2023 Aviation Recognition Awards Recap - the Power of Three

Lornna I. Ruble

WMU Alumna, Aircraft Maintenance Control Director, UPS Airlines 

Lornna launched into her aviation career with Western Michigan University (WMU) College of Aviation in 2004 as a Fleet Maintenance Student Intern. Continuing with WMU as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) once completing her internship. In 2006 Lornna moved across the runway to Duncan Aviation as an AMT. Beginning her career with UPS in 2007 as a management trainee, she held multiple assignments such as FAA Liaison, Major Maintenance, and Fleet Management. In 2008, she was promoted to FAA Liaison supervisor. As a supervisor, she held a variety of assignments of increasing responsibility in Technical Publications, Line Maintenance, and Labor Relations. In 2018, Lornna was promoted to the Americas Manager where she was responsible for maintenance operations and materials for twenty UPS gateways in the U.S., Mexico, Central, South and Latin America. In 2021, Lornna was promoted to NDA Aircraft Maintenance Director, while in 2022, Lornna became the Aircraft Maintenance Director for the 2DA operation, RCC, SDF Standards and Wheel & Brake Shop.   Lornna holds a Bachelor of Science with a major on aircraft maintenance technology from WMU and an associate’s degree in airlines and tourism. She also graduated from SOAR and completed the Yale School of Management and Emory School of Business Programs. Lornna was part of the first all-female flight and maintenance crew for the Thunder Over Louisville airshow and has served as the management team champion for the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. Additionally, she served as a chair member of the Diversity Council and is an active participant of the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM), Women in Aviation International (WAI), MCLANAMM, UPS Hispanic/Latino BRG and SOAR.  Lornna is married to her husband Randy, and they have two boys, Ryan and Tyler. 

Ingrid Hairston 

WMU Aviation Alumna (BS – 1988, MPA – 1991), VP of Properties and Business of Development for the Birmingham Airport Authority (BHM), Thurgood Marshall Graduate Assistant scholarship recipient, AAAE Member 

As an aviation management and operations ambassador, there is no greater representative than Hairston.  With a career that has spanned over 32 years, Hairston has served in the capacity of intern, Operations Manager, Business Development Officer, Director of Business Development and Vice President of Properties and Business of Development. Prior to her stint at BHM, Hairston served as the Director of Business Initiative at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), where she retired after 30 years of service.  Hairston has been recognized at the national level for excellence and distinction, winning multiple awards and serving on numerous boards, such as being named the 2019 Property Manager of the Year by Airport Experience News, and serving as an aviation industry expert with the Airport Cooperative Research Program and Transportation Research Board.  She served as the Chair of the Commercial Management Committee of Airports Council International North America (ACI-NA) for 2020 and 2021, leading the Commercial Management Committee through one of the most significant global economic downturns in history. Under her leadership, the Committee and ACI-NA provided invaluable data and insights to airports as they grappled with responding to the devastating impact of the global pandemic. She also Chairs the 2023 AAAE Foundation Committee.  A strong proponent of giving her time, talents and treasures, Ingrid is a proud Alumna of WMU and the College of Aviation, often providing guidance and support the for University’s AAAE student chapter.