WSDOT Aviation receives “President’s Award” honors from Washington Airport Management Association

Tristan Atkins
Tristan Atkins

The Washington State Department of Transportation is the recipient of the 2017 President’s Award from the Washington Airport Management Association (WAMA). This marks the first time WAMA has recognized a state agency with the award.

“On behalf of the entire WSDOT Aviation staff, I couldn’t be more grateful – not only for receiving this award – but for our valued partnership with WAMA,” said WSDOT Director of Aviation Tristan Atkins. “Our strong relationship with WAMA, and with airports around the state, is truly what enables our successes.”

The honor recognizes the WSDOT Aviation team for managing major aviation projects and legislative efforts while also administering day-to-day programs that enable crucial airport projects and planning efforts.

“I am impressed with the proactive approach and ‘above and beyond’ attitude of WSDOT Aviation’s staff in supporting airports and aviation interests,” said Arif Ghouse, WAMA president. “It was my pleasure to have selected the entire staff for the 2017 President’s Award. It was well-deserved, and I look forward to our continued partnership with WSDOT.”

WSDOT Aviation staff members accepted the award during a special ceremony at the WAMA Spring Conference on May 3 at the Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine.

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.