Nomination Process for Jerome F. Lederer Award

The purpose of the Jerome F. Lederer Award is to recognize outstanding contributions to technical excellence in accident investigation. The Award is presented each year during the annual seminar to a recipient who is recognized for positive advancements in the art and science of air safety investigation.

The nomination process permits any member of ISASI to submit a nomination.

The nominee may be an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization. The nominee is not required to be an ISASI member.

The nomination may be for a single event, a series of events, or a lifetime of achievement.

The ISASI Awards Committee considers such traits as duration and persistence, standing among peers, manner and techniques of operating, and of course, achievements.

Once nominated, a nominee is considered for the next 3 years and then dropped. After an intervening year, the candidate may be nominated for another 3 years.

This Award is one of the most significant honors an accident investigator can receive; therefore, considerable care is given in determining the recipient. ISASI members should thoughtfully review their Association with professional investigators, and submit a nomination when they identify someone who has been outstanding in increasing the technical quality of accident investigation.

Nominations should be e-mailed to the ISASI office or directly to the Awards Committee chair, and must be received by May 30th each year.

History

The Jerome F. Lederer Award was created to honor Jerome F. Lederer, whose recognition as a leader in the world of aviation safety since its infancy earned him the title of “Father of Aviation Safety.” He was bestowed this title by Congress in 1997. He served as the second President of ISASI and was later granted the title of President Emeritus, which he held until his death in 2004 at the age of 101 years.

The award is presented annually by the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) for outstanding lifetime contributions to technical excellence in furthering aviation accident investigation and achieving ISASI objectives, including enhancing aviation safety through the continuing development of investigation techniques.

Any member of ISASI may submit an award nomination to the selection committee, which considers such traits as persistence, standing among peers, manner and techniques of operating, and achievements. Nominations for the Lederer Award are limited to a single page submission. Nominees not receiving the award are reconsidered for three years, and may be nominated again after an intervening year.

Nomination statements should emphasis an original and remarkable contribution and personal effort beyond normal duty requirements. The award may be given to an individual, group or organization, and may recognize a single event, series of events, or lifetime achievement. The nominee does not have to be an ISASI member.

List of Winners

Recipients of the ISASI Jerome F. Lederer Award

• 2024 - Robert L. Sumwalt III 
• 2023 - Wing Commander Syed Naseem Ahmed (Retired)
• 2022 – Barbara Dunn
• 2021 – Howard Keith Hagy
• 2020 – Ralph M. Sorrells, Jr.
• 2019 – Capt. Akrivos Tsolakis
• 2018 - Capt. Mohammed Aziz
• 2017 - Mr. Chan Wing Keong
• 2016 - Eugene "Toby" Carroll
• 2015 - Ladislav Mika (Ladi)
• 2014 - David King
• 2013 – Frank S. Del Gandio and Myron P. “Pappy” Papadakis
• 2012 - Curt Lewis
• 2011 - Paul-Louis Arslanian
• 2010 - Michael Poole
• 2009 - Capt. Richard B. Stone
• 2009 - Australian Transport Safety Bureau
• 2008 - Don Bateman
• 2007 - Tom McCarthy
• 2006 - Richard H. Wood
• 2005 - John D. Rawson
• 2004 - Ron Chippindale (deceased 2/12/08)
• 2003 - Caj Frostell
• 2002 - Ronald L. Schleede
• 2001 - John Purvis and The Transportation Safety Board of Canada
• 2000 - Nora Marshal
• 1999 - Capt. James McIntyre (deceased 11/19/01)
• 1998 - A. Frank Taylor
• 1997 - Gus Economy
• 1996 - Burt Chesterfield
• 1995 - Dr. John K. Lauber
• 1994 - U.K. Aircraft Accidents Investigation Branch
• 1993 - Capt. Victor Hewes
• 1992 - Paul R. Powers
• 1991 - Eddie J. Trimble
• 1990 - Olof Fritsch
• 1989 - Aage A. Roed (deceased 1/25/03)
• 1988 - H. Vincent LaChapelle
• 1987 - Dr. Carol A. Roberts
• 1986 - Geoffrey C. Wilkinson
• 1985 - Dr. John Kenyon Mason
• 1984 - George B. Parker
• 1983 - C.O. Miller (deceased 10/20/03)
• 1982 - H. Prater Hogue
• 1981 - Dr. S. Harry Robertson
• 1980 - John Gilbert Boulding
• 1979 - Gerard M. Bruggink
• 1978 - Allen R. McMahan
• 1977 - Samuel M. Phillips