Oshkosh, Wis. – The National Association of State Aviation Officials presented its National Award of Excellence to FAA Administrator Jane Garvey during her "Meet the Boss" session at EAA AirVenture 2000. Established in 1997, the award is the highest honor NASAO can bestow upon a person who has demonstrated leadership and initiative while providing outstanding contributions that have significantly enhanced the world of aviation. Previous recipients of the award include Paul Poberezny, Congressman James Oberstar (D-Minn.) and House Transportation Chairman Bud Shuster (R-Pa.)

NASAO Chairman Ken Wiegand, Virginia's Department of Aviation Director, said, "As an outspoken advocate of aviation, your ability to marshal the resources of state governments, the aviation industry and academia to address the national aviation agenda has been of great benefit to all Americans." Wiegand also noted Administrator Garvey's strong commitment to the FAA/NASAO Memorandum of Understanding, which permits the organizations to work closely together to solve problems such as runway incursions.

Presenting the award to Administrator Garvey, in addition to Wiegand, were NASAO Center for Aviation Research and Education Chairman Ray Rought, director of Minnesota's Aeronautics Office and Bob Kunkel, director of Wisconsin's Bureau of Aeronautics.

During her EAA AirVenture tour, Administrator Garvey visited the NASAO Information Center. She met with several state aviation directors from around the country and discussed the Airport Safety Data Program and State Block Grant Program. NASAO Oshkosh Exhibit Director, Jay Zimmerman of the Minnesota Aeronautics Office briefed Administrator Garvey on NASAO's aviation education display.

NASAO represents the state government aviation agencies which serve the public interest in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Please visit our website at http://www.nasao.org.