Podcast: Kern Award Winners Share Insights on Safety, Professionalism

Nov. 8, 2021

The NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism and leadership in support of business aviation safety. “Humility is really key to being a true safety leader,” notes David Ryan, vice president of aviation for MI Aviation Holdings and one of the seven business aviation professionals honored with the Kern Award for 2021. “Safety leaders need to be able to admit mistakes, always be willing to learn from those mistakes and share what they’ve learned.”

In this episode of NBAA’s “Flight Plan,” host Rob Finfrock speaks with four of this year’s NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award recipients:

  • David Ryan, vice president, aviation, MI Aviation Holdings
  • Jared VanLue, Part 121 line pilot
  • Nick Verdea, CAM, director, aviation and corporate travel, The Williams Companies
  • Michael Webb, CAM, senior manager, aircraft maintenance, The Williams Companies
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