Washington, D.C. – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) bestowed the 2025 Katharine Wright Trophy upon Kim Dell, a trailblazer in the airshow industry. This prestigious award is a testament to Wright’s exceptional leadership and her significant contributions to the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight over an extended period.
In 1992, Dell began her aviation career as a Retail Promotions Assistant. She later developed and executed the promotional plan for “Colorado Takes Off,” marking the grand opening of the globally anticipated Denver International Airport. She assisted with the facilitation of more than 200 national/international media outlets and coordinated multiple press events.
From 1994 to 2014, Dell served as the Director of Marketing & Promotions at CKNA with a larger role across multiple airshows.
In 2015, Dell became the first female Executive Director of the “Cleveland National Air Show.” She interfaces with a volunteer board of trustees and manages a $2.2 million budget.
The Katharine Wright Trophy was established in 1981 by the Gates Learjet Corporation. The award is named in honor of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s sister, Katharine, who not only provided financial support to her brothers’ endeavors, but also emotional and public support for them as well. The trophy is awarded annually in partnership with the Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots, to an individual who has contributed to the success of others or made a personal contribution to the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight over an extended period.
The 2025 Katharine Wright Trophy was presented to Kim Dell at the NAA Fall Awards ceremony on November 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (www.naa.aero).