By Scotty Malta
The North Carolina Airports Association (NCAA) conference committee along with Emily Winberg, Business Manager and her team, developed and pulled off another record-breaking conference. The 46th Annual Conference, themed “Elevating Horizons: Navigating Growth and Change” was held in Downtown Charlotte, NC and had over 560 attendees, 56 sponsors, 51 exhibitors and 47 airports represented.
The conference was appropriately opened by the presentation of the colors by the Charlotte, NC Police Department Honor Guard with the National Anthem beautifully sung by Paris Sharpe.
The agenda stated in part, the conference – “… will focus on navigating growth, funding challenges, and workforce demands in a rapidly changing aviation landscape. The agenda blends high-level discussions, technical sessions, and networking opportunities for airport leaders, consultants, contractors, and policymakers.” A few of the excellent sessions were entitled: “Economic Engines: How Airports Drive Growth in North Carolina”; “From Service to Sky: Connecting Veterans with Careers in Aviation”; and “Sustainability in the Skies: Environmental Pressures & Green Airport Solutions”, along with “NC, Division of Aviation Update” and “Fireside Chat with FAA.” The well thought out sessions were led by excellent moderators and outstanding panelists.
The exhibit hall was very interesting, informative, a great place for networking and fun…
(All Photos by: Brian Treffeisen)
One of the highlights of the annual conference is the Awards Banquet where deserving individuals are appropriately recognized.
Willard G. Plentl, Jr. – Airport Professional of the Year Award
The recipient of the Willard G. Plentl, Jr. – Airport Professional of the Year Award, Jack Christine, Chief Infrastructure Manager at the Charlott Douglas International Airport (CLT) was announced via an outstanding video presentation. His 30-year career started as a planning assistant in the City’s Aviation Department. He now manages the Planning, Design, Construction and Facilities Maintenance Division, working to improve the 6000 acre CLT campus.
The crowning jewel of his career is the newly completed Terminal lobby Expansion, part of a $4 billion “Destination CLT” program that also includes renovations to 5 legacy terminals, an end-around taxiway and a 4th parallel runway scheduled to open in 2027.
Christine is a leader, friend and mentor to many in the aviation industry. He is an adjunct professor and founding member of the UNC Charlotte Air Institute working with architectural and engineering students. He mentors aviation professionals working on the CM and AAE certifications. His involvement with AAAE helped lead to CLT hosting the Annual Southeast Chapter conference.
Always ready to help when needed and be involved, Jack Christine played the part of a light saber wielding Jedi to open CLT’s terminal Sky Bridges. He also went and assisted the Ashville Regional Airport in recovering following Hurricane Helene.
His positive contributions to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the North Carolina aviation industry are why Jack Christine is this year’s Willard G. Plentl, Jr. – Airport Professional of the Year Award recipient.
President’s Award and Years of Service Award
Excerpted from President Gage’s speech for the President’s Award and Years of Service Award:
“After several months pondering this decision. One person came to mind. I have watched this individual pour their life into airports, I have watched them make personal sacrifices spending time away from family, staying up late at night, answering phone calls well after work hours all fueled by a passion to make North Carolina airports the best they can be.
There is not a single airport in North Carolina that has not been touched by this individual. After a 23 year career in North Carolina aviation, 13 of which were with the Division of Aviation, she has decided to retire but her legacy will continue for years to come.
Please help me congratulate Rachel Bingham for being the recipient of this year’s Presidents Award.”
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“In addition to the President’s Award, on behalf of the North Carolina Airports Association, I want to present you with an Appreciation Award for your 23 years of service in North Carolina Aviation.
This is a thank you from the association and its members for your dedication and leadership over the last 23 years.”
Several Scholarships were Awarded:
NCAA Scholarship:
The North Carolina Airports Association developed and incorporated The North Carolina Airports Association Educational Foundation, Inc. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be from North Carolina and enrolled in a post high school curriculum in aviation, airport management or related fields.
