People Who Make It Happen

Scott Appelman Heritage Award 2013; Hall of Fame 2017 Scott Appelman played a key role in creating some of the Balloon Fiesta’s biggest events, including the Balloon Glows and the Special Shape Rodeo and Glowdeo. Thousands of passengers experience the thrill of fl ying in the Balloon Fiesta through his company, Rainbow Ryders. Jim Benson Hall of Fame 1998 Jim “Badtoe” Benson was the Balloon Fiesta’s fi rst full time Field Manager; Jim was pivotal in laying the foundation for the infrastructure at the current Balloon Fiesta Park and the groundwork for turning fi eld management into a professional operation.

Jim Baca Hall of Fame 1998 In 1975, as an aide to then-Mayor Harry Kinney, Jim Baca was one of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s original incorporators. In the early years he coordinated city services supporting the Balloon Fiesta, and later served as Mayor of Albuquerque.

Ray Bair President 2009-10; Hall of Fame 2012 Balloon Fiesta past president and a former FAA Designated Examiner who has certifi ed dozens of balloon pilots, Ray Bair is a former head of the America’s Challenge gas race Command Center and, in 2021 at age 80, became the oldest pilot to place in the top three overall in Balloon Fiesta competition.

Jodi Baugh Hall of Fame 1999 The dynamic Jodi Baugh transformed the Balloon Fiesta’s marketing and advertising structure in the 1990s, creating a sponsorship structure which helped to establish the Balloon Fiesta’s fi nancial security and improved amenities for sponsors and guests. Wally Book Balloonmeister 2001-02 Heritage Award 2014 One of the Balloon Fiesta’s earliest pilots, Wally Book began fl ying in the event in 1974, but is best known as a staunch advocate for pilot safety. He’s served for more than 30 years as a Safety Offi cer, was Balloonmeister in 20012002, and as a fl uent French speaker has been an ambassador for international pilots.

Pat Brake Balloonmeister 1996-97 Event Direrctor 1998-2010 Among a long line of strong female leaders at Balloon Fiesta, Pat Brake stands out, having been Balloonmeister, Event Director, and board member. In 2005, she became the fi rst woman to ever serve as Event Director for the Coupe Gordon Bennett, the world’s oldest air race.

Dick Brown Heritage Award 2012; Hall of Fame 2016 Another early Balloon Fiesta fl yer, Dick Brown is one of the Balloon Fiesta’s leading historians and experts on ballooning. A former editor of Ballooning magazine, Dick has contributed dozens of articles to the Balloon Fiesta program and is co-author of three books about the Balloon Fiesta.

Sam Baxter Hall of Fame 2011 Patriarch of the “Adams Family” ballooning group, for more than a decade Field Manager Sam Baxter led the team that turns Balloon Fiesta Park into a “city” capable of supporting 100,000 people and safely launching more than 500 balloons.

Gary Bennett President 2006-07 Albuquerque businessman and balloonist Gary Bennett has served on the Balloon Fiesta Board since 1999. A real estate developer by trade, he is also a competitive balloonist and former President of Top Gun, the Albuquerque competition ballooning club. Dick Butterfi eld Balloonmeister 1990-91 Longtime safety offi cer and 1990-91 Balloonmeister, Dick Butterfi eld is another strong advocate for safety. His alter ego, “Captain Stupid,” jolted sleepy balloon pilots awake to hear his safety messages (and occasionally get taken to task) at dozens of early morning pilot briefi ngs.

J.W. Byrd Hall of Fame 2004 One of Albuquerque’s early pilots and earliest Balloon Fiesta Safety Offi cers, J.W. Byrd also was a pilot examiner and national competition offi cial. At Balloon Fiesta, he was the scoring offi cer in charge of calculating competition results, and a mentor and friend to hundreds of balloonists.

Jim Byrd Heritage Award 2020 Jim Byrd followed in his father’s footsteps as a pilot and then as the Balloon Fiesta’s number-cruncher for both hot air and gas balloon competition; he is still the America’s Challenge scoring offi cer. Jim has spent years developing and refi ning the Balloon Fiesta’s scoring software.

Ron Caldwell Balloonmeister 1980 In addition to serving as Balloonmeister and a safety offi cer and board member, Ron Caldwell leveraged his military connections to bring the Navy Leapfrogs and Army Golden Knights to the Balloon Fiesta, beginning a tradition of thrilling parachute exhibitions at the event.

Aubrey Cookman Hall of Fame 1998 A retired journalist with a distinguished record, Aubrey Cookman was one of the Balloon Fiesta’s original incorporators and its fi rst media director. He laid the foundation for a press operation which facilitates media coverage for hundreds of photographers and print and television journalists.

