08/20/2026
2026 Thomas R. Hobson/Robert A. Davis, Jr, Awardee for Distinguished Aerospace Service- Awarded posthumously.
Col. Michael Heill, Ph.D., P.E. was a distinguished aerospace and defense leader whose more than 40-year career spanned military service, aerospace research and development, education, industry, and public policy. A 1975 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, he served as Commander of Arnold Engineering Development Complex, Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology, and Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL’s Propulsion Directorate. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel in 2005.
Following his military career, Dr. Heil served as President and CEO of the Ohio Aerospace Institute from 2007 to 2016, advancing collaboration among industry, government, and academia. He later continued his work as an aerospace and defense consultant and was a Fellow of the AIAA - The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Dr. Heil was a longtime member and leader of the Aerospace States Association, representing the State of Ohio and serving as ASA Treasurer. He was a trusted advisor to the Association and an important bridge between ASA and the broader aerospace professional community, including AIAA. Throughout his years of service, he was a tireless advocate for aerospace policy, workforce development, research, innovation, and the importance of connecting state leadership with the aerospace industry.
