The San Francisco Aeronautical Society wrapped up the year on a high note — with powerful conversations, inspiring leadership, and fundraising that truly took off. Between the excitement around the SFO Museum’s 25th anniversary and a packed Courageous Conversations event featuring Angela Gittens, 2025 became a year defined by connection, momentum, and pride across the airport community.

Angela Gittens Captivates the Room

Introduced by Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet and joined by COO Jeff Littlefield, Gittens walked the audience through her remarkable journey: from criminology classes to San Francisco General, to being hired by Louis Turpen at SFO, and eventually rising to lead some of the world’s busiest airports.

Her career wasn’t a straight line — and that was exactly her point. “There’s great value in mentoring — in having someone push you to try things,” she said. “My philosophy is, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ Every challenge is a learning opportunity.”

On leading Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport through scandal and the Olympics, she shared one of her core leadership strategies: “You learn by listening. The line workers know everything going on in the airport.”

Her honesty and humor won the room. As former Society president Jean Caramatti put it: “Angela has a natural way of speaking and entertaining while she’s imparting so much good information. She’s incredibly engaging — the audience was silent. You could hear a pin drop.”

Society Treasurer Ed Barnes added : “The Courageous Conversations event was amazing, and I was inspired by what Angela shared with us.”

“Angela Gittens was incredible. Her insight on communication and engaging with people was so useful” commented Society Board member Eric Starks.  

A Fundraising Year That Truly Soared

If enthusiasm was high in the conversation room, it was just as strong at the donation table.

This year marked one of the Society’s best fundraising years ever, fueled in part by the buzz around the SFO Museum’s 25th anniversary — and by some strategic moves behind the scenes.

Caramatti explained what helped push support to new heights: “First of all, it’s the 25th anniversary of the museum — that helped. And what really pushed us over the edge was adding a layer of sponsorship. We had corporations wanting to be our top sponsors, and that brought in others. That’s why we’re doing as well as we are.”

She said the excitement was palpable around the airport: “People are very excited — maybe they’re ready to celebrate something. Every contractor and partner I ran into kept talking about the event.”

Starks felt that energy, too: “I’m extremely pleased with the fundraising efforts. If there’s any sad side, it’s that we sold out of seats — people wanted to come who couldn’t!”

He also believes Gittens’s presence made a big impact: “Because Angela was so known and respected here, the amount of support this year was incredibly greater than past years.”

Barnes agreed, giving credit to teamwork: “The hard efforts by Jean Caramatti and the event team in general helped propel this year’s fundraising into success.”

And at the heart of it all is the Museum’s unique status — one the Society is proud to champion.
As Caramatti reminded everyone: “I think we’re still the only airport in the country with an accredited museum, and we’re incredibly proud of that — and of the exceptional, dedicated team here.”

Looking Ahead: Momentum Is Building

With excitement rising for SFO’s centennial in just a couple of years, board members say the community’s energy feels stronger than ever.

Barnes summed it up: “Folks know we’re going to be celebrating our centennial soon, and people are getting excited. It’s a huge milestone.”

From powerful conversations to extraordinary support, 2025 showed what happens when passion, purpose, and community come together. The San Francisco Aeronautical Society is not just soaring — it’s climbing to new heights with every event, every partnership, and every inspiring story shared along the way.

 

If you are interested in becoming a member, donating or getting involved at the next event, please, click here: https://sfaero.org/joingive/how-to-donate/

 

Written By Vanessa Guerra On Behalf Of SFAS

The San Francisco Aeronautical Society’s Annual Gala soared to new heights this year — a sold-out evening that raised more than $123,000, setting a new record to support the Society’s mission of preserving aviation history.

Held inside the SFO Museum, which celebrated its 25th anniversary, the event drew aviation leaders, industry professionals, and longtime supporters for a night of celebration, storytelling, and community spirit.

Guests enjoyed a sumptuous filet mignon dinner before a spirited live auction featuring a one-week stay in a two-bedroom condo in Hawaii, a trip to Seattle, a round of golf for four at the Olympic Club, tickets to a 49ers game and so much more! 

Honoring 25 Years of the SFO Museum

Kicking off the evening, John L. Martin, President of the San Francisco Aeronautical Society Board, welcomed guests and reflected on the Museum’s enduring impact. “Tonight, we celebrate a remarkable milestone—25 years of the San Francisco Aviation Museum at SFO,” Martin said. “Through exhibitions, educational programs, and community partnerships, the Museum has inspired generations to explore the world of flight.”

Jennifer McCabe, Director and Chief Curator of the SFO Museum, followed with an inspiring look back at the Museum’s origins and the people who made it possible. “Tonight, we mark 25 years of imagination, courage, and curiosity,” McCabe said. “This museum exists because people believed an airport could be more than a place of transit — it could be a place of transformation.”

She credited Louis A. Turpen for envisioning the museum within SFO’s international terminal and the San Francisco Aeronautical Society for turning that vision into reality. “Angela Gittens helped lay the foundation for the partnership we’re celebrating tonight — a partnership that made this museum possible,” McCabe added, honoring this year’s award recipient and Society Board member.

Honoring Angela Gittens

The night’s highlight was the presentation of the 2025 Achievement in Aviation Award to Angela Gittens, a trailblazer whose career has spanned leadership roles at SFO, Atlanta, Miami, and the Airports Council International. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve on the San Francisco Aeronautical Society Board,” Gittens said with a smile. “But I assure you, I had no hand in deciding to give me this award!”

She dedicated the honor to Louis A. Turpen, who mentored her early in her career. “He brought me into this dazzling business of aviation and mentored me into positions and success beyond my tenure at SFO,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey, Gittens emphasized teamwork and purpose. “It takes every sector within the aviation ecosystem to achieve safety, security, customer service, environmental responsibility, and economic vitality,” she said.

A Night of Community and Inspiration

With record-breaking fundraising, moving tributes, and a shared passion for preserving aviation’s legacy, the 2025 SFAS Gala proved that the spirit of flight — and of community — continues to soar.

As Martin said in closing: “We are grateful that you have joined us tonight to honor Angela and to support our Aviation Museum and the Aeronautical Society in its mission to preserve aviation history.”

The San Francisco Aeronautical Society’s future looks as bright as its past — powered by visionaries, volunteers, and believers in the power of flight.

 

Written By Vanessa Guerra