Jack Barstow Municipal Airport Manager Sarah Pagano (left) and Steve Smigelski (right), MAAE President.
September 26, 2023 – The City of Midland is pleased to announce that Jack Barstow Municipal Airport Manager Sarah Pagano has received the Aviation Community Involvement Award from the Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) and Airport Manager of the Year recognition from the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE). She received the first honor earlier this year during the March 2023 MAC meeting; the second honor was announced at the September 2023 MAAE meeting.
Pagano was selected for her outstanding work in bringing together the airport and the Midland community through her efforts to provide fun and educational experiences at the airport that create an interest in aviation for all members of the community. Recent programs and activities open to the public include Story Time at the Airport, Food Trucks at the Airport, the Touch & Glow 5K, Young Eagles flying days, and more.
A Midland native, Pagano first became enamored with aviation after attending the Midland Barstow Aviation Camp held by Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1093. While not a licensed pilot herself, she has continued to pursue her passion for aviation and aviation youth education through her involved in EAA Chapter 1093 and Midland Young Eagles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation management and operations from Western Michigan University. She has served as the manager Jack Barstow Municipal Airport since 2020.
“We couldn’t ask for a better champion for the Jack Barstow Airport and aviation in Midland than Sarah,” said Assistant City Manager Carol Stone. “Her work to make the airport a space for economic impact, learning, and fun has created a greater awareness of our local airport and the many benefits it provides for our community. Her passion for aviation is evident in everything she does, and both the City and the community are greatly benefitted by having her lead our municipal airport operations.”
For more information on the Jack Barstow Municipal Airport, visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/airport. Follow Midland Jack Barstow Airport – KIKW on Facebook for updates on Airport events and activities.
