NBAA’s Ed Bolen Receives Alpha Eta Rho’s Highest Honor

The professional collegiate aviation fraternity Alpha Eta Rho (AHP) has awarded its namesake honor to NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, recognizing his contributions to the aviation industry and dedication to developing future leaders.

AHP presented the award during its inaugural Collegiate Aviation Symposium held February 24 and 25 in Columbus, Ohio. AHP CEO Ben O’Brien highlighted the significance of the recognition during the ceremony, saying, “We are pleased to present Ed with our highest award in recognition of the role he and NBAA have played in reinforcing Alpha Eta Rho’s mission of helping today’s students become tomorrow’s aviation leaders.”

Bolen, who has led NBAA since 2004, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “I am deeply honored to receive this award and have been fortunate to be part of a community filled with inspiring young people, from all backgrounds, with a shared passion for ensuring that a vital industry continues to have a central role in our nation’s future,” he said.

Bolen’s aviation career includes eight years as president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and service as majority general counsel to what is now the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. A private pilot, Bolen was instrumental in the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994.

The Alpha Eta Rho Award, established in 1971, honors contributions to aviation education. Past recipients include Wright Brothers associate Grover Loening, military leader James Harold Doolittle, and Experimental Aircraft Association founder Paul Poberezny.