CAF Education Leader Named Finalist for D CEO Leadership Excellence Award
Dallas, Texas (June 8, 2026) – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to announce that Dr. Jennifer Stimpson, Director of Education for the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center (NAEC), the CAF’s flagship education center located on the CAF National Airbase Dallas campus, has been named a finalist for the 2026 D CEO Leadership Excellence Awards in the category of Community Impact Leader of the Year.
Presented by D CEO magazine, the inaugural Leadership Excellence Awards recognize North Texas executives who demonstrate strong organizational performance, purposeful leadership, ethical decision-making, and meaningful community impact. More than 400 nominations were received from across the region, making Dr. Stimpson’s selection as a finalist a notable honor.
Dr. Stimpson’s recognition highlights both her distinguished career in STEM education and the Commemorative Air Force’s continued investment in strengthening and expanding its educational mission. As the CAF grows its reach in aviation and STEM learning, leaders like Dr. Stimpson are helping shape how the organization brings history to life in ways that prepare and inspire future generations.
Through the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center, the CAF has built a stronger, more far-reaching educational framework that connects aviation history with hands-on learning, leadership development, and workforce readiness. As the organization’s flagship education center, the NAEC plays a central role in advancing the CAF’s commitment to educational excellence and national impact.
Under Dr. Stimpson’s leadership, the CAF has expanded educational initiatives designed to equip Units nationwide with engaging tools to serve their communities more effectively. Programs such as Aviation Discovery Zone, Ground School Jr., and A is for Aerospace reflect the CAF’s commitment to strengthening its educational offerings and creating more opportunities for young people to explore science, technology, engineering, aviation, and history in meaningful ways.
A nationally recognized educator and former Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator, Dr. Stimpson has dedicated her career to creating pathways for students to engage with STEM and aviation. Her work exemplifies how the CAF advances its mission by working with accomplished educational leaders who bring vision, expertise, and a deep understanding of how to turn inspiration into impact.
“As a Dallas native, it is an honor to be considered for this award,” said Dr. Stimpson. “The Community Impact Leadership Award nomination means a lot because it reflects the work — not just mine, but also the people around me who continue to pour into building something greater than ourselves. Building systems, creating access, and pushing forward opportunities for students is what drives me every day.”
Finalists will be featured in the September issue of D CEO magazine, with award winners announced during a special ceremony on September 16.
For the Commemorative Air Force, Dr. Stimpson’s recognition represents more than an individual achievement. It reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to expanding its educational impact and to working with accomplished leaders who help turn aviation history into a powerful platform for education, inspiration, and future workforce development.
