Today, we gather to honor an extraordinary legacy—50 years in the aviation industry. Across five decades, you have not only witnessed the evolution of aviation but have helped shape it through your unwavering dedication, technical brilliance, and collaborative spirit. The outpouring of admiration you’ll see within these pages from CHA leadership, colleagues past and present, and clients near and far is a testament to the profound impact you have made. This celebration is more than a milestone—it’s a tribute to a career that has inspired, uplifted, and propelled so many.
From all of us, Congratulations!
A Legacy Recognized by Leadership
Paul, we celebrate and commemorate your remarkable 50 years of dedicated innovative consulting and client service to the Aviation industry – few have shaped and impacted the business of air transportation as you have done so successfully and for so long.
On behalf of CHA – thank you and congratulations on a remarkable career. Onward and Upward!
Jim Stephenson President and CEO
Congratulations Paul on the significant milestone of 50 years of service to the aviation industry. That’s incredible!
I know you made CHA a better company during your time with us. Whenever we targeted a new airport client, you always came through for us. Your relationships and reputation in the industry are what made that possible. Clients trust that you would take good care of them and deliver the results.
It was a great pleasure to be able to work with you over the past 8 years. I wish you all the best in the future. Well done!
John Hensley Sector PresidentInfrastructure (former)
It is amazing to celebrate five decades of excellence with you! A lot has changed in the Aviation industry over those 50 years and your dedication, passion, and expertise have been instrumental in shaping our success at CHA. Thank you for your remarkable contribution to the Aviation industry and to our firm.
Phil Stevens Sector PresidentInfrastructure
Paul is an aviation market expert and powerhouse who deeply understands the industry and our clients’ needs. As an attentive listener, he asks insightful questions to identify and understand issues, their impact, and the importance of providing tailored solutions. Paul leads by building flexible teams that deliver results through well-crafted action plans. Our clients view him as a trusted partner who consistently meets their unique goals and delivers high-quality projects and programs. A pleasure to work with, his leadership and dedication have made him a cornerstone of our business for decades.
Erin Crotty National Market Director
Reflections from the Aviation Management Team
Paul,
Congratulations on reaching the incredible milestone of 50 years in the aviation industry! Your journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and I am honored to celebrate this achievement with you.
Since your start on December 31, 2007, after a memorable interview just before Christmas, you have been instrumental in our business development efforts and growing our aviation team. Your background as an airport planner and your persuasive charm convinced me you were the right person for the job. Thanks for proving me correct. I will always cherish our travels and our airport conference “dates” (though you have to stop telling people I am your conference wife!).
I appreciate all that you have done for our team, but more importantly, I cherish your friendship. Congratulations once again, Paul!
Best wishes,
Mike DeVoy
Paul,
To best express my thoughts on the impact of how you have impacted my career in aviation, I go back to the early 1990s when I worked for BIROTech in the Pittsburgh Area. We were a nice little airport consulting firm doing primarily GA work in western and central Pennsylvania. We never heard of LPA, and we certainly didn’t get much competition from firms based in the Philadelphia area. When LPA started winning several airport contracts across the state, they became public enemy number one to many of the traditional airport consulting firms in PA like BIROTech, L. Robert Kimball, Lee Simpson and Associates, and Michael Baker. I recall asking John Carter from the Harrisburg ADO about LPA and his quote was “They have the best dog and pony show going.” And you were the ringleader.
As a young engineer, still naive in the knowledge of how you win a new client, your ability to befriend people quickly and formulate a business strategy to win was something I watched and admired while we were with competing firms. If we were up against you in an interview, we knew we had to be exceptional to win.
Fast forward a decade, and you were discussing the airport planning director position with us at RW Armstrong. I knew then that it would be much better to have you with us than against us. I was very happy when you decided to join RW Armstrong, and I am still very happy to have you on our side! Your industry knowledge is extensive. And your ability to learn what our clients really want and then develop a plan to address those needs is best in class in the aviation industry. I am fortunate to have the experience of working with you for 20+ years.
Our relationship has grown from competitors, to co-workers, to friends. Having you as a friend is the best part! Congratulations on 50 years in the industry!