Neida Courtney Balloonmeister 1983-84 Neida Courtney is one of the earliest female balloon pilots in Albuquerque, and in 1983 became the second woman to serve as Balloonmeister. Neida also served on the board of directors and was instrumental in founding the Balloon Explorium, bringing children’s educational exhibits to the Balloon Fiesta.

Neida Courtney-Bueno Balloonmeister 2011-12 “Neida Kid” to old-timers who remember when she was little, Neida Courtney-Bueno grew up at Balloon Fiesta, became a pilot, and was a launch offi cer, safety offi cer and Assistant Balloonmeister before becoming the Balloon Fiesta’s fi rst second-generation Balloonmeister.

Sid Cutter Balloonmeister 1972, 1974-75 Executive Director 1973-75 Hall of Fame 1983; Heritage Award 2005 “The father of us all,” Sid Cutter’s vision and imagination led directly to the creation of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Sid started and nurtured the Balloon Fiesta and the hundreds of Albuquerque balloonists whose expertise sustained the event. Read more about Sid on page 36. Jay Czar President 2016-17 2016-17 AIBF President Jay Czar was for many years the director of the Albuquerque International Sunport. The City of Albuquerque is an important partner in putting on a successful Balloon Fiesta, and Jay’s expertise helped facilitate that relationship.

Carol Rymer Davis Hall of Fame 2005 Carol Rymer Davis, probably the most decorated female balloonist in history, is the only woman to date to win the Coupe Gordon Bennett, set world altitude, duration, & distance records, was a safety offi cer at Balloon Fiesta, and mentored a generation of balloonists. She will be inducted into the FAI Ballooning Hall of Fame this year.

John Davis President 1982; Hall of Fame 1985; Balloonmeister 1988-89; Heritage Award 2006 The Balloon Fiesta’s longest-serving Board member – more than 40 years – John Davis’s contributions to the event are too many to count. John and his wife Carol were among Albuquerque’s earliest balloonists, and as an instructor and FAA Designated Examiner, John certifi ed dozens of balloon pilots.

Don Draper Balloonmeister 1972 The long line of Balloonmeisters begins with Don Draper, who with Sid Cutter ran the very fi rst Balloon Fiesta in 1972. Don and Sid had 10 days to stage the event, and it is said that as they fl ew off in the lead balloon, Sid turned to Don and said, “Well, we’ve fi nally seen a balloon race.”

Don Edwards Event Director 2010-15 A veteran pilot and event organizer, Don Edwards joined the Balloon Fiesta in 2010 as Event Director. Don had fl own in the Balloon Fiesta and the Special Shape Rodeo for many years and from time to time continues to participate in the event.

Paul Enz Balloonmeister 1981 Paul Enz was the Balloonmeister in 1981, one of the earliest years where the Balloon Fiesta began to incorporate other forms of fl ying for spectator entertainment. The “Wild Waco” air show featuring biplane aerobatics was one of these, and Paul fl ew as the wing walker in one of the shows.

Cheryl Frost Balloonmeister 2006-08 Cheryl Mathews Frost (Cheryl Lété) has been fl ying balloons since the 1980s and was Chief Safety Offi cer and Assistant Balloonmeister before guiding Balloon Fiesta fl ying events for three years as Balloonmeister. She still serves as a member of the AIBF Board of Directors. Charles Hines President 1977, 1985; Hall of Fame 1984 A key fi gure in the Balloon Fiesta’s early history, Charlie Hines was on hand for the fi rst Balloon Fiesta in 1972 and organized chase crews and volunteers in 1973 and 1974. When Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. began operations in 1976, Charlie became the organization’s very fi rst President, and later served as Chairman.

Doug Gallagher Balloonmeister 1985 The 1985 Balloonmeister, Doug Gallagher, came up through the ranks as a pilot and offi cial and did a great Mr. Rogers impersonation (“can you say, ‘Balloon Fiesta?’”) Doug continues to serve the Balloon Fiesta as a safety offi cer, as he has for nearly four decades.

Matt Guthrie President 2020-21; Heritage Award 2017 Ballooning captivated Matt Guthrie at a very young age, and became for him both a hobby and a career. He was a launch director while still in his teens, earned his pilot license, and worked his way up through the Balloon Fiesta ranks. As President, he guided the Balloon Fiesta through the pandemic years of 2020-21.

