The Vertical Flight Society and the Stoll Family are proud to present the Alex M. Stoll Award, established 2025 in memory of Alex M. Stoll. The award recognizes a professional in the field of vertical flight who, like Alex, demonstrates an exceptional commitment to advancing their organization’s mission while making extraordinary contributions to the well-being and happiness of colleagues and elevating organizational culture and morale.
2026
- William Staruk
William Staruk, exemplifies these qualities, making a meaningful impact both professionally and personally within the workplace and across the broader vertical flight community.
William Staruk, Rotor Dynamics Staff Engineer at Joby Aviation and in previous positions at Aurora Flight Sciences, and NASA-Ames, exemplifies the qualities envisioned for this award, making a meaningful impact both professionally and personally within the workplace and across the broader vertical flight community. He frequently questions his technical work and that of his peers with the core focus of seeking understanding and working to achieve parity with theory, analysis and physical articles. He also is known for making his peers' days at Joby and VFS brighter with his laughter, humor and endless energy.
2025
- Natasha Schatzman
- NASA Ames Research Center
This year's winner is Dr. Natasha Schatzman who embodies qualities like exceptional commitment and contributions to the advancement of the mission of the organization, making a significant impact both personally and professionally in the workplace and the larger vertical flight community.
Cached June 19, 2026 2:53:07 AM CDT