NBAA’s Damato One of ‘Top 40 Under 40’ Aviation Pros

August 24, 2012

Joanne “Jo” Damato, NBAA’s director, educational development & strategy, has been named by Airport Business magazine as one of its “Top 40 Under 40,” a group of outstanding up-and-coming individuals in the business of aviation and airport management who are shaping the future of the industry.

“I’m honored to have been chosen by Airport Business magazine, but even happier to share the honor with some of my NBAA Member peers whom I respect and get to work with often – specifically, Kevin Wilkerson, Ryan Keough and Sandy Showalter,” said Damato.

Damato, a longtime NBAA staffer, is responsible for expanding the educational opportunities associated with the Association’s in-person events, as well as managing NBAA’s on-demand (distance learning) education program. Since 2005, she has been the staff liaison to the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee. In 2001, Damato helped NBAA launch its Air Traffic Services operation, then known as the GA Desk, located in the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center near Washington, DC. She remained there until 2007, advocating for equitable treatment of business aviation in the National Airspace System.

Damato took her first flight lesson in 1991 and began her business aviation career in 1998. She obtained her undergraduate degree at the Florida Institute of Technology, followed by a master’s of aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle. She also holds single and multi-engine land instrument ratings, a commercial pilot certificate, and is a certified flight instructor.

In 2010, Damato and four associates launched the all-volunteer non-profit Sky Hope Network, a group of business aviation professionals who use their contacts to locate flights for people in need and in response to urgent situations.

“I believe that the primary reason I have earned this honor is because people have believed in me – both at EJM, where I began my business aviation career, and now at NBAA,” Damato continued. “The leadership at both organizations has always supported me, giving me new opportunities, and my supervisors have always fostered an environment that has enabled me to grow professionally. Also, my successes come from team efforts, and I’m fortunate to work with such great team players, both at NBAA and among the Association’s Members.”