Mar. 5 – Tina Nance, Executive Director, Aviation Museum of Kentucky

Tina N. Nance, J.D., is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Aerospace Education Center (KAEC). A native of Madisonville in western Kentucky, Tina earned her B.A. in Psychology from Transylvania University and her J.D. from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law.

Prior to leading KAEC, Tina held key roles at the Governor’s Scholars Program and at Transylvania University, where she developed and led initiatives supporting student engagement and academic excellence, while also taking a leading role in fundraising and donor relations.

The Kentucky Aerospace Education Center (KAEC), home of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky and the Commonwealth’s official home of the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame, is located at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington. Under her leadership, the organization has transformed from a traditional aviation museum into a dynamic aerospace education and workforce development hub. To align with the rapid growth of the aviation industry and better prepare Kentucky’s future workforce, we are planning a relocation to a prominent, state-of-the-art facility at the intersection of Man O’ War Boulevard and Airport Road.  The new center will expand exhibition space, enhance immersive STEM learning environments, strengthen clear career pathways, and increase tourism impact—all while building on KAEC’s proven record of educational excellence.

As a regional landmark, the KAEC will elevate Kentucky’s national profile as a leader in aerospace while delivering measurable returns in workforce readiness, economic growth, and tourism. The facility will support industries that drive billions in exports and face ongoing labor shortages, help retain Kentucky talent in Kentucky jobs, and expand access to hands-on aviation education in both urban and rural communities.

Outside of her professional work, Tina enjoys traveling—having visited six of the seven continents with plans to reach Antarctica in 2027—hiking, reading, and coaching her son’s baseball team. She lives in Lexington with her partner and son.

KAEC had its genesis in The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, founded in 1978 and opened to the public in April of 1995.  Its mission: to inspire and educate the public about aviation’s rich history and career potential.  The Rotary Club of Lexington has a long and meaningful connection to KAEC.  Past President Gerry van der Meer served as its Executive Director and a board member for many years.  Currently serving as officers are Past President Dean Hammond (Vice President and Interim Treasurer) and Chris Campell (Secretary).  Past President Bobby Owens is a director.

Rotary in Review

KENTUCKY AEROSPACE EDUCATION CENTER CHARTS NEW COURSE FOR AVIATION EDUCATION

Last week our club heard from Tina N. Nance, J.D., Executive Director of the Kentucky Aerospace Education Center (KAEC), who shared an exciting vision for the future of aviation education, workforce development, and tourism in the Commonwealth.

Located at Blue Grass Airport, the Kentucky Aerospace Education Center is home to the Aviation Museum of Kentucky and the Commonwealth’s official Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame. Under Nance’s leadership, the organization is undergoing a strategic transformation, from a traditional museum into a dynamic aerospace education and workforce development hub designed to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.

“We spent 30 years as the Aviation Museum of Kentucky and did a lot of things really well,” Nance said. “But looking at the state of the aviation and aerospace economy right now, there is a shortage of talent. We realized this was a prime opportunity to pivot and help fill those gaps for the aviation community.”

One major driver of that transformation is the center’s planned relocation to a prominent site at the intersection of Man O’ War Boulevard and Airport Road. The new state-of-the-art facility will significantly expand exhibition space and educational programming while providing greater visibility and accessibility for visitors.

The project, which is expected to cost approximately $32 million, will include immersive exhibits, interactive displays, flight simulators, and dedicated classroom and training spaces designed to support STEM learning and career exploration.

“Our goal is to have every sixth grader within a fifty-mile radius visit this facility,” Nance explained. “We want students to see that aviation careers exist right here in their backyard.”

The center already operates several programs aimed at introducing young people to aviation and aerospace careers. Its aviation summer camps, which attract 400–500 students annually across multiple Kentucky communities, allow students to learn about aeronautics, navigation, and flight simulation before experiencing a supervised introductory flight with a certified instructor.

According to Nance, the impact of these programs is already evident. A recent survey conducted by Fayette County Public Schools found that approximately seventy-five percent of students enrolled in the district’s aviation program first discovered their interest through one of the center’s summer camps.

The organization is also expanding partnerships with schools, educators, and industry leaders across the state to help strengthen Kentucky’s aviation workforce pipeline.

“Kentucky’s aerospace economy is an $18 billion economic engine for the state,” Nance said. “It’s actually larger than horses and bourbon combined, but it’s a story that many people still don’t know. Part of our mission is helping change that narrative.”

Beyond workforce development, the new facility is expected to significantly increase tourism and community engagement. Currently welcoming about 15,000 visitors annually, the center anticipates attracting between 80,000 and 100,000 visitors each year once the new location opens.

Nance also highlighted the critical role of volunteers in supporting the organization’s work including that of Rotarians Gerry van der Meer, Dean Hammond, Chris Campbell, and Bobby Owens.

As the Kentucky Aerospace Education Center prepares for its next chapter, the organization’s work reflects Rotary’s own commitment to education, workforce development, and community impact, helping inspire future generations while strengthening Kentucky’s economy and opportunities for years to come.

– Dan Koett