NASAO

After 30 years of dedicated service, Ashish J. Solanki, A.A.E., has announced his retirement from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Throughout his tenure, Solanki has been a leader both nationally and regionally, serving multiple terms on NASAO’s Board of Directors as the Eastern Regional Director. Through his efforts, MDOT has been a generous contributor to NASAO events, helping to facilitate in-person collaborations among state aviation directors.

“A small, but truly sincere, thank you to all my friends and colleagues at NASAO and State Aviation," said Solanki. "Many thanks also to Shannetta Griffin, MAA Executive Director/CEO (and all the past MAA Executive Directors) for your confidence and trust in what we do for statewide aeronautics. It has been a true pleasure and privilege to serve with you on State and National aviation issues. I look forward to hearing about NASAO and your successes in the years to come.”

While Solanki will remain with MDOT through the end of the month, as of July 8, Sean Hammer has assumed the role of Acting Director for the Office of Regional Aviation Assistance and will serve as NASAO’s primary contact for the state. We wish Solanki the best in his retirement and welcome Hammer to the association. NASAO looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the state of Maryland!

Users of Google Wallet can now opt in to TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, removing the need to present physical documents at the airport ✅

According to the Transportation Security Administration - TSA’s press release, members who opt in to the technology can quickly verify their identity using facial comparison technology in exclusive, dedicated lanes, reducing wait times and creating a more convenient travel experience. ✈

Learn more about the new technology and how to enroll in the program here 👉 https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2026/06/24/tsa-google-wallet-launch-new-tsa-precheck-touchless-id-opt

Time is running out! ⌛ Today is your final opportunity to secure the early bird discount for the NASAO Annual Convention & Trade Show. ✈️

Taking place in Grand Forks, ND from Sept. 13-16, 2026, this event brings together state aviation officials and industry leaders from across the country to discuss industry issues, share ideas on how best to spread public funds, and engage in the host state’s unique aviation communities.

Don’t let these savings slip away 💸 Rates increase tomorrow! Register here 👉 https://web.cvent.com/event/a9fbd0ba-c4d4-4635-ac48-0c0d58db2ee4/register

There's still time to join us for “Modernizing Planning and Maintenance: A Feasibility Study with the Texas Department of Transportation" co-hosted with gNext Labs! Learn more and register below.

🕐 DETAILS: Tuesday, June 9 at 1:00 PM ET
✅ Register here 👉 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uMpJcG08TS6QdTVEcgH8Hg
🎥 This webinar will be recorded

UPCOMING | NASAO is proud to partner with gNext to host “Modernizing Planning and Maintenance: A Feasibility Study with the Texas Department of Transportation.” 🤝

Airport managers are increasingly responsible for keeping pavement safe, terminals and hangars maintained, airspace clear of obstruction and all planning docs current, under FAA grant assurances and tightening compliance requirements.

Traditionally, the data behind those responsibilities is gathered through manual inspections and one-off surveys that are slow, costly, and quickly out of date.

This webinar shows a different approach. Drone collected data is processed into a digital twin of the airport: an accurate, measurable, and repeatable replica of the runways, buildings, and surrounding terrain. TXDOT partnered with gNext on a feasibility study to test whether this approach could improve airport planning, safety and maintenance across the airports it supports.

🎙️SPEAKERS
Bret Gardner - Enterprise Sales, gNext
Sergio Roman II - Director of Emerging Aviation Technology, TxDOT
Travis Baxter (CW5 Ret) Baxter - Emerging Aviation Technology Coordinator, TxDOT
Will Graffis - Emerging Aviation Technology Coordinator, TxDOT

🕐 DETAILS: Tuesday, June 9 at 1:00 PM ET
✅ Register here 👉 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uMpJcG08TS6QdTVEcgH8Hg
🎥 THIS WILL BE RECORDED