Kentucky Aviation Association

News & Updates

KAA Organizational Update – October 2025

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Date: October 22nd, 2025
Location: Owensboro, KY
Called to Order by: President Tristan Durbin
Time: 12:00 PM CST

Present Board Members:

  • Tristan Durbin (President)
  • Kyle Baird
  • Mark Grim
  • Mike Pierce
  • Victoria Davenport
  • Dusty McCoy
  • Kaneia Copass
  • Bill Fields
  • Jeff Hylton
  • John Ward
  • Zach Hill
  • Chris Carter
  • Keith Tarter

Absent Board Members:

  • Adam Hinton
  • Jeff Hylton

Other:

  • Jonathan Dixon, KAA Executive Director
  • Brad Schwandt and Mark Carter, KDA
  • Tyler Jones, GMC

1.     Approval of Previous Minutes

  1. Motion to approve:

Motion carried.

2. KDA Update – Mark Carter and Brad Schwandt

  • Commissioner Carter announced his upcoming retirement and expressed that is has been a pleasure working with the KAA.
  • Project Needs Requests (PNRs) have been collected from all airports. The compiled list of projects is available on the state website spreadsheet. This resource will assist legislators in selecting projects beyond immediate airport needs.

3. Executive Director’s Report – Jonathan Dixon

  • Showed appreciation for Emily Herron and Susan Harmon for leading the conference planning committee.

4. Treasurer’s Report – Mark Grim

  • Presented the financial report through 10/20/2025. Gross profit $885,345.26, net income $830,103.84
    • Motion to approve the financial report subject to audit:
      • First: Kyle Baird
      • Second: Victoria Davenport
      • Motion carried.
  • A total of 40 airports have been invoiced for the $20,000 donations in which 38 airports have paid.
  • Total income from the annual conference totals $84,425 (approximately half from general registrations and half from sponsors/exhibitors).

5. Committee Reports

  • No Updates

6. Old Business

  • Official name tags have been purchased and disbursed to KAA board members.
  • The Foundry has been reserved for Aviation Day at the Capitol. Estimated total cost has been confirmed at $12,000 for bar service, food, and related expenses. There were no objections to this plan. Due to limited space, 10-15 sponsorship opportunities will be available.
  • The formal Vision Plan and legislative priorities will be presented by Jonathan Dixon to members this week during the annual conference.

7. New Business

  • The KAA Legacy Award was introduced as a new recognition to honor an individual whose leadership, vision, and outstanding dedication to aviation have significantly impacted the field. Beginning next year, nominations will be accepted annually. This year, Commissioner Mark Carter was nominated. A motion was made to grant the first KAA Legacy Award to Commissioner Carter and a separate motion was made to adopt the award language as presented.
    • Motion to adopt language and implement award:
      • First: Kaneia Copass
      • Second: John Ward
    • Motion to award Commissioner Mark Carter the first KAA Legacy Award:
      • First: Victoria Davenport
      • Second: Kyle Baird

8. Action Items

  • Present Commissioner Mark Carter with the KAA Legacy Award.
  • Present the formal Vision Plan and legislative priorities during the annual conference.

Meeting Adjourned At: 12:50 PM CST
Minutes Prepared By: Victoria Davenport

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