The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently presented its prestigious Silk Scarf Award to longtime aviation professional and tireless industry advocate Mary Miller, vice president of industry and government affairs for Signature Aviation.
Miller has made numerous contributions to business aviation throughout her more than 40-year career, beginning in 1981 as a customer service manager for Butler Aviation at what is now Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). When that company merged with Page Avjet to form what ultimately became Signature Aviation, Miller was promoted to vice president of customer relations at DCA.
In that role, Miller became one of the most ardent voices on behalf of general aviation, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. With DCA closed to all but airline and military users, Miller nevertheless kept Signature Aviation’s Washington, DC, facility operational as a central base for its network while continuing to advocate for the return of GA access to the airport
Miller later played a pivotal role in the rollout of the DCA Access Standard Security Plan (DASSP), a strict security protocol that included vetting of pilots, passengers, baggage and itineraries. She also led Signature’s efforts to help general aviation and business aviation flight departments obtain DASSP clearance to return to the airport.
“Mary’s contributions over the past four decades have been immeasurable,” said Tony Lefebvre, CEO of Signature Aviation. “She has been a devoted bridge-builder, a fearless advocate and the industry’s go-to in times of both crisis and celebration. We are sincerely grateful for her incredible impact to Signature and to aviation.”
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen agreed, adding: “Mary has been an invaluable representative for our industry. Her passion for aviation, and her singular ability to connect with people from every walk of life have made her an indispensable pillar of our aviation community – in the nation’s capital, across the country and around the world. We are honored to bestow our Silk Scarf Award to Mary in recognition of her service.”
In 2010, Miller was named to her current role for both Signature Aviation and parent company BBA Aviation. She also helped support the development of the Greater Washington Business Aviation Association (GWBAA) and served on the boards of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and National Aviation Association (NAA).
Miller was appointed in March 2024 to the Board of Trustees of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF). At the time of her appointment, Jim Cooling, former NBAA Board member and NAHF Board chair, said of Miller: “Her deep-rooted passion for aviation, extensive industry knowledge and leadership acumen makes her an invaluable addition to our team.”