George Hahn Balloonmeister 1986-87; President 1991; Hall of Fame 2002 George Hahn raced powerboats before taking up a slower sport, fl ying hot air and gas balloons, training and certifying pilots, promoting ballooning safety, operating a sales and repair station, and serving the Balloon Fiesta as Balloonmeister, Board member, and Board President. Jacqueline Hockey Hall of Fame 1992; Heritage Award 2016 The gracious hostess to generations of participants and guests, Jacqueline Hockey established the event’s fi rst hospitality suites, organized years worth of offi cial galas, and still brings a continental fl air to Balloon Fiesta events.

Bruce King Hall of Fame 2010 One of the dignitaries at the very fi rst Balloon Fiesta in 1972 was New Mexico Governor Bruce King, who went on to serve three non-consecutive full terms as Governor. As the state’s longest-serving chief executive, he was a staunch supporter of New Mexico’s largest international event.

Gary King Balloonmeister 2003-05 Gary King (no relation to Bruce) was the fi rst Balloonmeister -- the offi cial in charge of fl ight operations -- from outside Albuquerque. Gary, who brought extensive experience fl ying in and running ballooning events around the country, served three years as Balloonmeister.

Bruce Hale President 1995-96; Hall of Fame 1997 A local businessman and contractor, Bruce Hale literally helped build the Balloon Fiesta’s infrastructure, donating time, money, and services. He fl ew both hot air and gas balloons at the Balloon Fiesta, and spent two years as the event’s President.

Sam Hancock Executive Director 1996 During the crucial year of 1996, when the Balloon Fiesta moved to its current and permanent home at Balloon Fiesta Park, Sam Hancock served as the event’s Executive Director. Al Kinney Hall of Fame 1994 As a volunteer at the fi rst World Hot Air Balloon Championships (2nd Balloon Fiesta) Al Kinney installed utilities and organized concessions and infrastructure. He was instrumental in obtaining funding for the event and coordinating the city bond issue to buy the current Balloon Fiesta Park.

Charlotte Kinney Balloonmeister 1982, 1984 Heritage Award 2018 The daughter of Mayor Harry Kinney, Charlotte Kinney was one of Albuquerque’s early balloon pilots. She broke barriers as the Balloon Fiesta’s fi rst female Balloonmeister and one of the fi rst women in the country in command of a major balloon event. She now is one of the Balloon Fiesta’s historians.

Harry Kinney Hall of Fame 1984 The Balloon Fiesta might have died an early death, had it not been for the vision and eff orts of Mayor Harry Kinney. Mayor Kinney formed a citizen’s committee to take over the Balloon Fiesta’s operations and helped arrange for city services to support the event.

Steve Komadina President 1999 A pilot for more than 40 years and member of the Board of Directors since the late 1980’s, Dr. Steve Komadina is perhaps better known to Balloon Fiesta guests as the pilot of the Stork balloon, which was originally named Great Eggspectations.

Randy Lefevre Hall of Fame 2019 Weather observations and forecasting have always been vitally important to the safety of the Balloon Fiesta, and Randy Lefevre has been an event meteorologist for 20 years. As one of the world’s experts in forecasting weather and long-distance trajectories for balloon operations, he also serves as the America’s Challenge’s meteorologist.

Doug March Balloonmeister 1977-78 He was the Balloon Fiesta balloonmeister in the year the “pole grab” brought new excitement to competition, but Doug March is perhaps better remembered for founding a company that designed and sold most of early Albuquerque balloonists’ balloon pins -- pins that are today highly valued by collectors. Frank Mezzancello President 1994; Hall of Fame 2004 During more than 30 years fl ying in Balloon Fiesta and working mostly behind the scenes, Frank Mezzancello served on every committee and been a valuable mediator who championed the cause of pilots, smoothed upset neighbors, and handled issues on the fi eld. Sadly, Frank passed away this year (see page 272).

Sheri Moore President 1978-79; Hall of Fame 1987 Sheri Bachtell Moore is among the fi rst of many strong women who played key roles in the early success of the Balloon Fiesta. Sheri was a member of the fi rst Citizen’s Committee and AIBF’s fi rst female President, helping to set the course the newly-formed corporation would take for years to come.

Sam Parks Balloonmeister 2013-18 Director of Operations 2018-Present The Balloon Fiesta’s longest-serving balloonmeister, Sam Parks is now part of the event staff . As Director of Operations, Sam oversees the year-round eff ort required to coordinate safe fl ying events and smooth behind-the-scenes operations.

Betty Perkins President 1975-76; Hall of Fame 2016 In 1975, Betty Perkins chaired the very fi rst Citizen’s Committee that facilitated the incorporation of the Balloon Fiesta. She then became AIBF’s fi rst Chairperson, urging the City of Albuquerque to assist with infrastructure for the fl edgling event, thus laying the groundwork for today’s Balloon Fiesta.

