Security Manufacturers Coalition (SMC) Awards Chairwoman Roybal-Allard and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger 2021 Aviation Security Guardian Award

The Security Manufacturers Coalition (SMC) announced Chairwoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger as the 2021 recipients of the SMC Aviation Security Guardian Award. In remembrance of September 11th, the SMC created this award to honor those who elevate Aviation Security standards and support the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with exemplary actions.

Lucille, Roybal-Allard

This award is dedicated to those who lost their lives on September 11th.

“The 20th anniversary of September 11th reminds us, despite the passage of time, that we still need guardians of our aviation enterprise who remain vigilant and focused on supporting the men and women at the TSA” said TJ Schulz, SMC Executive Director.

Dutch Ruppersberger

“Chairwoman Roybal-Allard and Congressman Ruppersberger have lived the refrain ‘Never Forget.’ Through their daily actions over many years, they’ve remained focused on our nation’s homeland security,” said Kevin Schmidt, SMC Chairman.

“It is fitting to honor two legislators who have done so much to keep us safe. On behalf of the SMC and the millions of people who fly every day, we thank them for their hard work and service,” said LeeAnn Levesque SMC Vice-Chairwoman.

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.