Annual General Meeting will also debut the Leo Schefer Community Impact Award and feature a special fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Virginia
DULLES, Va. — August 2026 — The Washington Airports Task Force will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Williams Trophy at its 44th Annual General Membership Meeting on December 9, 2026, at Belmont Country Club, recognizing three decades of leadership, vision, innovation, and partnership that have helped advance aviation and its impact on the National Capital Region.
Highlighting this milestone year, WATF is proud to announce United Airlines and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) as the 2026 Williams Trophy recipients, recognizing their longstanding partnership, continued investment, and shared commitment to the future of Washington Dulles International Airport.
Established in 1996 by the WATF Board of Directors, the Williams Trophy honors the legacy of Carrington Williams, WATF’s founding chairman and the Trophy’s first recipient. For three decades, the award has recognized individuals and organizations whose “Leadership, Vision and Dedication in the Application of Aviation or Space Enrich the Quality of Life on Earth.”
“Celebrating 30 years of the Williams Trophy gives us an opportunity to recognize not only this year’s recipients, but the incredible legacy of leadership and vision this award represents,” said Keith Meurlin, President, Washington Airports Task Force. “United and MWAA are carrying that legacy forward through their continued partnership and investment at Dulles—demonstrating exactly what our 2026 theme, Driving Relevant Growth — Vision Meets Investment, is all about.”
A Partnership Driving the Future of Dulles
United Airlines and MWAA’s continued investment at Washington Dulles is expanding global connectivity, strengthening the airport’s role as an international gateway, enhancing the passenger experience, and supporting economic growth throughout the National Capital Region.
Their selection reflects WATF’s 2026 priorities to advance infrastructure and airline growth at Dulles, strengthen aviation’s regional economic impact, and build the partnerships necessary to keep the region’s airport system competitive.
The recognition comes at a pivotal time for Dulles as significant public- and private-sector investment sets the stage for the airport’s next era of growth.
Introducing the Leo Schefer Community Impact Award
WATF will also use this year’s AGM to introduce the Leo Schefer Community Impact Award, a new honor recognizing the legacy of former WATF President Leo Schefer and his decades of leadership, public service, and commitment to aviation, regional connectivity, and economic growth. The award honors individuals and/or organizations whose leadership, service, and collaboration create a meaningful and lasting impact on our airports and the communities they serve.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) team at Washington Dulles International Airport has been selected as the award’s inaugural recipient.
The team is being recognized for its exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication during the recent government shutdown, maintaining safe and efficient checkpoint operations, supporting its workforce, and helping minimize impacts to the traveling public.
Celebrating Aviation While Giving Back
Adding another special element to this year’s program, WATF will host a special fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics Virginia.
Community partnership has long been part of the Dulles aviation community, and the fundraiser will provide WATF members, partners, and guests an opportunity to come together in support of an organization with a longstanding connection to the airport community.
Together, the Williams Trophy’s 30th Anniversary, the introduction of the Leo Schefer Community Impact Award, and the Special Olympics Virginia fundraiser reflect the continued evolution of WATF’s Annual General Meeting. The event brings together leaders and professionals from aviation, business, government, economic development, and the broader regional community to strengthen relationships, recognize achievement, and help shape what comes next for aviation.
It all ties back to Driving Relevant Growth—where vision meets investment and partnerships, leadership, and community come together to move our region forward.
2026 WATF Annual General Membership Meeting & Williams Trophy Presentation
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Belmont Country Club
Formal invitations and registration information, along with additional details regarding the program, special guests, fundraising event, and sponsorship opportunities, will be announced in the coming weeks.
About the Washington Airports Task Force
Founded in 1982, the Washington Airports Task Force (WATF) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and expanding aviation services for Virginia and the National Capital Region. Through advocacy, collaboration, education, and industry engagement, WATF works with public- and private-sector partners to strengthen the region’s airport system, enhance connectivity, and support continued economic growth.
Media Contact:
Lisa Merhaut
Washington Airports Task Force
703-572-8714
[email protected]