Kentucky Aviation Association

News & Updates

KAA Organizational Update – September 2025

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September 24th, 2025
Location: Owensboro, KY
Called to Order by: President Tristan Durbin
Time: 1:00 PM CST

Present Board Members:
• Tristan Durbin (President)
• Kyle Baird
• Mark Grim
• Mike Pierce
• Victoria Davenport
• Dusty McCoy
• Adam Hinton
• Kaneia Copass
• Bill Fields
• Jeff Hylton
• John Ward
• Keith Tarter

Absent Board Members:
• Zach Hill

Other:
• Jonathan Dixon, KAA Executive Director
• Brad Schwandt and Mark Carter, KDA
• Susan Harmon, Bowling Green Airport Manager
• Emily Herron, Henderson Airport Manager

  1. Approval of Previous Minutes
    i. Motion to approve:
    • First: Kyle Baird
    • Second: Mike Pierce
      Motion carried.
  1. Directors Report – Jonathan Dixon
    • Met with legislators in Frankfort to provide updates and presentation on air mobility and transportation initiatives. Progress was reported.
  1. Treasurer’s Report – Mark Grim
    • Presented the financial report for January 1st – September 23rd. Total income was $890,623.92 with total expenses of $42,020.90, resulting in a net income of $853,340.91. As of September 23, total assets were $897,141.58 with $799,091.58 cash on hand.
     Motion to approve the financial report subject to audit:
     First: John Ward
     Second: Mike Pierce
     Motion carried.
    • Approximately 40 airports have been invoiced for the $20,000 donations in which 37 airports have paid. All but 4 airports (McCreary, Fleming/Mason, Murray/Calloway and Mayfield/Graves County Airports) have received the presentation from KAA.
    • All conference dues for registered individuals, sponsors, and exhibitors have been invoiced and/or paid.
  1. Committee Reports
    Conference Planning Committee- Emily Herron and Susan Harmon
    • The conference agenda was reviewed.
    • Nathan Hammond is confirmed to speak during the president’s luncheon on Thursday.
    • There will be a panel on emergency preparedness and response planning on Thursday consisting of airports who have endured tornado damage in recent years.
    • Updates will be given from both the KAA and FAA, as well as a session on NOTAMS and FICONS Friday morning.
    • AAAE will host a session to discuss their upcoming airport certified employee certification (ACE).
    • Jonathan has coordinated with legislators for a legislative preview.
    • Tristan will coordinate with ROTC to present the colors during opening session.
    • The Hampton Inn reopened their reservation block and added 6 additional rooms. If anyone has an issue making their hotel reservation feel free to reach out to Susan Harmon.
    • Approximately 137 have registered in total, it is recommended to keep pushing registrations.
    • Board members are encouraged to operate the registration table, a sign-up sheet was issued.
    Legislative- Dusty McCoy
    • A legislative agenda has been drafted and was presented to the board. A motion was made to approve the legislative agenda with plans to present it at the upcoming annual conference.
     Motion to approve:
     First: Kyle Baird
     Second: Mike Pierce
  1. Old Business
    • Tristan has reached out to members from both the West and South-Central districts in regards to openings for board members. As it pertains to the South-Central district, it was recommended Chris Carter from Lebanon Springfield officially be appointed as a board member. It was recommended the replacement for the West district representative be tabled for the following board meeting.
     Motion to approve Chris Carter:
    • First: Kaneia Copass
    • Second: Mike Pierce
  1. New Business
    • Jonathan requested and was granted permission to purchase official name tags for himself and board members.
    • Aviation Day at the Capitol is February 25th, 2026. Jonathan is working on obtaining a room for KAA to host an interactive two-hour session for legislators, airports, etc. The Foundry has already been reserved for that evening’s reception. The cost of this reception is projected to be approximately $8,000 – $10,000. Bill Fields graciously committed to making a $1,000 donation to KAA for the reception.
    • A formal Vision Plan has been drafted and presented to the board. A motion was made to finalize the vision plan.
     Motion to approve:
     First: Victoria Davenport
     Second: Mark Grim
  1. Action Items
    • The next board meeting will be at Owensboro Convention Center on October 22nd.
    • Purchase name tags for the executive director and board members.
    • Complete planning for and host the annual conference beginning October 22nd.

Meeting Adjourned At: 2:20 PM CST
Minutes Prepared By: Victoria Davenport

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