worthy recipient to celebrate.”
The 2025 Wright Memorial Trophy Selection Committee are:
- Jim Albaugh, National Aeronautic Association (NAA)
- Richard Aboulafia, AeroDynamic Advisory
- Paul Archambeault, Airlines for America (A4A)
- Marcia & Enzo Baldanza (for the late Ben Baldanza), Wright Trophy Recipient
- Albert Berchtold, United States Parachute Association (USPA)
- Charles F. Bolden, Wright Trophy Recipient
- Nicola Fox, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Steve Morrissey, Aero Club of Washington
- Dorothy Reimold, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
- Jim Sherman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