Rod May Balloonmeister 1994-95 President 2004-05; Hall of Fame 2012 Longtime Board of Directors member and past President Rod May served as balloonmeister in the years the Balloon Fiesta hosted the World Gas Balloon Championships and founded the America’s Challenge gas balloon distance race, giving Albuquerque a permanent presence in gas ballooning.

Tom McConnell President 1992; Hall of Fame 1995 Heritage Award 2008 Fondly called “Father Time,” Dr. Tom McConnell was at the fi rst Balloon Fiesta in 1972, and in 1973 (with Don Barz) co-created the iconic Zia balloon. A former AIBF President and board member for more than four decades, Tom founded the Heritage Committee and has written or co-written a plethora of books and articles on the event’s history. He is also a noted author and lecturer on balloon safety. Chuck Raskob Balloonmeister 2009-10 Chuck Raskob climbs and repairs radio and TV towers (on Sandia Crest! In the winter!) for a living, so he knows the importance of safety. A pilot as well as balloonmeister, he still is a safety offi cer for both the hot-air Balloon Fiesta events and the America’s Challenge.

Paul Petrehn Event Director 2015-17 As one of the top competitive pilots in the United States, Paul Petrehn brought a lifetime of involvement in balloon events around the world to the Balloon Fiesta when he became its third Event Director in 2015. Paul is a three-time US national champion.

Allen Rector Balloonmeister 1998 Balloonmeisters typically have years of experience before they become the Balloon Fiesta’s chief fl ying events offi cer, and Allen Rector’s path is typical – he fl ew in the Balloon Fiesta as a pilot and served as a safety offi cer and assistant balloonmeister before assuming the top job.

Dick Rice President 1983; Heritage Award 2016 Hall of Fame 2015 In 1975, with the Balloon Fiesta’s existence teetering in the balance, Richard (Dick) Rice was brought onto the fi rst Citizen’s Committee to manage the event’s fi nances. He’s still doing it, having served as treasurer from 1978-85 and from 2002 to the present. When Dick’s not busy writing checks, he is still an active balloon pilot. Tom Rutherford Hall of Fame 1983; Heritage Award 2010 As a young KOB radio employee, Tom Rutherford was instrumental in organizing KOB’s 50th anniversary celebration, resulting in the fi rst Balloon Fiesta. Tom became a corporate balloonist and state legislator, and for 40 years as an event announcer was the golden voice of the Balloon Fiesta.

Mike Rice President 2014-15 When Mike Rice joined the Balloon Fiesta board in 2002, he was an experienced aviation administrator as well as a balloonist. As is the case with most AIBF presidents, he served as secretary and vice-president before assuming the presidency.

Henry Rosenbaum Balloonmeister 2019-2022 Henry Rosenbaum, the Balloon Fiesta’s 25th and current balloonmeister, is beginning his fourth year in the job (counting 2020, when the Balloon Fiesta was postponed). Like most balloonmeisters, he worked his way up the ladder as a safety offi cer and as assistant balloonmeister. Linda Rutherford Executive Director 1979-89 Hall of Fame 2001 One of the fi rst female corporate balloon pilots, Linda Rutherford was well-known even before becoming the Balloon Fiesta’s fi rst paid staff member and Executive Director. She laid the groundwork for the year-round staff and volunteer operation that makes the Balloon Fiesta happen.

Jim Schumacher President 1993 Albuquerque restauranteur Jim Schumacher brought his business acumen to the Board of Directors, and to his roles as Vice President and President, working with local organizations to resolve issues and promote the Balloon Fiesta.

Harry Season Balloonmeister 1992-93: Hall of Fame 2009 President 2000-01 Harry Season was Balloon Fiesta president during two of its most historic years: the “1,000 in 2000” largest Balloon Fiesta ever, and 2001, when the event lifted spirits and helped to heal a shattered world in the wake of 9-11. Harry still serves on the Balloon Fiesta board.

Bob Ruppenthal Balloonmeister 1976; President 1989-90 Hall of Fame 1991; Heritage Award 2007 In 1973, a group of grubby British balloonists participating in the World Championships were taken in by the Ruppenthal family, and that was just the beginning of Bob Ruppenthal’s storied involvement in the Balloon Fiesta. Bob was also a huge contributor to ballooning safety through his research, lectures and articles.

