From left: Walter Boyne (NAA Chairman), Bruce Whitman, Janice Barden, and Hugh Risseeuw

K. Barden Honored with the 2013 NAA Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award

Barden one of five recipients honored by the National Aeronautic Association

San Francisco – November 15, 2013 – Janice K. Barden, founder and chairman of Aviation Personnel International, was one of five recipients honored with the 2013 Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Awards at the National Aeronautic Association’s (NAA) Fall Awards Dinner on Nov. 12, 2013 in Arlington, VA.

Established in 1954, the Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award honors outstanding Americans who have made contributions of significant value to aeronautics and have reflected credit upon America and themselves. Barden was awarded alongside Ralph Crosby, Hugh Risseeuw, Bruce Whitman and Matt Zuccaro.

“I am immeasurably proud of the lifelong accomplishments and impact that my mother, Janice K. Barden, has made in the lives of professionals working within the Business Aviation industry,” said Sheryl Barden, President and CEO of Aviation Personnel International. “She has received an outpouring of emails from former clients, candidates and industry partners, congratulating her on this Distinguished Statesman honor, and all have thanked her for contributing to their success and the success of our industry. Janice is a true legend in aviation, and is very deserving of this award from the National Aeronautic Association.”

In 1971, Janice K. Barden leveraged her 16 years as a professional aviation psychologist to create Aviation Personnel International (API), the first female owned and operated retained search firm designed exclusively to serve the hiring needs of private and business aviation professionals. Since API’s establishment more than 42 years ago, the firm has impacted thousands of corporate flight departments and professional aviation careers. “The values Janice imparted continue to live through those of us who she impacted,” said a former API Director of Aviation candidate, Don Henderson.

In addition to this 2013 Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award, Barden’s additional honors and milestones include:

  • Namesake for the UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship, which the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annually awards $1,000 to each of five undergraduates studying aviation-related curricula at NBAA and University Aviation Association (UAA) member institutions.
  • Recipient of the NBAA John P. “Jack” Doswell Award in 1994, which is bestowed to those with a lifelong individual achievement on behalf and in support of the aims, goals and objectives of business aviation.
  • Recipient of the NBAA American Spirit Award in 2000, awarded in recognition of an individual within business aviation who exemplifies the courage, pursuit of excellence and service to others that characterize men and women who created and nurtured the American aviation community.
  • Served as NBAA Local Committee Chairman for a total of six times, more than any other person in NBAA history and the only woman to serve as chair. The Local Committee chairman traditionally acts as a liaison between NBAA and the Convention’s host city in the year leading up to the Show.
  • Envisioned an outreach program for aviation students, and in 1990 created the annual NBAA Careers in Business Aviation Day.
  • Appointed by George H. W. Bush to a Presidential Blue Ribbon Panel in 1992, to research the training options to address the Pilot and Aviation Maintenance Technician shortage.
  • Creator of API’s Psychological Testing Program, a battery that has evolved into API’s PEQ (Professional Evaluation Quotient), which assesses aviation professionals/candidates based on 17 factors.
  • Recipient of the Kent State Distinguished Alumni Award in 1986, which recognizes and honors alumni who, through leadership, character and hard work, have made exceptional contributions in their chosen field, in their communities and at Kent State University.
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