Transportation Cabinet
KYTC Department of Aviation Announces “Airport Board Member of the Year” Awards

FRANKFORT, KY (October 2, 2006) – They volunteer their time and talents so airports around the state can reach new heights. Now, two deserving aviation advocates are being recognized for their hard work and dedication. The Kentucky Department of Aviation has named two individuals Kentucky Airport Board Member of the Year. The recipients are Dr. Richard A. Wham of the Henderson City – County Airport (General Aviation category) and Mr. J.D. Nichols of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority (Air Carrier category). The awards were handed out at the recent Kentucky Aviation Conference held in Lexington.

“It is always a special occasion to have the opportunity to honor the special men and women who serve on airport boards throughout Kentucky,” said Aviation Commissioner Paul Steely. “Governor Fletcher emphasizes the importance of aviation to attracting new jobs and industries. These men and women truly demonstrate a passion for aviation in Kentucky.”

Airport boards are individuals appointed to oversee the day-to-day operation of our public use airports. Airport Board members are unpaid appointees and they often dedicate long hours to the oversight of their local airports.

The 2006 winner of the General Aviation Airport Board Member of the Year, Dr. Richard A Wham is a retired radiologist from Henderson, KY. Dr. Wham has served as a Henderson City – County Air Board Chairman and as a member of the Kentucky Aviation Association Governing Board for over a decade. Dr. Wham is an active aircraft owner and pilot who received his initial pilot training in the early 1950’s. Under Dr. Wham’s Leadership the Henderson City – County Airport has grown from a small airport serving a limited number of general aviation users, to a modern facility serving an ever increasing number of corporate users. In addition to serving on the local airport board, Dr. Wham has served on the Board of Friends of Audubon, a long time member of the Rotary, and volunteered much of his time teaching computer classes. Dr. Wham and his wife Dianne have three children.

The 2006 winner of the Air Carrier Airport Board Member of the Year, Mr. J. D. Nichols has been Chairman of NTS Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates since 1985. He conducted his undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky, with a concentration in accounting, marketing, business administration, and finance and graduated from the University of Louisville School of Law in 1964. Mr. Nichols has extensive flying experience that includes an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with type ratings in Cessna Citation and Lear Jet aircraft. In addition to an extensive career in construction and real estate development, he was also inducted into the Kentuckiana Business Hall of Fame in 1989. He has served on the Governor’s Council on Economic Development, the Board of Directors of both Actors Theater of Louisville and Kentucky Opera, as well as several other community organizations. Mr. Nichols is currently Chairman of the Board of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority.

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