It’s hard to believe that we are wrapping-up 2023. It’s turned out to be a great year. There were challenges, but we were fortunate enough to have many more successes. Our most recent success is being awarded a Top Workplace in Oklahoma for the fourth consecutive year! We have an exceptional workplace thanks to all of you and your feedback. I have always felt this way, but it’s further confirmed when you learn that Aeronautical Center employees feel the same way, too. Let’s keep our momentum going and look for ways to continually improve our work environment as we strive for a fifth consecutive year to be a Top Workplace in 2024!
We also just learned that our Office of Facility Management was awarded the Department of Transportation’s Sustainability Award for implementing a new Integrated Facility Assessment Process to enhance their sustainability program. We currently have 17 certified buildings designated as sustainable, per the guiding principles for sustainable federal buildings. This is quite an accomplishment! Congratulations to Corey Black and his team for making this happen!
This month, we had many people touring the Center, including the East African Community of Civil Aviation Safety & Security Oversight Agency, Rose State College, UCO’s Upward Bound TRIO Program, and many others. We’re excited that the call has gone out for colleges to contact us for their spring 2024 Capstone projects.
This month, I also had the pleasure of speaking at the 7th Annual Women in Aviation & Aerospace Event, presenting on behalf of the 2023 Oklahoma Airport Operators Association. It was an exceptional event hosted by the 137th Special Operations Wing at the Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, which is located next door to us. Over 1,000 people attended to celebrate all the things women have successfully accomplished in our industry. Every year, this event continues to grow and gets better and better each time.
This month, we also celebrated a one-of-a-kind hybrid event (in-person and virtual), the Combined Federal Campaign telethon. It was an excellent opportunity to hear first-hand from some charities that continually help our community. Our goal for this year’s campaign is $225,00, and we are currently at $128,000, with 193 people having contributed. To ensure that everyone can donate and make a difference, we are extending the campaign until Friday, January 12th.
We recently celebrated our Second Annual Holiday Mingle and Jingle in the Blue Sky Café, complete with Santa Claus, carolers, a hot cocoa bar, and a cookie contest. I don’t think Kevin, Murod, or myself had ever tasted so many delicious cookies in one setting! Thanks to everyone who participated, as you helped make the event very special, and congratulations to the contest winners! Your recipes were terrific.
As we wrap this season up, we thank you for all the exceptional work you have done throughout the year, continuing to make the Aeronautical Center shine while delivering on our mission. We are grateful to each of you and wish you and your families the best.
Happy Holidays,
Michelle Coppedge
Director, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
