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.