Celebrating Professionalism Across the NAS

Professionalism is more than a standard — it is a value lived every day by NATCA members. At Communicating For Safety 2025, Professional Standards Co-Chairs Lydia Baune and Patrick Carter honored four members with the NATCA National Professionalism Award: Jessica Schwartz, Merrill Field ATCT (MRI); Rick Lieflander, Chicago TRACON (C90); Lela Rosenberg, Binghamton ATCT (BGM); and Tina Thomas, FAA Headquarters (EHQ). Each honoree represents the resilience, collaboration, and excellence that strengthen the National Airspace System.