All the Best, Bill Barley
Paul, over the past 17 years, it’s been awesome to witness your dedication and expertise in growing our aviation business and helping to shape our aviation planning group. Your deep understanding of the industry, combined with your ability to spot emerging opportunities, has been key in helping us expand our footprint and elevate the services we offer. You’ve always brought a thoughtful, strategic approach to the table, and it’s been clear how much clients respect your leadership and guidance. Over the years, we’ve tackled some serious challenges, shared a lot of laughs, and built a great working relationship.
And then there’s the RWAFFL - where the competition’s just as real, but with a lot more trash talk (especially with Lance) and heartbreak. From draft day surprises to the inevitable injury meltdowns, we’ve been in the thick of it together for years. The league’s been a great outlet, and I’ve always appreciated how it added another layer to our relationship. Whether it was battling for a playoff spot or just trading jabs over a lopsided score, it’s been a fun, ongoing thread in our friendship. I’m glad we’ve had both the professional side and the fantasy football chaos to keep things interesting all these years.
Paul, congrats on 50 years in the business and best of luck to you in whatever retirement looks like brother.
Steve Lawrence
Colleagues and Companions: Stories of Respect and Friendship
Over the last 50 years, you have not only built a remarkable career—but also built lasting relationships. In this section, voices from across the years reflect on what it’s meant to work alongside you: the trust you’ve inspired, the mentorship you’ve offered, and the laughter you bring to every room. These stories, filled with admiration and warmth, speak to a colleague who became a confidant, a mentor who became a friend, and a professional whose legacy is etched not just in projects, but in people.
Congratulations, Paul, on 50 years in the aviation industry. What an accomplishment! I can’t believe it’s been 15 years since you’ve made one of the best decisions of your career – hiring me! LOL! Though you are older than me, I’ve always felt like the bossy big sister –sometimes having to remind you, “Don’t be that guy…” Seriously, though, working with you over the last 15 years has been a blast. (Pun intended!) I will never forget all the fun and laughter we all shared in the Chantilly office. Your friendship has and always will mean the world to me. (Oh, and thanks for all the great recipes!)
Renee
Cole
I have been working closely with Paul on airport projects and with key CHA clients for over 10 years. At times, having the same first name has led to some client confusion. Thus, in these circumstances, we started going by Paul1 and Paul2, with me being Paul2.
During one recent client meeting, I was jokingly asked, “Why am I stuck being Number 2?” I quickly repeated my standing response that “Despite all the wild conspiracy theories circulating online, Paul Puckli is not Paul1 due to his good looks, net worth, intelligence, or any of the other unfounded claims. Rather, it’s based solely on Seniority!”
Congratulations, Paul1, on your 50 Years!
Paul2
Do you remember the summer of ’97? I think this is how long I have known you. It all started with a Part 150...and not on Brokeback Mountain, but in Boise, Idaho. What I most admire about you is your ability to sniff out the best restaurants in any City…the hell with your planning abilities. From the Elbow Room in Fresno, the Armour House in Birmingham, Rainwaters in San Diego, to Morton’s in Fayetteville...it plays like an old Johnny Cash tune. 50 years in the aviation industry…Wow! I know there are still a few untapped restaurants out there for you to break into… Congratulations on such a remarkable journey, my friend. Keep bringing us all back to the table for us all to enjoy.
J. Larry Kalousek
The first time I met Paul was in early 2015. We were interviewing for a master plan update at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. This was my first interview since joining CHA and I had never met Paul prior to the interview. I remember he took me to a nice seafood place, and I was thinking to myself, this dude knows how to travel! As I got to know Paul over the years, I learned that he loved good food, the Yankees, and his family. Fifty years is a long time to do anything, I wish Paul all of the best in the next chapter of his life and may the Yankees never see another World Series again. Sorry Paul.
Jeremy P. Martelle
Paul,
Congratulations on completing 50 years in the aviation practice. Whenever I was with you, either at a conference or at a client meeting, I was always impressed by how many people you knew, and how well you knew them and their families. I don’t I ever recall seeing you talk to a “stranger.” I saw you talk to many, many people over the years and from what I observed, none were ever strangers to you.
