Press Release

For Immediate Release
November 16, 2023

Alexandria, Va. – The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Foundation has permanently endowed a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship in honor of past AAAE Chair Carl D. Newman, A.A.E., who passed away recently after a distinguished career of service to AAAE and the aviation industry. The endowed Diversity, Equity & Inclusion scholarship, the association’s second, will allow for the issuance of annual awards totaling at least $5,000 to deserving students in perpetuity.

“Carl was passionate about mentorship and developing individuals, which contributed to his success as an airport leader and made him a role model for many across our industry, including myself,” said AAAE Chair Perry Miller, A.A.E., I.A.P., President and CEO of the Richmond International Airport, and a close friend of Newman. “His legacy will live on in every student who receives this scholarship in his name.”

The Carl D. Newman, A.A.E., Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship will be awarded annually to an ethnic minority student (Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders) enrolled in a college or university aviation program with a junior, senior, or graduate student standing and a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Newman served as AAAE Chair in 2016-2017. During his career, he served as airport manager at Glendale Municipal in Arizona, Chief Executive Officer of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority and in senior positions with the Houston Airport System and the City of Phoenix Aviation Department.

In addition to holding the position of AAAE Chair, Newman served on AAAE's Policy Review Council, Nominating Committee, Leadership Task Force, the U.S. Contract Tower Association, and International Association of Airport Executives Board.

To contribute to the Carl D. Newman, A.A.E., Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship, click here.

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ABOUT AAAE: Founded in 1928, American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is the world's largest professional organization representing the individuals who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE's 10,000 members represent more than 850 airports as well as hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.

ABOUT THE AAAE FOUNDATION: Since 1989, the AAAE Foundation has issued nearly 3,400 scholarships totaling more than $6.25 million, making the organization one of the largest supporters of higher education assistance in the entire aviation industry. In 2023, the AAAE Foundation awarded 138 scholarships totaling $482,000. The AAAE Foundation offers scholarships to support our Accredited Airport Executives (A.A.E.s), their families, and endorsed students, as well as scholarships for the best and brightest future aviation leaders.

The Foundation is a not-for-profit IRS 501 (C) (3) organization founded in 1962 for the advancement of education and the public understanding of airport and aviation issues. Contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent permissible under current tax laws.

CONTACT:
Joel D. Bacon
Executive Vice President, Government and Public Affairs
Email: joel.bacon@aaae.org
Phone: 703.575.2478

Gwen Basaria
AAAE Vice President, Member Experience and AAAE Foundation
Email: gwen.basaria@aaae.org 
Phone: 703.797.2540