News

AVL's Tina Kinsey receives national award for marketing work

Tina Kinsey

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 11, 2025

Tina Kinsey, chief administrative officer of Asheville Regional Airport, has received the 2025 Ted Bushelman Legacy Award for Creativity and Excellence, the Airports Council International-North America announced.

The award, which honors outstanding accomplishments and contributions in airport marketing, communications and customer experience, was presented during the ACI's Marketing and Communications Conference in Kansas City Dec. 2-4.

“Tina Kinsey is a passionate advocate for airport marketing, communications and customer experience,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “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, 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.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” she 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,” he 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 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.