I have always appreciated your client and project insights, particularly during our go-no go meetings. Finally, last but not least, I have always appreciated your restaurant and hotel recommendations, they never failed me.
Fred Loeffler
There is a lot you can say about Paul Puckli, but perhaps the most important lasting impression on me personally is his dedication to the aviation industry, to the clients he works for, and the people he has helped lead. From high-profile projects to high-profile clients, Paul’s leadership and experience has shaped and elevated CHA’s firm reputation as a premier planning firm within the industry. His influence on aviation and aviation planning has left a lasting impact on the industry throughout his 50 years.
I think what I am most grateful for is the significant and lasting impact Paul has made on my personal career; mentorships and lessons that I will keep for my entire professional career, and many pieces of advice, anecdotes, and small quips that have had a deep personal impact on who I am as a person. Paul leaves behind a significant legacy, influencing not only the success of countless projects but also the future of the industry and CHA Aviation Planning through the professionals he has guided and inspired.
Robert LaFayette
Paul….half a century as an airport consultant is an extraordinary milestone. We first met in 2006 when my youngest was a newborn and now he just finished his freshmen year of college – wow, does time fly. Thanks for giving me a call back in 2008 and providing me an opportunity to come on board with RW Armstrong, Bill, and the rest of the Cleveland team. Congratulations, Paul, on this remarkable achievement.
Mark Heckroth
Paul, congratulations on reaching the incredible milestone of 50 years in the aviation industry – what an accomplishment!
It’s hard to believe that I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with you for over 13 years now. Throughout this time, I have always been able to count on you. When you set your sights on a project, I have full confidence in knowing that you’ve done your homework, and you know what it takes to win. You also might be the only person I’ve ever worked with that has never missed a deadline – an incredible accomplishment in itself that speaks volumes about your integrity and character.
Every time we get the chance to work together, I know you’ll show up and make my job easier by providing the content I need to tell our story and put together the best possible proposal. Your reliability and dedication are unmatched. You always do what you say you’re going to do, and that consistency has earned you the respect and admiration of those who have had the pleasure of working with you.
Perhaps the most important thing you have taught me is how to correctly spell archaeology and Purdue; although we can both agree the latter is far less important.
As you celebrate this remarkable achievement, I hope you recognize the countless lives you have touched and the legacy you have built. Congratulations once again, and here’s to many more years of success both professionally and personally.
Brittany Smith
Congratulations, Paul!
What an incredible achievement—50 years in the aviation industry! That’s truly an amazing milestone.
Time really does fly. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly twenty years since you joined the firm. From the start, your strong relationships with industry leaders and your strategic focus on sustainable client growth set a high standard—one that went beyond simply chasing projects. For a growing company like ours, your approach was exactly what we needed. I also appreciated how you remained actively engaged throughout the delivery process with our clients—your presence and input made a real difference.
Your “well-traveled” experience was always something I learned from, especially during our trips to conferences and client meetings. And beyond the work, I really enjoyed catching up with you about what you and Patti were up to, as well as the latest on your family. I hear you have ten grandchildren now—wow! It was always clear just how much your family meant to you, and how that connection shaped your professional life as well.
Congratulations once again, Paul. I hope everything is going well with you and your family.
Best wishes,
Terry Rainier
50 years ago was… well, that was a bit before my time. But… I’ve known Paul for the last ten of those years, from our first meeting at the Dulles bag claim for my interview, which really doesn’t even feel like that long ago. But from that first day, my interview in the Chantilly office – with our discussions that day, and the Tampa connection, I had a good feeling about working together… assuming you gave me the job. And, of course, you did. Starting as an entry-level airport planner with virtually no knowledge of the job or the industry, you set me on the right foot and on a fast track to becoming a professional in the business and gave me countless opportunities for growth. Not to mention the amount of connections you helped me make through introducing me to people. The technical side of aviation planning and all things airports, the way the consulting business works, business development and career growth, a great Caesar salad recipe, and a wealth of funny stories and dad jokes… you’ve taught me quite a lot.
Perhaps my favorite part of our time together, though, was outside of the office. Lunches, dinners, and drives to airports in San Antonio, Panama City, Norfolk, Asheville, and beyond. Always such fun sharing stories and a decent bottle of wine and learning all about your interesting past. It’s been so fun getting to know your family and being there for so many major parts of your own life, grandpa. For all you’ve taught me and shared with me, thank you. Oh, and thanks for giving me a job!
