Asheville Regional Airport is proud to announce that Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) announced Tina Kinsey, Chief Administrative Officer of AVL, as the 2025 recipient of the Ted Bushelman Legacy Award for Creativity and Excellence. The award honors outstanding accomplishments and contributions in airport marketing, communications and customer experience and was presented during the 2025 ACI-NA Marketing and Communications Conference in Kansas City.
ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke described Kinsey as a dedicated leader whose influence extends far beyond Asheville. “Tina Kinsey is a passionate advocate for airport marketing, communications and customer experience,” Burke said. “Her work has significantly advanced these efforts at AVL and across the aviation industry. Tina brings unmatched creativity and commitment to every challenge and is highly deserving of this honor.”
Kinsey’s leadership has been central to AVL’s growth and reputation in the aviation industry. She has guided major strategic initiatives, strengthened stakeholder engagement and helped position AVL as one of the fastest growing airports in the country. As Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), she oversees daily administrative operations and leads several key departments to support organizational performance and strategic direction. Before becoming CAO, she served as AVL’s Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations and Air Service.
During her tenure, AVL has added more than 20 nonstop destinations, increased seat capacity by more than 230 percent and achieved record passenger volumes in eight of the last ten years, with more than two million passengers for the past two years. Kinsey has also been a strong advocate for the role of aviation in regional tourism and economic development. Earlier this year, she received the 2025 ACI-NA Air Service Achievement Award.
Kinsey said the recognition reflects a shared commitment across the airport and the aviation community. “I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Kinsey said. “The work we do is rooted in service to our travelers and our region. I am grateful for the teams and colleagues who inspire me every day and proud to represent AVL among such talented professionals.”
Lew Bleiweis, President & CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, said Kinsey’s leadership has elevated AVL’s reputation on a national scale. “Tina is an exceptional industry leader whose vision and dedication has helped shaped the success of Asheville Regional Airport,” Bleiweis said. “Her work has made a lasting impact on our airport and our industry, and we are proud to celebrate this well-earned honor.”
The Ted Bushelman Legacy Award is named for its first recipient, Ted Bushelman, who served as senior director of communications at Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport for 40 years. The award is presented to an airport professional nominated and selected by peers who demonstrate excellence, creativity and leadership within the industry. The Ted Bushelman Legacy Award is not an annual award and is only bestowed to recipients that truly embody the work and vision that Ted Bushelman demonstrated in his career.
Kinsey’s recognition comes during a milestone year for the airport. AVL earned multiple first place awards at the 2025 ACI NA Marketing and Communications Awards, including honors for Brand Identity, Video, Promotional Item, Best in Airport Partnerships and Overall Marketing Strategy for a Small Airport. AVL also received the Peggy G. Hereford Award, the top industry honor in North America.
ABOUT AVL
Serving more than 2.2 million passengers in 2024 Asheville Regional Airport is continuing its growth trajectory. The Airport is served by six airlines that provide nonstop service to 26 nonstop destinations. AVL is building a world-class airport terminal, AVL Forward, the largest infrastructure project in its history. With a mission to champion exceptional experiences and economic vitality, AVL continues to be an authentic and convenient gateway for business and adventure. Learn more at flyAVL.com.
ACI-NA related press release links:
From left: Kevin M. Burke (President and CEO Airports Council International – North America), Tina Kinsey, A.A.E. (Asheville Regional Airport Chief Administrative Officer), Erin Burns (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Deputy Director of Aviation for Customer Experience, Marketing & Communications).
DOWNLOAD HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO
Tina Kinsey, A.A.E. (Asheville Regional Airport Chief Administrative Officer)
DOWNLOAD HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO
###