Benjamin England is a senior Aviation Sciences major at Elizabeth City State University. A native of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, he is deeply involved in campus aviation organizations, including the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), the National Intercollegiate Flight Association (NIFA), and the Civil Air Patrol. Benjamin has earned academic recognition on the ECSU Dean’s List and competitive honors with NIFA, placing in the top three in Region X for preflight and ground trainer events.
Benjamin is the founding member and President of ECSU’s AAAE Student Chapter, where he established the university’s first chapter and leads efforts to connect students with airport leaders and aviation professionals through partnerships and career-focused programming. He also serves as the Lead Mechanic Assistant at the ECSU Flight School, mentoring new student mechanics and supporting the maintenance of the university’s aircraft fleet. Benjamin aspires to become a Certified Flight Instructor, with long-term goals of mastering the craft of flight while contributing to the next generation of aviators through teaching and service.
Bruce Matthews Scholarship:
This NCAA Funded Scholarship is dedicated to Mr. Bruce Matthews. Matthews was a tireless supporter of aviation in North Carolina and the first permanent employee of the NCDOT Division of Aviation. Mr. Matthews is credited with leading the development of the state’s public airport system. His vision for assisting smaller airports with facility upgrades in order to accommodate larger aircraft has lifted North Carolina to new heights in aviation success.
Delta Cole is a junior studying Civil Engineering at North Carolina State University, with a concentration in transportation and structural engineering and an expected graduation in May 2027. She is a member of the NC State Honors Program and an accelerated bachelor’s–master’s (ABM) student, allowing her to begin graduate-level coursework in transportation systems while completing her undergraduate degree.
Delta is highly involved in academic and service-based organizations, including the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Caldwell Fellows Program. She serves as President of the NC State ACI Student Chapter, leads multidisciplinary teams in national concrete design competitions, and holds key leadership roles within the Caldwell Fellows, including Head Designer for Shackathon. Delta’s academic excellence has been recognized through multiple honors including a first-place finish in the Grand Challenge Poster Competition.
Through internships with LJB Engineering, NC State Construction Extension Services, and The East Group, Delta has gained hands-on experience in transportation design, concrete testing, and infrastructure planning. She plans to pursue a career with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, where she hopes to apply her technical expertise to improve transportation systems—particularly in rural communities—through safe, equitable, and resilient infrastructure solutions.
AJ Jorsey Memorial Scholarship:
AJ Jorsey was born on June 19, 1998, to Allen Jorsey, Jr. and Elizabeth Dobbs Jorsey. From a young age, AJ’s passion for aviation was undeniable. He pursued his dreams with dedication, earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technologies from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in December 2020. AJ was an accomplished pilot, FAA-certified for commercial, multiengine, and instrument ratings. He was also an avid traveler, a devoted plane spotter, a proud member of the Civil Air Patrol, and a volunteer for Samaritan’s Purse, supporting their DC-8 cargo jet operations.
AJ’s love for flying and his adventurous spirit touched everyone who knew him. His enthusiasm for aviation was remarkable, and he is deeply missed by family, friends, and the aviation community.
To honor AJ’s life and continue his legacy, the AJ Jorsey Memorial Scholarship has been established through the generous support of Allen and Elizabeth Jorsey. This $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student attending a North Carolina System university who is actively working toward their pilot’s license and aspires to become a commercial pilot or pursue a career in aviation.
Ava Marrazzo is a North Carolina native and aviation student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science with concentrations in Flight Education and Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Elizabeth City State University. She is actively involved in the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) on campus, where she serves as Publicity Director and helps promote aviation-related events and opportunities. Ava has also earned recognition on the Chancellor’s List.
In addition to her academic achievements, she is currently working toward her Private Pilot License and aspires to become a professional airline pilot for a major commercial carrier. As a first-generation college student and a woman in aviation, Ava is passionate about inspiring future generations to pursue careers in the field while turning her lifelong love of aviation into a meaningful profession.
Conference Staff:
Next year’s conference will be April 21-23, 2027 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston Salem, NC.
