On March 18, ARSA presented its Leo Weston Award for Excellence in Government Service to Crystal Maguire. Maguire, the association’s long-serving vice president of operations, accepted the honor from Executive Director Sarah MacLeod during ARSA’s 2016 Annual Repair Symposium.

A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Maguire first joined Obadal, Filler, MacLoed & Klein, P.L.C. (OFM&K), the firm that manages ARSA, in 2004 immediately after completing her undergraduate studies at her hometown University of Tulsa. For more than 12 years, Maguire has performed every service – administrative support, member management, financial oversight, regulatory and legal compliance assistance, communications development and training presentation – provided by the firm to association members.

Maguire bolstered her professional credentials in 2010 by earning a degree from American University’s Washington College of Law. She has since provided legal and regulatory counsel to the aviation community, advising clients in international aviation safety regulation and government affairs.

“Crystal’s accomplishments and credentials make her deserving of the association’s award,” MacLeod said. “As exemplified by Leo Weston’s commitment to the maintenance industry, her talent and work ethic will serve us all for years to come.”

During the award presentation, the association officially announced Maguire’s planned departure: Effective April 15 she will return to her Oklahoma roots and begin growing her own business as executive director of the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), assuming its management responsibilities from OFM&K.

“The firm has become an effective incubator of aviation talent, having sent a long list of professionals on to continued service of the maintenance industry,” said Christian A. Klein, ARSA’s executive vice president and managing member of OFM&K. “From legal counsel to business counseling, we grow the special kind of talent needed to keep the world in flight. It’s difficult to part ways with a capable, determined and dedicated team member and colleague, but we look forward to watching Crystal continue to grow and working alongside her in pursuit of good government.”

First bestowed on Weston himself in 2005, the award honors an instrumental figure in ARSA’s birth by recognizing individuals who embody his commitment to the industry’s safety and success. This year, it provided the association with a platform to applaud one of its own.

“There was no better way [than through the Weston Award] to recognize Crystal’s faithful service and personal devotion,” said Marshall S. Filler, OFM&K’s third managing member (along with MacLeod and Klein) and ARSA’s managing director and general counsel. “It’s our small way of extending gratitude for her service and looking ahead to decades’ worth of good works to come.”

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