Internal news: hirings, community events, etc.
The New York Times writes about a recent order granting the wind industry’s motion for a preliminary injunction directing the DoD to restart its reviews. Ben Doyle, President & CEO of Capitol Airspace, provided two declarations in support of the plaintiffs.
This month we recognize Nick Lee, who serves as our Obstruction Evaluation Product Lead. Nick started with Capitol Airspace as an intern while enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Following his graduation in 2015, Nick came on full-time as an Airspace Analyst. He specializes in modeling FAA terminal instrument procedures near wind farms. Additionally, he has vast experience mitigating airspace impacts around major airports – notably Reagan Washington National (DCA). Nick is a valued member of the Capitol Airspace Analytical Team – training and mentoring junior analysts while serving as an expert in FAA procedures. He lives in Chantilly, Virginia with his wife and two daughters. Cheers to 10 years, Nick!
Radio World recently featured KFUO’s efforts to modernize after 99 years on the air. Proud to see work by CAG’s Gary Cavell highlighted in this piece – an incredible effort by Gary and the entire team. Read more here.
The Cleveland Browns marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park, Ohio, on April 30. James Scott, Director of FAA Programs and proud Ohioan, represented Capitol Airspace Group at the event. CAG partnered closely with Haslam Sports Group to ensure the stadium footprint supports safe, efficient air operations at nearby Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Congratulations to the Cleveland Browns, Haslam Sports Group, and the CAG team who helped carry this project across the goal line!
Lauren brings over a decade of experience in financial leadership, accounting, and strategic planning across technology and data analytics sectors. In her new role, she’ll lead our financial strategy — strengthening operations, optimizing planning, and supporting our continued growth. Previously, Lauren was a Finance Advisor at Snowflake, providing strategic analysis and modeling that guided enterprise data initiatives and improved operational efficiency. Before that, she spent seven years at Crunchy Data, rising to Senior Director of Finance and scaling financial operations during transition and ultimate acquisition by Snowflake. Please join us in giving Lauren a warm welcome to the Capitol Airspace team!
On September 27, 2025, a spirited group from Capitol Airspace Group laced up their running shoes and took to the runway at Dulles International Airport for a unique and exhilarating team-building experience — the annual Dulles Runway 5K/10K! This one-of-a-kind event gave us the rare opportunity to run directly on the airport’s runway, surrounded by aircraft and the buzz of aviation. Our team embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, camaraderie, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit. Everyone brought their best energy and had a blast! Thanks, Metro Washington Airports Auth!
The Ohio Department of Transportation reversed itself and announced Thursday it has approved a permit for the Cleveland Browns to build their proposed stadium next to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Society of Broadcasting Engineers, Chapter 37, is set to host this year’s AntennaFest at WETA headquarters. Gary Cavell will host a roundtable discussion.
We are pleased to announce the addition of two highly accomplished professionals to the Capitol Airspace Group team. Please join us in welcoming Bill Ratts and Justin Hetland, who have joined us as Project Managers. Bill and Justin each bring over two decades of aviation experience and most recently served as Airspace Specialists within the FAA’s Obstruction Evaluation Group. Their extensive regulatory knowledge and operational insight will be invaluable as we continue to support our clients in navigating complex airspace challenges and advancing responsible development. Bill Ratts has held key roles throughout his career, including Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower Chief at Flying Cloud Airport, Chief Pilot at Aviation Charter, and First Officer with Air Wisconsin Airlines. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Winona State University, an Associate of Science in Air Traffic Control, and is an Airline Transport Pilot with over 8,700 flight hours. Justin Hetland brings a diverse background in both regulatory and operational aviation. He has served as a General Aviation Operations Inspector in the FAA’s Milwaukee Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Airspace Manager for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and as a pilot for Southern Air Systems. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Minnesota and is a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor with over 2,300 flight hours. We are thrilled to have Bill and Justin on board and look forward to the expertise and leadership they will bring to our projects and clients.
Capitol Airspace Group, following its merger with Cavell, Mertz & Associates, will participate in the NAB Show 2025 in Las Vegas, where they will present on trends in broadcasting and aviation.