Lori Curless Awarded 2023 Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 Award

Crawfordsville Regional Airport (CFJ), Airport Manager, Lori Curless is a recipient of the 2023 Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 Award from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Curless attended the 2023 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition this past week.

Each year, the NBAA Young Professionals Council selects the top 40 individuals that best represent the business aviation industry. These individuals are unafraid of challenging norms, leading others, and breaking barriers to be the best in their field. For 2023, there were a record number of applicants, but our local Airport Manager, Lori Curless, stood out as one of the top recipients.

Curless pursued her childhood dream of being in aviation after watching her pilot father and grandfather. She holds a dual degree in aviation management and flight. Her time in college helped her focus her career goal on airport management, especially within a small airport community.

“The Crawfordsville Regional Airport has experienced significant growth and improvement under Lori’s leadership.  Her in-depth knowledge, and passion for aviation is displayed in everything she does,” said Mayor Todd Barton. “Thanks to Lori, our airport will be in a strong position for many years to come, and it is truly exciting to see her achievements recognized nationally with this award.”

The Crawfordsville community is lucky to have someone as passionate and driven as Curless. She has a passion for educating the community, especially the kids in our community. Hosting field trips, giving tours of CFJ, and planning the local Airport Day are some of the most rewarding parts of Curless’ job.

“You are your own author. Live in the moments. Fly the extra lap in the pattern. Enjoy the sunrise and the sunset. Check in on your friends. Give yourself grace and always say goodbye,” says award winner Lori Curless, CFJ Airport Manager. “Take the adventure. Embrace the journey. Life’s too short for regrets. Make the memories,” said Curless as she is celebrating 16 years in the business aviation industry and she hopes to continue to foster the importance of aviation in our next generation of professionals.