2015 AEA Lifetime Achievement Award

Gary Kelley will be presented with the 2015 Aircraft Electronics Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the AEA's board of directors, during the opening session of the 58th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show on Wednesday, April 8, at Marriott's Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

Gary Kelley

Kelley will be recognized by the AEA board of directors for his countless hours of volunteerism for the association, including his service as a board member and his leadership on the AEA's Future Studies Report, a strategic plan developed in the mid-1990s.

Kelley retired from Garmin International in December 2011 as vice president of marketing, where he led Garmin's aviation, marine, outdoor fitness and automotive divisions. He joined Garmin in 1992 as director of marketing, during which time he oversaw the development of Garmin's global marketing, sales, support and advertising strategies in the early days of the company. He also served as director of Garmin Europe from 1993 to 2004.

Under his executive leadership, Garmin was named the AEA Associate Member of the Year on three occasions: 1994; 2000; and 2011.

From 1972-92, Kelley worked for the general aviation avionics division of Allied Signal/BendixKing, where he served as director of marketing administration.

In addition to his service on the AEA board of directors, he also served as a board member for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the National Business Aviation Association.

"Gary Kelley was instrumental in the early formation of Garmin's sales and marketing efforts around the world, and he was a passionate leader for the general aviation industry as a whole," said Paula Derks, AEA president. "He helped develop Garmin's aviation business segment, including the introduction of products such as the GNS 430 and 530, and the G1000 integrated cockpit system. A true industry visionary, he also helped bring Garmin avionics into larger, Part 25 aircraft. This award is truly deserved, and on behalf of the AEA board of directors, I offer my heartfelt thanks for his many years of service to the AEA and the general aviation electronics industry."

Kelley earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Baker University. He also owns a commercial pilot license, and instrument and flight instructor ratings. A lifelong resident of the Kansas City area, he and his wife, Pamela, have three children: Sean, Shannon and Brian.

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2015 AEA Member Awards

Each year during the Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show, two prestigious awards are presented: the AEA Member of the Year, which honors an individual from an AEA member repair station; and the AEA Associate Member of the Year, which honors a manufacturer, distributor or service provider.

Two nominating committees – comprising of AEA member representatives, including the previous year’s winners – are formed to prepare a slate of nominees for the annual awards.

Once the slate of nominees is assembled for both awards, the slate is sent to the full AEA membership to vote – which means the winners of each award truly are being recognized by their peers for their service and participation in the industry and the association.

2015 AEA Member of the Year Nominees

For the AEA Member of the Year Award, the nominating committee assembles a list of individuals who have gone above and beyond to promote the general aviation community and, in particular, are actively involved in the affairs of the AEA.

Joe Braddock
Southeast Aerospace

Roger Dahler
Avionics Specialist

James Miller
Brazos Avionics

Fabián Oyarbide
Redimec s.r.l.

2015 AEA Associate Member of the Year Nominees

For the AEA Associate Member of the Year Award, the nominating committee assembles a list of associate member companies that are being recognized for their service and support to the general aviation electronics industry, as well as their active involvement in the affairs of the AEA.