A strategic and respected senior leader with vast experience in the air traffic control, aviation and government areas, Paul Rinaldi has served as President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) for 10+ years. He expanded NATCA’s leadership role and voice in the aviation industry by working collaboratively to improve the relationship between the Union, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation and all stakeholders (including Democratic/Republican White House administrations and Congress), leading to collaborative decisions on important issues involving aviation safety, effectiveness, and technology. His high integrity, collaborative spirit, dedication, and ability to lead by example and develop high-performing teams informs all his work, as does his knowledge and courage to make sound short- and long-term decisions for win-win outcomes. Paul has represented NATCA at the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization [ICAO].

Kelly has worked for 20+ years strengthening organizations image, brand, credibility, and impact within various industries. While working as the Outreach and Special Events Manager for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Kelly led the planning and execution of one of aviation’s largest safety conferences, Communicating for Safety. He spearheaded other events, including legislative, industry outreach, and training conferences and events. At every one of these events, he successfully increased the attendance, sponsorships, and credibility.

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Later, as NATCA’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, he enabled the recruitment of world-class talent to fulfill NATCA’s mission by formalizing a talent acquisition program that focused on shared goals. He enhanced NATCA’s fundraising, optimized their industry partnerships both domestic and abroad, and served as their spokesperson to local, national and international constituencies.

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Kelly specializes in executive communications, building and growing employee/community/industry-wide engagement, and brand development and crisis response.

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Before joining NATCA, Kelly served in the U.S. Navy as a Jet Engine Mechanic.

Sandy worked for a combined 25 years as an air traffic controller in the New York and Minneapolis Enroute Control Centers. During this time, she served in leadership roles where she proved to be exceptional at developing, implementing, and managing programs and schedules. She became an invaluable asset to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association’s where she served on their events, conference, and leadership committees. In these roles, she help grow the organizations sponsorships, recognition, and credibility within the industry. 

Richard Kennington’s aviation career began at Utah Valley State College (UVSC), where he earned his private pilot rating while working as a flight dispatcher. These early experiences laid the foundation for his ultimate ambition of becoming an Air Traffic Controller. While pursuing his studies in Pittsburgh, PA, Richard gained valuable experience as an assistant airport manager at Beaver County Airport.

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In 1999, Richard was hired by the FAA to work at Portland Tower, Oregon. After earning his certification, he sought opportunities to broaden his expertise, including developing courses for UVSC's online aviation program. In 2003, his efforts were recognized when he and his team won the Innovative Programming Award from the University Continuing Education Association for their development of online aviation science courses.

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From 2008 to 2020, Richard served as the Facility Representative for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) at Portland International Airport (PDX). In 2012, he contributed to the Safety Risk Management Panel, which played a pivotal role in establishing Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFARs) for Pearson Field in Vancouver, WA. The following year, Richard was appointed to lead the Northwest Mountain Region on NATCA’s National Legislative Committee.

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Richard joined the FAA’s national cadre for recurrent training in 2012, delivering bi-annual facilitated training sessions. In 2016, he was selected to develop and deliver training for the FAA, successfully executing 18 rounds of training over an eight-year period. Concurrently, he continued to lead the regional legislative team and, in 2020, was appointed National Legislative Chair for NATCA.

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Throughout his career, Richard has become known for his insightful, humorous, and engaging presentations, emceeing, and speaking at numerous conferences across the United States and Europe.