Marge Ruppenthal President 1980-81; Hall of Fame 1988 Executive Director 1989-95 Heritage Award 2007 Marge Ruppenthal, like her husband Bob, became an accomplished pilot before serving in just about every leadership role in Balloon Fiesta. She was Executive Director for six of the Balloon Fiesta’s greatest growth years, which included the addition of the Balloon Glow and Special Shape Rodeo. John Sena President 2010-11; Hall of Fame 2013 A colorful storyteller and longtime balloonist, John Sena (so far) has served more than two decades on the board. A banker by trade, John was the event’s treasurer and fi nancial advisor for many years. John is also the founder of another of New Mexico’s iconic ballooning events, the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally.

Jim Shiver President 1986-88; Hall of Fame 1993 Heritage Award 2011 Guests enjoy today’s Balloon Fiesta Park in large part thanks to the eff orts of Jim Shiver. He played a major role in securing the property, and through his construction company contributed thousands of dollars and man-hours to building this and previous launch sites. Jim is the Balloon Fiesta's only three-time President.

Gail Short President 1984 Matriarch of a ballooning family – she, her husband, and son all were pilots – Gail Short spent countless hours behind the scenes doing all the little things that make any great event happen before becoming vice president and then president of AIBF. Kim Vesely Heritage Award 2009; Hall of Fame 2012 A former TV journalist and a writer and amateur historian, Kim Vesely has documented ballooning and the Balloon Fiesta for nearly a half-century through articles, video, and photographs, as co-author of three books, and editor of the offi cial program. She is also a balloon pilot and serves as an offi cial, volunteer, and commentator.

Paul Smith Executive Director 1997-Present Heritage Award 2022 For half the Balloon Fiesta’s history, Paul Smith has been in charge. An attorney by training, he served the Balloon Fiesta in that capacity before becoming Executive Director in 1997. When not working (which is almost never), he’s a highly-regarded and successful competitive balloonist.

Mark Sullivan President 1997-98; Hall of Fame 1999 Mark Sullivan is a championship-caliber pilot in both hot air and gas balloons and the current president of the World Air Sports Federation (FAI) Ballooning Commission. A member of the AIBF board since 1989, he is a co-founder of the Special Shape Rodeo and founder of the America’s Challenge gas race. Bill Walker President 2012-13 As an ex-FBI agent, Bill Walker has been an invaluable advisor on event traffi c and security and an all-around whatever-you need Balloon Fiesta liaison. A balloonist since 1993, board member since 1999, and board President a decade ago, Bill still serves on the Board.

Mark Wilson Balloonmeister 1979 Mark Wilson was the fi rst to standardize the information Balloon Fiesta pilots receive by presenting their pre-event briefi ng through a video. Mark was one of Albuquerque’s earliest pilots and instructors and taught many fi rst-generation New Mexico balloonists.

Art Swenka President 2002-03 Businessman, balloonist, and philanthropist, Art Swenka devoted time, energy, and money to supporting ballooning events and activities around the state for more than two decades before joining the AIBF board and serving as President.

Al Tetreault Hall of Fame 2007 President 2021-Present Today’s Balloon Fiesta public safety operation owes a huge debt to current AIBF President Al Tetreault. As a law enforcement offi cer and a member of the Balloon Fiesta board, Al brought together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to keep guests safe.

Ken Tuley (Art Lloyd, Jr.) Hall of Fame 2021 Ken Tuley brought Balloon Fiesta into the digital age, remaking the website, developing apps and operational software, and founding and (as his alter ego, Art Lloyd Jr.) hosting Balloon Fiesta Live!, which streams live coverage of all Balloon Fiesta fl ying events. He’s also a longtime volunteer offi cial and pilot. Steve Yazzie Balloonmeister 1999-2000 Hall of Fame 2006 Jovial, always professional, and breaking ground for diversity, Steve Yazzie served as a safety offi cer and – at the 2000 Balloon Fiesta, the largest ever – the fi rst Native American Balloonmeister. A fi ne pilot himself, he was highly respected among his colleagues and fellow balloonists.

Ed Yost Balloonmeister 1973 1973 balloonmeister Ed Yost is the generally acknowledged inventor of the modern hot air balloon, fl ew most of the way across the Atlantic solo, and built (among others) Double Eagle II and Double Eagle V, the balloons that completed the fi rst successful manned crossings of the Atlantic and the Pacifi c.

Ty Young President 2018-19 As a wide-eyed little boy visiting Balloon Fiesta, Ty Young traded pins with Sid Cutter and so began a lifelong love aff air with both balloons and pins. Now a successful businessman, expert on Balloon Fiesta collectibles, and former AIBF President, Ty’s journey sets an example for how 50 years of Balloon Fiestas have changed and aff ected lives.