Angela Gittens Selected as the Recipient of the 2017 Cliff Henderson Trophy
Angela Gittens, Director General of Airports Council International (ACI) World has been selected as the recipient of the 2017 Cliff Henderson Trophy.
The Henderson Trophy, which is in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, was established in 1960 to honor the creator and Managing Director of the world-renowned National Air Races from 1928-1939. His work stimulated a generation’s interest in aviation and challenged the state of the art in aviation development.
The trophy is awarded to “…a living individual, group of individuals, or an organization whose vision, leadership or skill made a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation and aerospace in the United States.” A deserving nominee is put forth annually by the President of the National Aeronautic Association to NAA’s Executive Committee for confirmation by majority vote.
“Angela has been a game changer everywhere she has been,” stated NAA President & CEO, Greg Principato. “Because of her work, aviation in the United States and around the world is safer, more secure and more efficient for all users.”
Previous recipients of the Cliff Henderson Trophy include Colonel Joseph Kittinger, Marion Blakey, The United States Air Force Academy, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Lieutenant General James H. Doolittle, Senator Barry M. Goldwater, Clarence L. “Kelly” Johnson, Scott Crossfield, and the 2016 recipient – George Carneal.
Angela Gittens began her tenure as Director General of ACI World in 2008. She was formerly airport CEO for Miami and Atlanta and Deputy at San Francisco International Airport. In other previous roles, Gittens served as Vice-President, Airport Business Services for HNTB Corporation, where she led the firm’s practice in airport business and strategic planning. And as Vice-President at TBI Airport Management, she oversaw the transition to private ownership of London Luton Airport and managed operations contracts at several airports in the US and Canada.
Gittens has served on numerous aviation industry boards and committees including the FAA Management Advisory Committee, the FAA Research, Engineering and Development Committee, the National Civil Aviation Review Commission (“the Mineta Commission”), the Executive Committee of the Transportation Research Board, the Airport Cooperative Research Program Oversight Committee and the Board of Directors of JetBlue Airways. She recently became a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
“I am deeply honored to be awarded the 2017 Cliff Henderson Trophy and to be in the company of such an august body of former recipients,” said Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World. “This is one of the most prestigious and long standing awards in the aviation industry and I am humbled that the NAA should select me for the 2017 award.”
NAA will present the trophy to Ms. Gittens at an NAA luncheon on April 20, 2017 in Arlington, Virginia.
