Training and Workforce
Mark Burns, Robert Sumwalt among NAA Luminaries Honored
Gulfstream’s Mark Burns was recognized with an FAI award, while Sumwalt is a Distinguished Statesman
Lisa Anderson Spencer, Nia Gilliam, Rebecca Lutte, Mike McGowan, Robert Sumwalt, Barbara Walters-Phillips, and Holly Woodruff Lyons
The 2025 Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation awards honored Lisa Anderson Spencer, Nia Gilliam, Rebecca Lutte, Mike McGowan, Robert Sumwalt, Barbara Walters-Phillips, and Holly Woodruff Lyons. © National Aeronautic Association

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) honored numerous industry luminaries for their excellence in and contributions to aviation and aerospace. Holding its 2025 Fall Awards event on November 6 in Washington, D.C., NAA recognized outstanding achievements across humanitarian aviation, aerospace education, and military aviation. “The evening was a powerful display of energy and appreciation for the extraordinary people and organizations in our industry,” said NAA president and CEO Amy Spowart.

Among the recognitions were the FAI Tissandier Diploma awarded to Gulfstream Aerospace president and CEO Mark Burns, and the 2025 Bruce Whitman Trophy to William R. Harris, Jr., who is the executive director of the Army Aviation Association of America.