NBAA has created the Steve Brown Leadership Scholarship in honor of the long-time aviation stalwart and the association's former COO who retired this year. Established in coordination with NBAA Charities, the scholarship will support students enrolled in programs to help them achieve their goals of a business aviation career. Two $1,500 scholarships will be awarded annually.

“The business aviation industry, and aviation as a whole, is better, stronger, safer, and more efficient as a direct result of Steve Brown’s decades of leadership,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “This scholarship will help identify and grow the next generation of leaders who will move our industry forward.”

Brown spent 18 years with NBAA, initially as senior v-p of operations and ultimately COO. Before joining the association in October 2004, he served as associate administrator for air traffic services for the FAA for six years. During that time, he played a pivotal role in the agency’s response to the 9/11 attacks. He also previously served as president of the National Aeronautic Association, senior v-p government affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and as a faculty member at Texas A&M University.

During his career, Brown held a number of key positions on industry boards and organizations, including as chair of RTCA and the Aviation Accreditation Board International. He further led various subcommittees within the NextGen Advisory Committee.