P.S. – you’ve finally sold me on the Hearts of Palm salad. Congratulations on 50 years!
Jackson Harris
The best oysters I’ve ever had. Thanks Paul! Cheers!
Kevin Clarke
An Ode To Oh-Pin-Skee
Dear Paul – From RW Armstrong to CHA, you imported us from Jacobs/PBSJ/Kimley Horn for an epic voyage in airport consulting. Thank you for the opportunities you provided all three of us, starting off the journey with the office open house and dinner circa 2009! Seems like yesterday. In that Chantilly office, we had years of hard work, achievements, disappointments, and lots of silly fun. Some of our highlights include:
• Esteemed office visits from Mr. Dave Mason himself
• Bumping into pole dancers in the back hall
• Lots of Yankees/Red Sox banter
• Memorable Thanksgiving and holiday luncheons and lively white elephant exchanges
• Homemade breakfasts with waffles and steel cut oats (thank you, Kevin Clarke)
• An office lock-down to avoid our rogue gun-toting UAE employee
• Posters and pictures on our doors (thank you Fairytale Brownies and kitty melon head)
• Sports brackets competitions
• Little happy hours in the office (...rarely; in case upper management reads this)
In all seriousness, thank you for your mentorship in airport consulting, client management, showing us the ropes, and making introductions at many conferences. The experiences you shared through your career formed the basis of our understanding of the business. Best wishes for this milestone!
Chad Ackley, Ray Yankey, and Laura Bravo
I first met Paul in the late 1990s in Houston, Texas at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Paul and I were working for separate firms at that time, and although I was familiar with his name we had not before met. At that time I was a junior professional new the industry, while Paul was already well-established with widespread name recognition and a remarkable reputation. The kindness shown to me by Paul in this first meeting formed the foundation of a relationship that has spanned the entirety of my adult life.
Paul, I appreciate the professional relationship that we have maintained since that first meeting in Houston. More than that, our friendship of nearly 30 years means a lot to me – perhaps even more than you know. This recognition you are receiving for reaching such an impressive milestone in your influential career is very well-deserved, and I am truly honored to be able to contribute to this celebration. I wish you all the best, Paul!
Jackson Sargent
Clients Reflection on a Career of Impact
Over the course of 50 years, you have earned the trust and admiration of clients across the aviation industry—not just for your technical expertise, but for your integrity, insight, and unwavering commitment to their success. In this section, clients reflect on the relationships built, the projects delivered, and the personal connections that have stood the test of time. Their words speak to a professional who listens deeply, delivers consistently, and leaves a lasting impression not only on airports and infrastructure, but on the people you’ve served along the way.
Fifty years in the industry already? Boy, does time fly! And why have you looked the same for the past 30 of them? Congratulations Paul! You’ve achieved a milestone that few will ever even strive to do. Thank you for both the work you’ve done for me and the guidance you have given me throughout the many years we continue to stay connected. You are always attentive to the airport’s needs and always answered a call or returned it immediately, another art that we are losing in the industry. When we have worked on projects together, your commitment and work philosophies were always admired - and I know you continue to bring those stellar values to everything you do today.
It has been my honor and pleasure to know you for decades and to have worked with you. Although I stepped outside the industry, I know I can still pick up the phone, and you’ll answer, just to have a brief conversation and stay connected. Congratulations again Paul, you’re halfway to retirement! In my eyes, you will always be “The Most Interesting Man In The World!”
Jerry Brienza
Tailwind Hospitality (former Tri-State Airport)
Dear Paul,
Wow, 50 years in the aviation business is quite the milestone. It is hard to believe that we have known each other for over 25 of those years. I have always appreciated your support both personally and professionally. The work we accomplished together during my time at the Asheville Regional Airport was substantial and set a new direction for the airport at that time. I know you have provided valuable advice to many in the industry during your time at HNTB, PBS&J, RW Armstrong, and for the last 12 years, CHA Consulting. I continue to wish you nothing but the best, and I am proud to have you as a friend. I hope that we stay in touch following our journeys in the aviation industry!
