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IDOT Update - 2025 – Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Stambaugh Named NASAO Board Chair
Stambaugh Named NASAO Board Chair
Deputy Director of Aeronautics Clayton Stambaugh was elected board chair of the National Association of State Aviation Officials on Sept. 24.
“It’s an honor and a privilege. A representative from Illinois hasn’t held the position since 1965,” said Stambaugh. “More than anything, I’m proud to have brought as many relevant employees as possible at IDOT to be engaged and participate in NASAO. That extended engagement and networking by staff is crucial, especially given current dynamics. I trust it will continue, and I’m proud I played some part in that.”
When asked what he has in the works for his year as board chair, Stambaugh says the group is in good shape, and he aims to keep it that way.
“Maintain unity and continue trajectory; all systems nominal. That will remain my consistent statement on my primary goal to accomplish in this role over the next year, as cliché as it might be,” said Stambaugh. “My peers over the past five or so years in leadership have reinvigorated NASAO, and I believe it’s in the best shape it’s ever been. Of course, there are always things to polish. Most important to me is to ensure the organization has the staffing and resources it needs.”
Stambaugh said that upon his appointment in 2020 as IDOT’s deputy director of Aeronautics, he made it a goal to “double-down” on their participation in NASAO. Shortly thereafter, he was elected as a regional director for the organization, representing what is considered the Great Lakes states in aviation.
“My peers either recognized my enthusiasm and commitment, or they couldn’t find anyone else to continue volunteerism at a higher level,” Stambaugh joked. “Either way, I was ultimately elected to be secretary on the executive committee of NASAO in 2023.”
Stambaugh said that once on the executive committee, NASAO historically progresses individuals annually from secretary to treasurer, to vice chair, to chair.
In no small part thanks to his efforts, IDOT staff today play a substantial role at NASAO.
“I suspect we have more employees now participating actively than we’ve had in decades,” Stambaugh said.
Founded in 1931, NASAO is one of the most senior aviation organizations in the United States, predating even the Federal Aviation Administration’s predecessor, the Civil Aeronautics Authority. Illinois and other states first established NASAO to ensure uniformity of safety measures, standardize airport regulations and develop a truly national air transportation system responsive to local, state and regional needs.
For more information on Stambaugh's appointment, view New NASAO Board Chair Seeks to Maintain Unity, Continue Positive Trajectory,” from the State Aviation Journal.