NATA To Honor Dorenda Baker's FAA Service

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has selected Dorenda Baker, former executive director of the FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service (AIR), as this year’s recipient of its Distinguished Public Service Award. NATA will recognize Baker during its June 18 Industry Excellence Awards Presentation Luncheon held in conjunction with its 2019 Annual Meeting and Aviation Business Conference.

Baker spent more than three decades with the FAA, retiring from the agency on November 30. As executive director, she oversaw type certification, production approval, airworthiness certification, and continued airworthiness of the U.S. civil aircraft fleet, leading a workforce of more than 1,300 employees. She worked closely with industry, helping to implement the Part 23 rewrite, laying the groundwork for unmanned aircraft systems technologies, tightening international collaborations, and reorganizing AIR.

“The National Air Transportation Association is honored to recognize Dorenda Baker’s 32-year tenure with the FAA. Dorenda’s commitment to aviation is marked by her esteemed public service record, beginning and ending her professional career with the agency,” said NATA president Gary Dempsey. “Her tireless work, knowledge, and relationship with the general aviation industry improved the aircraft certification process for our membership and other stakeholders.”