All the best,
Dave Edwards Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District
Dear Paul,
It is my privilege to send you this message to honor you and your incredibly impactful career in aviation! The bottom line is that I would not be where I am had it not been for you. You believed in me and connected me with my first significant career opportunity that placed me on a pathway to fulfill my dream of becoming an airport professional and to serve as a leader in the industry. You set the example for me to follow by your quiet competence and dedication to being the best and to giving back or paying it forward. You were always the first to reach out to me during important career and industry milestones, and always expressed a genuine interest and concern for me and my family. Your support and friendship for over 35 years has been unwavering, and I am so thankful to call you my mentor, friend, and colleague. It is wonderful to lift you up at this moment and to express my deepest thanks and appreciation to you, as well as my admiration for your hard work, which has benefited countless airports and the communities that they serve. Thank you my friend, and congratulations on reaching this remarkable career achievement. Here’s to you and your legacy Paul, it is truly magnificent!
Best Regards,
Larry Krauter
Spokane Airport System (former)
I have known Paul for the better part of 20 years. During that time, he has been an incredible partner and advocate for each airport he has served and the aviation industry as a whole. Paul has brought his expertise and knowledge to help those that needed assistance. Paul is a kind and caring individual. He has provided me an ear on a number of occasions, both on a business and personal perspective. He even went so far as to help me understand the difference between a lake house and a house on the lake. 50 years is a long time! I think he even provided advice to the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk. I hope he’s around for at least another year or two! Congratulations on 50 years in the industry.
Lew Bleiwies
Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority
Paul,
What a remarkable achievement, to be part of the make-up of our industry for 50 years! Navigating the ups and downs and working alongside so many different people, each with their own paths that intersected and weaved through your path. It must be a remarkable story to tell! Congratulations on all your achievements and the lasting imprint you’ve made throughout your career so far! It has been an honor crossing paths with you throughout the different phases of my career, and I appreciate all the support you’ve provided! Congratulations, once again!
Marcelo Lima
Birmingham Airport Authority
I am thankful to have known Paul for over 15 years now. Our relationship began because he needed to kiss up to me, hoping to earn the 2010 Blue Grass Airport Master Plan Update. Though that opportunity didn’t work out, we did see each other occasionally over the next few years in Lexington, KY, and at conferences. Over many conversations and a few dirty martinis, I began to think that he might be a good planner after all. He stayed in touch, played the long game, and eventually convinced me that he was a winner, earning the 2022 Blue Grass Airport Master Plan update.
Seriously, Paul’s insights have been very helpful to me and I am a better man for spending time with him. Congratulations on a half-century of making aviation infrastructure better!
Mark Day
HDR (former Blue Grass Airport)
Surprise! Paul Puckli Celebrates 50 years in aviation!
Congratulations Paul. What a fantastic milestone to celebrate 50 years! You’re a lucky guy. What do I mean? For starters, you look way too young to have been in the industry for that long. You’re also lucky to have chosen the best industry in the world for a career. Lastly, we’re lucky to have had the pleasure of sharing time working with you!
All the best!
Paul Bowers
Airport Improvement Magazine
Paul,
I’ve enjoyed your friendship over the years. My first opportunity to work with you was when you were at PBS&J, and have worked with you each time you changed companies. That is not meant to be a dig at you for changing companies, but to let you know that it is because of the relationship and professional trust that you’d ensure a good product is why we continued our professional relationship. The personal friendship that has grown over the years has become what is important in life. Thank you for being there for me as my career has changed over the years. Congratulations on 50 years in the industry, what a tremendous milestone.
Ralph Hennessy
England Airport - Alexandria International Airport
Congratulations Paul, what a milestone! I have many fond memories working with you at RW Armstrong and consider you my “Spirit Animal” when it comes to travel reward programs and airline loyalty. Your devotion to never checking a bag and commitment to brand loyalty puts you on par with George Clooney when it comes to travel sensibilities.
