NAAA and NAAREF Leadership Advance Key Initiatives at Board Meetings in Charlotte

NAAA and NAAREF leaders gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina, last week for three days of committee and board meetings focused on advancing association priorities, strengthening member programs and planning for the future of the Association.

In addition to the meetings, the PAASS Train the Trainer program was conducted, preparing instructors to deliver important safety and educational programming at upcoming state and regional association conventions. PAASS trainers look forward to connecting with attendees throughout the convention season. View the calendar of upcoming meetings.

Congressman Mark Harris Addresses AgAv PAC Breakfast

Congressman Harris featured with 2026 NAAA President Matt Woolard and NC constituents

Friday morning began with an AgAv PAC Breakfast featuring Congressman Mark Harris (R-NC), who discussed his efforts to support agriculture and the aerial application industry. Congressman Harris serves on the House Agriculture Committee and three of its subcommittees: General Farm Commodities, Risk Management and Credit; Livestock, Dairy and Poultry; and Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture. NAAA appreciates Congressman Harris taking the time to meet with members and discuss issues important to agricultural aviation.

Key Highlights from Committee and Board Meetings
With 25 committees meeting over three days, NAAA and NAAREF leaders addressed a wide range of initiatives and made several important decisions that will shape the associations’ programs and priorities in the coming years.

2026 NAAA President Matt Woolard addressed the board at the meeting in Charlotte
NAAA lobbyist, Glenn LeMunyon of The LeMunyon Group, was recognized for 22 years of work for the Association by 2026 NAAA President Matt Woolard

Awards Committee
Ten awards will be presented during this year’s Ag Aviation Expo. Following a review of rising costs and declining attendance, the NAAA Board voted to discontinue the Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet after the 2026 convention. Beginning in 2027, award recipients will be recognized at various events throughout the convention week. NAAA will also continue publishing tributes to award recipients in Agricultural Aviation magazine.

Budget & Finance Committee
The NAAA Board approved three recommendations from the Budget & Finance Committee:

  • Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Audit: Approved the association’s annual financial audit.
  • Extended Membership for New Members: Approved an up to 15-month membership option for individuals joining NAAA in October, November or December. New members joining during these months will pay for the following calendar year and receive membership benefits for the remainder of the current year as well.
  • Alexandria Property: Authorized the Executive Committee the ability to sell the land assets in Alexandria, Virginia. As today’s work culture, environment and technology continue to evolve, having a physical office space is no longer necessary.

Convention Committee
The NAAA Board approved the following future Ag Aviation Expo destinations and dates, pending final negotiations and contracts:

  • 2029 Ag Aviation Expo: December 3–5, Louisville, Kentucky
  • 2030 Ag Aviation Expo: November 18–20, Fort Worth, Texas

Governing Documents & Long Range Planning Committee
The committee reported on the recently approved NAAA Bylaws amendments, with 18% of the membership participating in the vote. The NAAA Board also formally accepted the association’s new Strategic Plan, establishing a framework to guide future priorities and initiatives.

Membership Committee
The committee announced that one Charles Stokes Memorial Turbine Training Scholarship will be awarded to:

  • Christopher Werth, Eustis, NE


They also announced Ag Wings of Tomorrow scholarships will be presented to the following:

  • Finley Riley, Palmyra, IL
  • Reid Nowotny, Brooklyn, IA
  • Quinton Herrick, Port Byron, IL
  • Nicholas Goracke, Lincoln, NE
  • Halie Kohl, Pontiac, IL

Nominating Committee
The following slate of candidates for NAAA’s 2027 officer team will be presented for a vote at the Board meeting on Sunday, November 15, 2026, in Savannah, Georgia:

  • President: Joel Meyer (Iowa)
  • Vice President: Matt Hovdenes (North Dakota)
  • Secretary: Gentry Smith (Alabama)
  • Treasurer: Graham Lavender (Georgia)

Precision Agriculture Committee
Development of AGDISP continues to move forward, with the program expected to be available in 2027. Strong industry support has brought the project within $33,000 of its fundraising goal.

Support Committee
The Athena presentation is scheduled to be delivered at 11 state and regional association conventions, as well as the Ag Aviation Expo. The Scholarship Committee announced two scholarship recipients: Shelby Baxter of Arkansas and Tyler Kleinsasser of South Dakota.

NAAREF
The NAAA Board approved Matt Woolard for a two-year term on the NAAREF Board of Directors. Thank you to the Arkansas AAA and Mississippi AAA for their generous contributions of $5,000 each to the PAASS Program. Their continued investment helps support vital safety education and training for the agricultural aviation industry.

Upcoming NAAA and NAAREF Board Meetings

  • NAAA Board Meeting: Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., during the Ag Aviation Expo in Savannah, Georgia.
  • NAAREF Board Meeting: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 1 p.m., during the Ag Aviation Expo in Savannah, Georgia.
  • NAAA and NAAREF Board Meetings: February 11–13, 2027, in Alexandria, Virginia.

The work accomplished in Charlotte reflects the continued dedication of NAAA and NAAREF’s volunteer leaders to strengthen the associations, supporting members and advancing the future of agricultural aviation.