The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced it will bestow its 2026 Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award upon eight individuals who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and leadership in support of business aviation safety.
The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), on the Horizon Stage, immediately following The Launch, and in conjunction with the Flying Safety Awards. It will be hosted by Stephanie Goetz, president and pilot, The Pink Jet.
Recipients of this year’s award are:
- Todd Buczek, WYVERN
- Michael Cataldo, Cox Enterprises, Inc.
- James Kelly, Pfizer (retired)
- Hall Lewallen, Advanced Aircrew Academy
- Stuart Rogerson, Textron Aviation
- David Strassburg, Bombardier
- Jason Vanis, Jet Linx Aviation
- Madeline Young, Polaris Aero
“These eight individuals represent the very best of what it means to be a professional in business aviation,” said NBAA Director, Safety and Flight Operations Mark Larsen, CAM. “Their commitment to safety, willingness to mentor others and dedication to doing the job right embody the legacy of Dr. Tony Kern and set the standard for the industry.”
First awarded in 2016, the Professionalism in Aviation Award honors U.S. Air Force veteran and Convergent Performance co-founder Dr. Kern, who has authored 10 books on human performance.
The peer-nominated award recognizes individual pilots, maintenance technicians, flight attendants, dispatchers and other aviation professionals who excel in leadership in the areas of professional ethics, vocational excellence, continuous improvement, professional engagement, professional image and selflessness.
All Kern Award nominations are vetted by a panel of NBAA Safety Committee members. NBAA will begin accepting nominations for the 2027 awards in January.