As I reflect, I realize that we worked together from Michigan to Panama, and lots of places in between. Dinners in Baton Rouge immediately pop into mind, as well as just how hard it can rain in Panama City. I regret that you never got to travel in Air Crider, though the truth, which I can tell you now, is that I was afraid you’d spill margaritas in my airplane. Seriously, it’s an honor to call you a friend and an industry peer, and I am delighted that you’ll receive recognition for all the great work you have accomplished. Wish that I could join you in the celebration, but can’t wait to share a Puckli Martini with you in the future.
Rick Crider
Prescott Regional Airport
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Paul for many years. Not only is he a trusted partner for airports, but a trusted friend as well. I know this from personal experience when he reached out to me at a time when I was at a professional crossroads. He offered his help and support when I truly needed it. Paul is a gentleman and a true family man, and he lives that in the way he approaches business and life in general. His 50 years in the aviation industry has made it a better place for all of us that have enjoyed his friendship. I wish you the best and many more years of success and friendship.
Congratulations on reaching your Golden Anniversary in the Aviation Industry! What a remarkable achievement. Moreover, what a remarkable career. Most people would consider themselves wildly successful if they were to accomplish half of what you have done, working for just half as long. Your many contributions to our beloved industry over the last 50 years cannot be overstated, nor will they be easily forgotten. On behalf of all your friends at Memphis International Airport, thank you for all that you have done for the Aviation Industry. Best wishes for many more wonderful years ahead of you.
Terry Blue
Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
I have known Paul for close to a decade and he has been instrumental in building relationships with everyone he has contact with. Over the years, Paul has accomplished so many projects and milestones. As of recent, we frequently discuss the progress he is working on with AVL’s and LEX’s Airport Master Plan projects, to name a few. We here at FAY are excited to embark on this same journey with him for us as well.
Paul is not only a professional, but a friend. His guidance on career development has proven itself time and time again. We have spent countless hours discussing career paths and goals on a personal and professional level. Paul is a leader and a great mentor for those coming up in the industry. I am proud to work along with and call him friend.
Congratulations on 50 great years, Paul! Keep up the great work.
Andrew LaGala
Fayetteville Regional Airport
Paul –
Congratulations on your 50 years!
It was over 20 years ago when we met on an AVL planning project. Since then, you have always been knowledgeable, professional and provided sage advice in regard to airport planning, but most importantly you have been a supportive friend. I enjoyed working with you on several airport projects and “talking airport” over the years (maybe checking fantasy football scores during a few fall airport conferences, too).
Thank you for the positive impact you have had on airports and the aviation industry over the past 50 years. Thank you even more for the impact you have had on me personally and my career.
Kevin Howell, GSP Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
I have lost track of the number of consultants I have selected and hired over the past 38 years, and how many RFQ processes I have been responsible for or participated in. There is one fact that I have not lost track of however... which is how many times I have hired a consultant based solely upon the initial SOQ submittal, without requiring that consultant to be short-listed and interviewed. That has happed only twice in my career as an airport manager. In both cases, Paul was the person representing that company. My experience with Paul has primarily been over the past 15 years, as our working relationship started with my tenure at AVL. In each case, Paul did something that I never experienced before or since. He listened to what I wanted and then made sure that his submittal was 100 percent exactly what I asked for. Nothing more, and nothing less.
As we worked together on multiple projects over the years, it did not take long to figure out that we had a lot in common, and shared experiences with some of the same people as we both grew up close to each other. This became the basis of my considering Paul a friend in addition to a colleague. Paul’s professionalism and good-natured manner are key in his success in what is an impressive 50-year career. Congratulations on all of your success Paul! And take it from me... It’s okay to slow down.
Mike Reisman
Greater Asheville Regional Airport (retired)
Paul, congratulations on 50 years in aviation! What a remarkable career you have had. I remember our many conversations during the Master Plan process at CAK. Some of these conversations were very spirited, especially the ones on a potential parking structure for the airport. In the end, we agreed that it was smart to include one in the plan but not construct it until later. I think we both know just what a good decision that turned out to be! Your experience was vital in allowing us to craft a solid path forward that assures the citizens of Akron, Canto, and Northeast Ohio have a first-class airport capable of expanding to serve their needs for many years to come. I also recall fondly the dinners we had after the public meetings, where our work relationship developed into a friendship, one that I cherish to this day.
