Harry Kinney Frank Mezzancello Hall of Fame 1984 President 1994; Hall of Fame 2004 The Balloon Fiesta might have died an During more than 30 years fl ying in Balloon early death, had it not been for the vision Fiesta and working mostly behind the and eff orts of Mayor Harry Kinney. Mayor scenes, Frank Mezzancello served on every Kinney formed a citizen’s committee to take committee and been a valuable media- over the Balloon Fiesta’s operations and tor who championed the cause of pilots, helped arrange for city services to support smoothed upset neighbors, and handled the event. issues on the fi eld. Sadly, Frank passed away this year (see page 272). Steve Komadina Sheri Moore President 1999 President 1978-79; Hall of Fame 1987 A pilot for more than 40 years and member Sheri Bachtell Moore is among the fi rst of many of the Board of Directors since the late strong women who played key roles in the 1980’s, Dr. Steve Komadina is perhaps early success of the Balloon Fiesta. Sheri was better known to Balloon Fiesta guests as a member of the fi rst Citizen’s Committee and the pilot of the Stork balloon, which was AIBF’s fi rst female President, helping to set the originally named Great Eggspectations. course the newly-formed corporation would take for years to come. Randy Lefevre Sam Parks Hall of Fame 2019 Balloonmeister 2013-18 Weather observations and forecasting have Director of Operations 2018-Present always been vitally important to the safety The Balloon Fiesta’s longest-serving bal- of the Balloon Fiesta, and Randy Lefevre has loonmeister, Sam Parks is now part of the been an event meteorologist for 20 years. event staff . As Director of Operations, Sam As one of the world’s experts in forecasting oversees the year-round eff ort required to weather and long-distance trajectories for coordinate safe fl ying events and smooth balloon operations, he also serves as the behind-the-scenes operations. America’s Challenge’s meteorologist. Doug March Betty Perkins Balloonmeister 1977-78 President 1975-76; Hall of Fame 2016 He was the Balloon Fiesta balloonmeister In 1975, Betty Perkins chaired the very fi rst in the year the “pole grab” brought new Citizen’s Committee that facilitated the in- excitement to competition, but Doug March corporation of the Balloon Fiesta. She then is perhaps better remembered for founding became AIBF’s fi rst Chairperson, urging the a company that designed and sold most City of Albuquerque to assist with infra- of early Albuquerque balloonists’ balloon structure for the fl edgling event, thus laying pins -- pins that are today highly valued by the groundwork for today’s Balloon Fiesta. collectors. Rod May Paul Petrehn Balloonmeister 1994-95 Event Director 2015-17 President 2004-05; Hall of Fame 2012 As one of the top competitive pilots in Longtime Board of Directors member the United States, Paul Petrehn brought a and past President Rod May served as lifetime of involvement in balloon events balloonmeister in the years the Balloon Fiesta around the world to the Balloon Fiesta when hosted the World Gas Balloon Championships he became its third Event Director in 2015. and founded the America’s Challenge gas Paul is a three-time US national champion. balloon distance race, giving Albuquerque a permanent presence in gas ballooning. Tom McConnell Chuck Raskob President 1992; Hall of Fame 1995 Balloonmeister 2009-10 Heritage Award 2008 Chuck Raskob climbs and repairs radio and Fondly called “Father Time,” Dr. Tom McCon- TV towers (on Sandia Crest! In the winter!) nell was at the fi rst Balloon Fiesta in 1972, and for a living, so he knows the importance of in 1973 (with Don Barz) co-created the iconic safety. A pilot as well as balloonmeister, he Zia balloon. A former AIBF President and still is a safety offi cer for both the hot-air board member for more than four decades, Balloon Fiesta events and the America’s Tom founded the Heritage Committee and Challenge. 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. ® Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 266