Cleveland, OH – The Board of Directors of the International Women’s Air and Space Museum (IWASM) recently announced the appointment of Barbara A. Williams as the Interim Executive Director of the museum located at Burke Lakefront Airport.
 
“We are so pleased to have Barbara on board as our Interim Executive Director,” said IWASM Board President Connie Luhta. “She has been involved with the museum for many years, previously serving on our board and as the Director of the Nikki Kukwa Memorial Aviation Camp. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position and we look forward to her continued work with the museum in this new capacity.”
 
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Williams became the first minority female in the state of Ohio hired into the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Controller training program. She completed training to become the first minority female air traffic controller certified at the Cleveland Air Route Control Center in Oberlin, Ohio.
 
Williams went on to become the Interim Air Traffic Manager at Cleveland Hopkins Airport (first minority female) and Operations Manager at Cleveland Air Route Control Center.
 
Williams has received the National Partnership for Reinventing Government Award, known as the “Hammer Award” from former US Vice President Al Gore. In 2010, Williams was featured in the IWASM 100 Ohio Women in Air & Space Exhibit, honoring trailblazing women who made their mark in aviation and space history and celebrating the 100th anniversary of American women in flight. Williams retired from the FAA in 2006 with 36 years of service and 40 years of government service overall.
 
International Women’s Air and Space Museum (IWASM) announces new Interim Executive Director