NATA To Honor Pistole, Koranda with Industry Awards

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is honoring former TSA Administrator John Pistole with its 2015 William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award, while long-time NATA employee Amy Koranda will receive NATA’s Distinguished Service Award, the association announced today. Along with other “Industry Excellence Award” recipients, they will be formally recognized at a ceremony during NATA’s Aviation Business Conference on June 17 in Washington, D.C.

The William A. Ong Memorial Award, named after NATA’s co-founder and first president, is the association’s highest honor. Pistole will be recognized for “extraordinary achievement and extended meritorious service to the general aviation industry.” At the TSA, Pistole promoted a “philosophical change…to security through the introduction of highly effective intelligence-driven programs.”

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes “outstanding service and ongoing contributions to the general aviation industry.” Koranda held several titles over her 17-year career at NATA, originally joining the association staff to develop and manage NATA’s renowned Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training. She also led the development of other industry safety training seminars, products and services. Koranda, currently vice president of operations for the association, is retiring today.