Again, congratulations on your 50 years in aviation. The aviation industry has benefited greatly from your experience and knowledge. I hope the next time you are in Northeast Ohio we, can get together to catch up in person.
Rick McQueen
Akron-Canton Airport (former)
Paul, Congratulations on achieving this significant milestone in your professional career! I was but a toddler when you started this field we call aviation. Your career has surely witnessed many of the ups and downs, from airline deregulation to mergers to pandemics. Despite these changes, your contributions to aviation have been consistent and positive over the years.
I can’t thank you enough for your assistance and mentorship during my time at CLE and CAK. Whether efforts tied to airport master planning, terminal infrastructure, runways/NAVAIDS, and a prospective new air traffic control tower, your experience, expertise, and willingness to make that extra phone call, find that important data file, or sound advice has always been your hallmark. When you do offer these ‘services’, you do so in a humble manner and never ask for anything in return. May you continue paying it forward to those coming after us in this industry. Continued success in all you do!
With Great Appreciation,
Ren Camacho Akron-Canton Airport
Where the Journey Began and Always Returns
Paul,
Wow! 50 years in the aviation industry! You have always been so loving and supportive to our entire family. I cannot believe that I have spent 41 of those years with you! Time sure flies when you’re having fun! Seriously, I am so very proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished. I could not have asked for a more amazing partner in life, in love, in family, and in everything else. I can only congratulate you from the bottom of my heart for you being the person that you are and the incredible career that you have had.
I love you!
Patti
Dad,
Congratulations on 50 years in the aviation industry!
It’s no secret that your career has required a lot of travel and time away from home. And while reaching 50 years in such a demanding field is an incredible achievement, what I find the most remarkable is that, as your child, I never once felt that your work came before our family.
It wasn’t until I became a parent myself that I truly began to understand and appreciate just how extraordinary that is. When I think back on my childhood, I remember you walking through the door at 5:00 p.m., preparing family dinners, and being there—always—in the stands at our games. You wore your team shirt, took videos, cheered the loudest, and made sure we knew you were there. You were never too busy or too stressed to show up for us.
I deeply admire your dedication to your career, but even more, I’m grateful for the way you consistently prioritized your family and surrounded us with unconditional love and support.
You managed to give your all to both your family and your profession. Your love for your work is obvious, your reputation in the aviation industry speaks for itself, and your family absolutely adores you. You truly have it all.
I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and even more proud to call you my dad and role model. Congratulations, thank you, and I love you so much!
Love, Michelle
Dear Dad,
Congratulations on an incredible 50 years in the aviation industry! Your dedication, passion, and commitment in all you do is prevalent and has not only shaped your remarkable career but has also inspired so many around you - including me.
It’s incredible to me how you traveled so much, yet you were somehow always there, especially when it came to our sports (literally, you were the only parent in the stands sometimes!). This balance between your unwavering dedication to your family and your extreme passion and dedication to your profession is something I admire.
The legacy you’ve built—both professionally and within our family—is one to be proud of. Congratulations, Dad. I love you! Keep flying high in all you do!
XO, Meg
Dad,
Congrats on 50 years in aviation. You’ve always shown me what it means to work hard, love what you do, and put your family first. You also taught me that choosing the right partner is one of life’s biggest decisions… and you got that one right.
You passed down your love of sports and your sense of humor, but sadly, not the ability to grow a mustache like yours. Here’s to a career worth celebrating and a legacy that goes far beyond the runway.
Thanks, Mike
A Legacy That Soars Beyond the Runway
As we reflect on your extraordinary 50-year journey, one truth stands out above all: your legacy isn’t just defined by the projects you’ve completed or the milestones you’ve reached—it’s in the countless lives you’ve touched along the way.
From the deep admiration of CHA leadership and the camaraderie of your colleagues, to the trust of your clients and the love of your family, your impact has been both far-reaching and deeply personal. Your career has been a masterclass in professionalism, mentorship, and heart. The stories shared here are more than memories—they’re a testament to a life lived with purpose, generosity, and unwavering dedication. Paul, thank you for lifting us all higher.
From all of us at CHA and beyond, congratulations on a remarkable 50 years in the aviation industry, Paul!
