General Aviation Awards Names New Leadership

Established in 1962, the GAA recognizes aviation professionals, specifically flight instructors, maintenance technicians, and FAA Safety (FAASTeam) representatives who make a positive impact in the industry.

Webb’s resume includes management and marketing positions at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), a 15-year stint with the Avemco Insurance Co. as vice president of marketing and public relations director, and seven years as the director of marketing and communications for the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI).

During her tenure with NAFI, Webb spent three years on the board doing fundraising and PR. After her time on the board, she co-produced the annual GAALive broadcast, a seminar highlighting the knowledge and ability of each year’s honorees.

Webb succeeds Sandya Narayanswami, who served as GAA board chair from 2019-24 and now moves into the position of fundraising director.

“Lauretta and I have become close colleagues and friends over the years, so I know she is the right person to grow awareness, participation, and continued operational efficiencies for our organization,” Narayanswami said. “It has been a pleasure and an honor to collaborate with the GAA board as chair, and I hope to continue to do so as the fundraising director.”

Webb said she and Narayanswami share the same objective for GAA.

“Thanks to Sandya’s outstanding efforts, GAA is a ‘well-oiled machine,’ giving me the opportunity to take our organization to greater heights,” said Webb. “Ours is a singular goal—work with FAASTeam leadership to identify, recognize, and honor the best-of-the-best flight instructors, mechanics, and safety reps in GA.”

Each year the GAA program receives nominations from around the country for the award of Instructor of the Year, FAASTeam Representative of the Year, and Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year. The nominees must submit an application packet that is evaluated by their local flight standards district office. From there, if they qualify and are deserving, the nomination advances to the regional then national level.

The winners are recognized each July during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.