HAI Honors Oliver Johnson for Communications Excellence

Vertical magazine editor-in-chief Oliver Johnson is this year’s selection for the Lightspeed Aviation Excellence in Communications Award. Part of HAI’s Salute to Excellence program, the award recognizes an individual or organization for creative and distinct dissemination of helicopter industry information. The award will be presented to Johnson during HAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards luncheon on March 6.

HAI credited Johnson for tireless behind-the-scenes work to pull each issue of the magazine together, guiding editorial contributions through every stage of the writing process. Noting Vertical often has contributions from industry experts who do not necessarily have a journalism background, HAI said he ensures the expertise and passion shines through in well-crafted prose. Along with his behind-the-scenes work, HAI cited Johnson’s own numerous editorial contributions to the magazine, pointing in particular to a significant crash story he developed last year after combing through a 175-page report.

Johnson has served with the Vertical family since 2012, after holding reporting and editing roles in the areas of home building/renovation and sports.