DOTD Aviation Awards Program
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is proud to announce our Louisiana Airport of the Year and Aviation Professional of the Year awards program. These awards recognize superior achievement and leadership in the aviation field in Louisiana. Through the power of aviation, people and goods move rapidly, in, around, and out of Louisiana’s airport system. The opportunity to honor those individuals and facilities within our system provides for recognizing best practices in aviation through this awards program. From lifetime achievement and airport achievement to recognizing outstanding work in a particular discipline, our awards honor excellence and professionalism at all levels of airport operations.
The award winners for 2024 were announced during the Awards Luncheon at the 2024 Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates Annual Conference in Houma. LA on October 8, 2024.
Louisiana Airport of the Year-General Aviation: False River Regional Airport (HRZ)
David Slayter Memorial Louisiana Aviation Professional of the Year:
- Jason Ball (REG)
- Amelia Hebert (LCH)
- Rusty Lavergne (Flying Wings of Louisiana)
- Andy Velayos (Federal Aviation Administration)
Allen R. Taylor Legacy Award: R. Heath Allen, C. M. (LCH)
Previous Award Recipients
2023
Louisiana Airport of the Year-General Aviation: Kelly-Dumas Airport (9M6)
Louisiana Airport of the Year-Commercial Service: Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)
David Slayter Memorial Louisiana Aviation Professional of the Year:
- Bradley Kutchins, P.E. (Kutchins & Groh, LLC)
- George Groh, P.E. (Kutchins & Groh, LLC)
- Joshua Duplantis, C.M. (DOTD)
Allen R. Taylor Legacy Award: Anthony Marino (Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering)
2022
Louisiana Airport of the Year-General Aviation: Natchitoches Regional Airport (IER)
Louisiana Airport of the Year-Commercial Service: Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT)
David Slayter Memorial Louisiana Aviation Professional of the Year:
- Steven Picou, A.A.E., ACE (LFT)
- Tonjia Summerell (DOTD)
Allen R. Taylor Legacy Award: Yvonne Chenevert (HZR)
2021
Louisiana Airport of the Year-General Aviation: Chennault International Airport (CWF)
Louisiana Airport of the Year-Commercial Service: Alexandria International Airport (AEX)
Louisiana Aviation Professional of the Year: Steven Burdeaux, C.M., ACE (SPH)