Gov. Henry appoints David Conway to Aeronautics Commission

Press Release Date: 07-23-2009

DURANT, Okla. – Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry recently appointed Dr. David Conway, director of the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Aviation Sciences Institute, to the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.

Conway replaces former District 2 Commissioner Mel Stubbings of McAlester, who resigned earlier this year due to health reasons. Conway will finish the remainder of Stubbings' term, which is set to expire Dec. 31, 2010.

"We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Conway as our newest commissioner,"

Aeronautics Commission Director Victor Bird said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table and will serve the citizens in District 2 well. I am looking forward to working alongside Dr. Conway as the Commission continues its mission of promoting aviation in the state."

Conway previously served as chair of the Southeastern Aerospace Department and has been a member of the Southeastern faculty since 1998. In 2003, he received Southeastern's Faculty Senate Award for Excellence in Service.

An avid pilot who holds commercial, instrument, CFI and multiengine ratings, Conway retired as a command pilot from the United States Air Force, where he served as an instructor pilot and evaluator pilot in the Cessna T-37 and Boeing KC-135. He is also one of a handful of flight-rated aerospace physiologists.

"I am deeply honored to have been appointed by Governor Henry to serve Oklahoma as an Aeronautics Commissioner. I pledge to be diligent in my pursuit of promoting aerospace and the aviation industry in the state," Conway said. "Aviation is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity. Aviation is at the heart of our global community that impacts people, cultures and economies; Oklahoma aviation is an integral part of the global community," he added.

Conway earned his Bachelor of Science at Texas A&M-Commerce, Master of Science at the University of Southern California and Doctorate of Education from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater and has completed coursework in human factors and physiology at specialized schools across the country, including OSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has had numerous articles published in various journals and magazines focusing on human factors in aviation.

Conway belongs to several aviation- and aerospace-related organizations, including the Aerospace Medical Association, Aerospace Physiology Association, Oklahoma City Aviation Education Alliance, Durant Airport Advisory Committee and the University Aviation Association, in which he currently serves as president.

Besides flying, Conway's other interests outside of work include motorcycles and antiques. He is married to Cathy Ann Conway and has one son, Christopher.