The NBAA will present its 2025 Dr Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award to six individuals who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and leadership in support of business aviation safety.

The award recipients are Joe Barber of Clay Lacy Aviation, John Cox of Safety Operating Systems, Joseph Rivera of International Aviation Services LLC, Jack Santucci of Reyes Holdings, Kris Stewart of Wyvern Ltd and Phillip Taylor of Advanced Aircrew Academy.

“Professionalism is the foundation of a strong safety culture, regardless of an operation's size,” says Mark Larsen, CAM, NBAA director of safety and flight operations. “We're honoured to recognise these individuals who exemplify safety and professionalism in a wide range of roles across the business aviation industry.”

The awards will be presented during the ‘Recognizing Safety Excellence’ session on 15 October, during the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The session is part of the NBAA National Safety Forum, held on 14–15 October, which will examine the latest issues impacting business aviation, including decision-making under pressure, current aeromedical information, creating a safety culture, and case studies in safe operations.

First awarded in 2016, the Professionalism in Aviation Award honours U.S. Air Force veteran and Convergent Performance co-founder Dr Tony Kern, who has authored 10 books on human performance. The peer-nominated award recognises individual pilots, maintenance technicians, flight attendants, dispatchers and other aviation professionals who excel in leadership in areas including professional ethics, vocational excellence, continuous improvement, professional engagement, professional image and selflessness.

All Kern Award nominations are vetted by a panel of NBAA Safety Committee members, and NBAA will begin accepting nominations for the 2026 awards in January.