At the 2024 Michigan Airport Conference held in East Lansing on Feb. 22, the Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced the award winners for achievements in promoting and improving aviation. These awards are presented to airports, professionals, consultants, and others. Here is a list of the 2024 award winners:
General Aviation Airport of the Year Award
The West Branch Community Airport in West Branch was selected for outstanding contribution and sustained excellence toward aviation progress and safety in Michigan. The airport demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication in providing exceptional aviation services to the public.
Air Carrier Airport of the Year Award
The Alpena County Regional Airport in Alpena was recognized for sustained excellence and partnership toward aviation progress in Michigan. The airport is commended for their rebuilding of a runway critical to the airport’s operational efficiency and business continuity, which will meet the needs well into the future.
Aviation Professional of the Year Award
Gary Todd of the Clare Municipal Airport in Clare was recognized for his outstanding contribution and sustained excellence serving as the airport’s manager for the past decade. He showed exemplary leadership in maintaining the airport in top condition. Todd also collaborates with others in the aviation community to share his knowledge and provided flight training. His dedication and hard work contributed to aspirational standards for many aviation professionals.
Aviation Community Involvement Award
Casey Brown was selected for his outstanding contributions supporting the Lowell City Airport in Lowell. Brown volunteered at the airport, ensuring a safe, well-maintained facility, in addition to hosting special aviation events, which are recognized and appreciated by the public.
Robert G. Pekham Consultant of the Year Award
Arconcepts, an architectural, design and planning firm based in Livonia, was recognized for exceptional work on the Hillsdale Municipal Airport Terminal Project in Hillsdale. The firm’s team brought this project from sketch to reality in a very short timeline, ensuring all deadlines were met along the way. The newly designed terminal brings many modern amenities to the airport, creating a welcoming space for the public to enjoy. The building’s forward-thinking concept will meet the needs of next generation aviation enthusiasts for years to come.
Aviation Student of the Year Award
Willow MacLaughlin of Owosso was recognized for outstanding contributions as a Michigan aviation student. Passionate about aviation, she demonstrated it through volunteering with the Civil Air Patrol and restoring the Owosso Community Airport’s historic Beacon Memorial. In obtaining her private pilot license and studying to become a commercial airline pilot, MacLaughlin is a shining example of the high-caliber aviation professional the future aeronautics workforce can look forward to.
“Congratulations to this year’s awards winners and thank you for your contributions to improving Michigan aviation,” said Mike Trout, MAC director and MDOT Office of Aeronautics administrator. “Their outstanding work has not gone unnoticed to the MAC, MDOT and the aviation community.”
The MAC and MDOT have recognized airports, individuals and organizations whose innovative contributions have led to significant improvements to facilities, operations or public relations that support aviation in Michigan. The MAC is responsible for the general supervision of aeronautics within Michigan.
