Photo – The 2026 Virginia Aviation Award Winners, from left – John Rutledge, Del. Karrie Delaney, Mike Michel, Greg Campbell, Cindy Watson, Michael Cooper
Nestled in the historic corridor of Colonial Virginia, attendees gathered at the Williamsburg Lodge on August 19th, for one of its most noteworthy ceremonies: the Virginia Aviation Awards. The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) brought together airport leaders, educators, and lifelong champions of flight, in its annual banquet to celebrate the residents that have elevated the industry. This year’s ceremony is another chapter added to Virginia’s historic role in aviation — a field built not merely on aircraft or runways, but on the unrecognized roles of the people who work in the Commonwealth.
DOAV Director Greg Campbell captured the spirit of the evening in his remarks to attendees saying, “Unlike the roads we travel, the sky holds no historical markers. There are no signs to tell us who has passed this way before… The Commonwealth’s aviation legacy lives on through the stories we tell of the enterprising individuals who built this industry.”
The 2026 Virginia Aviation Awards honored the following individuals:
Airport Executive of the Year – John Rutledge – Richmond, VA
John Rutledge, Chief Operating Officer of Richmond International Airport (RIC), was recognized as “Airport Executive of the Year.” For more than two decades, he has overseen the airport’s operations, engineering, planning, and public safety functions, helping guide RIC through periods of growth and transformation. Through long-range planning and strategic improvements, Rutledge has guided the airport’s competitive position and reinforced its role as a regional economic engine. His unique combination of engineering expertise and financial acumen has seen the airport’s passengers count grow year-after-year and set a high standard for airport leadership across Virginia.
Person of the Year – Delegate Karrie Delaney – Fairfax County, VA
Delegate Karrie Delaney, who represents the 9th District in the Virginia House of Delegates, was awarded the “Person of the Year” award. As Chair of the House Transportation Committee and a member of the Governor’s Aerospace Advisory Council, she plays a central role in shaping statewide transportation and aviation policy. Delegate Delaney has been a driving force in modernizing Virginia’s transportation and aviation systems, championing legislation to improve aviation infrastructure and improved funding across the Commonwealth.
Educator of the Year – Cindy Watson – Bedford County, VA
Cindy Watson, a middle school teacher at Forest Middle School, was the inaugural recipient of the Virginia Aviation Awards’ “Educator of the Year.” A master teacher with the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, Watson has inspired students for more than a decade through NASA-aligned programs and hands-on STEM education. She also founded the Forest Drone Zone, bringing aviation and emerging technologies to life while inspiring the next generation of pilots, scientists, engineers, and aviation professionals.
Lifetime Achievement Awards – Mike Mickel – Chesterfield County; Michael Cooper – Loudon County
The first recipient for a “Lifetime Achievement Award” was Mike Mickel. In 1983, he launched Dominion Aviation as a one-person operation with a single aircraft and grew it into one of the Mid-Atlantic’s largest corporate aviation fleets. His leadership also contributed to the growth and development of Richmond Executive-Chesterfield County Airport (FCI), where Dominion Aviation was an established part of the airport’s aviation community. A pilot with more than 10,000 flight hours, Mickel has played a significant role in Virginia’s corporate aviation industry as a business leader, industry advisor, and mentor.
The second “Lifetime Achievement Award” was presented to Michael Cooper, who has served as the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s (MWAA) leader for state and local government affairs since 2007. His advocacy implemented transparency in aircraft noise and residential development, fostering collaboration among airports, communities, and elected officials. Cooper’s reputation in the aviation industry has been defined by the partnerships he strengthened and his advocacy of all of the airports in the Commonwealth.
As the evening ended, Director Campbell reminded the audience that the Commonwealth’s aviation story can only be told if we know about its people, “When you think of someone who makes a difference—someone who goes the extra mile, inspires others, or quietly helps keep aviation moving—nominate them for a Virginia Aviation Award.” The DOAV congratulates the 2026 winners of the Virginia Aviation Awards. These awards are open to all residents who make a significant contribution to the aviation industry. Every year the DOAV accepts applications each May for consideration. To get more details, download applications, and see past winners of the Virginia Aviation Awards, visit doav.virginia.gov.
