Greg Cullen, former director at Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport (KJVL), received the “Lifetime Service Award” from the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA) during the 69th Annual Wisconsin Aviation Conference (WAC 69), October 21, 2025, at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Cullen’s distinguished career began in 1989 as an air traffic controller in the U.S. Air Force. In 1996, he joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard, serving as an air traffic controller and later as airfield manager at Volk Field in Camp Douglas, Wis. In 2012, he became the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s first full-time state command chief at Joint Force Headquarters in Madison, Wis. As the senior enlisted advisor, he guided the Adjutant General on quality-of-life issues for 2,300 enlisted airmen, providing counsel to wing commanders, and overseeing operations across four statewide units: the 115th Fighter Wing, 128th Air Refueling Wing, Joint Force Headquarters, and Volk Field. His exemplary service earned him an induction into the Wisconsin Air National Guard Hall of Fame in January 2021.
Beyond his military service, Cullen served as airport director at Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport (KJVL) from 2018 to 2024. He transformed the airport into a hub of community engagement and economic growth during his tenure. His leadership fostered stakeholder collaboration, strengthening the airport’s role in Rock County’s economic and social fabric. He was also an active and valued WAMA board member and past president.
WAC is the only statewide aviation conference in Wisconsin and serves as a vital platform for airport managers, FBOs, pilots, consultants, government officials, and aviation enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, explore aviation topics, and discuss industry issues. The conference is held in different parts of the state each fall (wiama.org).