Story ID: 
NBAA Recognizes 700th CAM Professional
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Kathy Stafford, a pilot with more than 30 years of experience and who has moved into the role of chief pilot, has become the 700th CAM recipient.
Word Count: 224
NBAA recently celebrated the award of the 700th certified aviation manager (CAM) recognition. Capt. Kathy Stafford, a pilot with more than 30 years of experience, achieved the milestone CAM recognition.

“I felt earning the CAM certification would reflect my commitment to professionalism, learning, and self-improvement, while bringing potential value to an employer,” said Stafford, who moved into a new role of chief pilot and has worked for Air Midwest, US Airways, Office Depot, and Executive Jet Management, among others. “Discovering the complexities of operating a flight department legally as a Part 91 operator was new and challenging. My studies through the CAM program greatly enhanced my knowledge base while providing guidance and resources I was unfamiliar with.”

The CAM program is designed to prepare and recognize business aviation professionals to lead departments and organizations. CAM professionals must demonstrate proficiency and experience in leadership, human resources, operations, technical and facilities services, and business management.

The program continues to gain steam—NBAA launched the program in 2003 and it passed the 200th CAM award in 2013. “We are positioned extremely well to continue to grow with the ever-changing needs of our current and future leaders,” said Tyler Austin, NBAA's director of certification. “With the workforce challenges we continue to see, the CAM credential is a perfect tool for succession planning and retention.”