Each month, the Aeronautical Center is fortunate to have groups of people wanting to visit and learn about this facility that’s in their community; one that is known for being a major contributor to the entire Federal Aviation Administration and a key component in keeping our National Aerospace System safe. This month was no exception, as we opened our gates to our 28th governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt, as well as the Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, and Brent Kisling, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for their first visit to the Center. They were given an orientation tour which included a quick visit to the FAA Academy and the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute. A more in-depth tour is likely to be scheduled in the future.

Later this month, August 27-29, we are looking forward to a visit from Winnie Chang, Professional Staff Member Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations & Related Programs House Committee on Appropriations. Her visit is equally significant, as she helps the House Committee define appropriations for the FAA and the Aeronautical Center. Accompanying Ms. Chang will be Karla Wald, Senior Budget Analyst for the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Carl Burrus, Director of Budget and Programs for the FAA.

Just recently, Kevin O’Connor and I had some very productive, strategic partnership meetings with key management members of several service organizations: Glen Martin, Vice President of the Safety & Technical Training (AJI-0), and Jeffrey Planty, Vice President of Technical Operations (AJW-0), Jeffrey Vincent, Vice President, Air Traffic Services (AJT-E). This is the first time that members of these groups had ever chosen to meet. The purpose of the meeting was to develop a strategic plan around technical training. Our goal was to create a joint plan that would focus on FAA’s Joint Business Plan targets. It was clear that all of us want improvements and we’re working together to make it happen.

This summer, the Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating their new facility, located just east of the Center’s Headquarters building in the newly renovated Flight Inspection building. They have been a valuable partner/tenant for over 45 years and we are pleased to see that their services continue to expand.

In an effort to address key priorities and cost efficiencies in government, every quarter, a Strategic Financial Enterprise meeting is held in Washington D.C. The meeting is comprised of Chief Financial Officers (CFO’s) representing a variety of government agencies that the FAA supports. The meeting is scheduled for August 20th and we anticipate a good information exchange among the stakeholders.

It’s always nice when someone acknowledges your efforts. Corey Black, Director of MMAC Facility Management received a letter from Gerard Stolar, the Appointed Federal Coordinating Officer for the State of Oklahoma on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The letter was in appreciation for the Aeronautical Center’s efforts in providing space to FEMA so that they could stage and deploy vital federal resources to the survivors of our summer’s unprecedented storms, straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes from late May to mid-June. Mr. Stolar stated in the letter, "Your outstanding partnership and support during this critical time contributed significantly to the overall success of disaster recovery operations throughout the state." We too, are grateful for the partnership that we have with FEMA.

As we passed our mid-year point, we can reflect on some of our successes, especially since many of our successes are mapped directly to FAA’s goals. We are grateful for so many accomplishments as demonstrated by the recent FAA and AFN Awards, as well as anticipating our upcoming Pathfinder Awards on August 29.

Also, be sure to mark your calendar for an upcoming AMC Town Hall, currently scheduled for the morning of September 4.

Thanks to each of you for your continued top-notch efforts. It’s evident by the recognition we’ve received from our recent award ceremonies and partnerships, that it’s not just Kevin and I that value the great work being accomplished at the Center. Your exceptional work represents the pillars of our foundation.

Kindly,

Michelle Coppedge