Adam Volk, second-in-command pilot for Air Transportation Services, has received the university’s 2016 President’s Award for Excellence.

The President’s Award for Excellence is presented annually to up to five Virginia Tech staff employees who have made extraordinary contributions by consistent excellence in the performance of their job or a single incident, contribution, or heroic act. Each recipient is awarded a $2,000 cash prize.

Since joining the Virginia Tech community in 2014, Volk has made exceptional improvements to Air Transportation Services, saving them both time and money. Air Transportation Services provides aircraft transportation for Virginia Tech employees and employees of university-related corporations on official university business via two “Hokie Bird” aircraft.

He is known for his professionalism, positive demeanor and attention to detail which resulted in him being chosen to pilot all the trips involving the search for Virginia Tech’s new football coach.

Volk has fostered relationships with Cessna aircraft maintenance companies, allowing him to negotiate potential savings of $360 per maintenance call, as well as receive quicker turnaround on unexpected safety inspections.

He was able to coordinate for a spare radome, which protects the antenna, for each aircraft as well as a spare tire and extra battery. Volk’s ingenuity and problem-solving skills have decreased downtime for both aircrafts, resulting in an increased availability of 50 percent.

“Adam is an integral and crucial part of the Air Transportation Services department, and his efforts are extremely valued,” wrote Lisa Wilkes, Associate Vice President for Administration, in a letter of nomination. “He is a tremendous asset to our division.”

Volk volunteers actively within the community, serving as a parking attendant at his church and assisting the public school system with extracurricular programs, PTA meetings, and chaperoning trips.

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