Keller-Sullivan Award

About the Award

The National Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees with Disabilities (NCFAED) believes that employees or organizations that strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) reputation for Diversity and Inclusiveness (D & I) deserve recognition. This exciting awards program, utilizing a platform of transparency invites or encourages every FAA full-time employee (FTE) or contractor be given an opportunity to honor a fellow employee or organization that goes above and beyond their expected responsibilities.  These activities may include a unique hiring, promotion or advancement for those co-workers who struggle daily with a physical or mental disability.   

Helen Keller’s mentor Anne Sullivan successfully broke all physical barriers that permitted her to overcome the seclusion imposed by a childhood illness.  So, it is with great honor and pride that NCFAED recognizes these great women for their unimaginable lifetime achievements. NCFAED intends that their legacy continues with an annual award(s) that recognize those who share the same vitality and drive to overcome the unstoppable when faced with insurmountable odds.

Nominations can be submitted by FAA employees and contractors. NCFAED will evaluate an individual or a team for their extraordinary efforts to become a difference maker for the Agency.

The Keller-Sullivan Award winners and nominees were evaluated on the merits concerning how it relates to the current NCFAED goals and objectives by promoting and supporting those with disabilities.   

The NCFAED goals are the following:

  • Promote equal opportunity by assisting the Agency in the recruitment, selection, promotion, retention, and career enhancement of people with disabilities

  • Serve as a focal point and liaison between employees and management officials and act as a bridge with other groups by being a voice for people with disabilities;

  • Provide information and serve as a resource regarding accessibility issues that impact people with disabilities.

  • Align internal and external organizations concerning the advancement of people with disabilities to stimulate positive change in the FAA work environment, thereby attracting future generations of employees with disabilities to consider FAA as an employer.

Keller-Sullivan Award Winners

2023 - Rachel Crawford, Management & Program Analyst (ANG-A62)

2022 - Erin Ballard, Manager Human Capital Branch (AQS-510)

2021 - Bruce Aron, Accessibility Compliance Analyst (ARP-101)

2020 - Derrick Rollins, Project Support Specialist Enterprise Services Center (AMK-350)

- Joseph “Rocky” Roppo, Air Traffic Control Specialist (AUS)

2019 - Randall Burke, Director FAA Logistics Center (AML-1)

2018 - David Irizarry, National Airspace System Operations Manager (ATO)

2017 - Michelle Coppedge, Director, Aeronautical Center (AMC-1)

- Sunny-Lee Fanning, Executive Director (AQS-1)

-Barry Switzer, Former OU Head Coach & Oklahoma Special Olympics Coach

- Ability One Contract Team, Zeke Hill, Travis Hildebrand, Rebecca Nieto and David Ellis (AMP)