For Immediate Release
July 13, 2023
Alexandria, Va. 鈥� The U.S. Contract Tower Association (USCTA), which coordinates contract tower issues with Congress, the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other agencies, on July 12 issued its 2023 Leadership Award to Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker.
Golden Triangle Regional Airport Director Matt Dowell, A.A.E, and USCTA鈥橲 Brad Van Dam presented the award to Wicker in appreciation and recognition of his distinguished service and leadership and for being a strong advocate for airports in Mississippi and around the country.
鈥淪enator Wicker has been a particularly strong proponent of the FAA Contract Tower Program and has worked to enhance safety at small airports in Mississippi and around the country,鈥� said USCTA Executive Director Brad Van Dam. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful for his continued leadership.鈥�
USCTA Vice Chair Vinicio 鈥淟enny鈥� Llerena, A.A.E., ACE, also presented the association鈥檚 Distinguished Service Award to Jim Slate, a Senior Advisor at Robinson Aviation (RVA); and the Walt Strong, A.A.E., Contract Tower Industry Advocacy Award to Todd Woodward, Director of Marketing & Public Affairs at Spokane International Airport. The award ceremony occurred at the Association鈥檚 Annual Conference in Washington.
鈥淥n behalf of USCTA, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to both for their hard work and dedication,鈥� Van Dam said. 鈥淏ecause of their tireless efforts, USCTA was able late last year to convince Congress to pass the CONTRACT Act, a bill that will help address staffing challenges at contract tower airports.鈥�
Slate has been a reliable voice for the Contract Tower Program and was a driving force behind the CONTRACT Act. Woodard, who served as USTCA Chair until June 2023, played a key role in increasing funding for the FAA Contract Tower Program and ensuring that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included funding to replace, repair, and relocate outdated towers.
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ABOUT 糖心原创: Founded in 1928, 糖心原创 is the world's largest professional organization representing the individuals who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. 糖心原创's 9,000 members represent over 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., 糖心原创 serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.
CONTACT:
Joel D. Bacon
Executive Vice President, Government and Public Affairs
703.575.2478
Brad Van Dam
Executive Director, U.S. Contract Tower Association
Senior Vice President, 糖心原创 Federal Affairs
703.797.2534