NATA Honors Signature Managers for Leadership, Crisis Support

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has named two managers at Signature Aviation who stepped in to help in the aftermath of the January 29 midair collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) as recipients of its 2025 Industry Excellence Leadership Awards.

Adam Cope, general manager of Signature Aviation at KDCA, and operations manager Connor Thoreck are being honored for their “extraordinary leadership every day and particularly during the January 29 air disaster over the Potomac River, which claimed 67 lives,” NATA said.

A 30-year veteran of Signature Aviation, Cope will be recognized with a Leadership Excellence Award for guiding his team as they prepared for emergency response and for coordinating with federal and local agencies to support recovery efforts. “Because of our preparation, we were able to help reopen the airport faster than I thought possible,” Cope said.

NATA added that Cope provides a steady presence, compassion, and ongoing mentorship that produce operational excellence and supports the aviation industry.

Thoreck, who joined Signature in 2022 as a line service technician and was quickly promoted to operations manager, will be recognized with the Future Leader Award for his professionalism and initiative during the crisis as well as daily.

“That night showed me the importance of teamwork, preparation, and supporting one another in the hardest of times,” he said. Thoreck’s actions, NATA said, showed both strong leadership and a deep commitment to his colleagues and community.

“The aviation industry is built on resilience, professionalism, and service,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “Adam Cope and Connor Thoreck embody these values, and their leadership reflects the strength and character that make general aviation indispensable to our nation.”

“Adam and Connor exemplify the steadiness, preparation, and care that define Signature Aviation. On a day our community will never forget, they led with professionalism and compassion, and they’ve continued to lead in the months since,” added Signature COO Brad Williams.

Cope and Thoreck will be recognized on November 18 during NATA’s 2025 Aviation Business Conference in Dallas.