Thrive Aviation's Kelly Pryor Earns Recognition in NBAA's 40 Under 40 List for Leadership in Private Aviation
Thrive Aviation, a prominent player in the private aviation sector, has spotlighted the remarkable accomplishments of their Vice President of People and Culture, Kelly Pryor. Recently announced as one of the honorees in the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) 40 Under 40 list, Pryor stands out among a select group of rising stars who are reshaping the landscape of business aviation. This accolade marks the eighth consecutive year the NBAA has acknowledged individuals showing extraordinary promise in the industry.
The NBAA organization aims to celebrate leaders making significant strides in not just aviation, but also in cultivating innovation and promoting excellence. This initiative draws upon a multitude of nominations evaluated by the NBAA Young Professionals (YoPro) Council, which assesses nominees on criteria such as professional achievements, community involvement, innovative thinking, and dedication to business aviation.
Curtis Edenfield, the CEO of Thrive Aviation, praised Pryor, stating, "Kelly exemplifies what it means to be a values-driven leader. Her passion for people, commitment to fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture, and her ability to inspire those around her have left a lasting impact at Thrive. We are proud to see her recognized by NBAA alongside the best and brightest in our industry."
Kelly Pryor’s journey within the aviation industry has spanned over a decade of experience in Human Resources, devoting her career to the development of thriving workplaces. Having joined Thrive Aviation 3.5 years ago, she spearheads various strategic initiatives aimed at attracting top talent, ensuring employee retention, and enhancing the overall employee experience. Her educational credentials are equally impressive; she holds a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management from Saint Francis University along with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Providence College. Additionally, Pryor is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the HR Certification Institute.
In her own words, Pryor expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am incredibly honored to be recognized among such a talented group of professionals. At Thrive, I am fortunate to work with an extraordinary team that shares my passion for people and culture. This recognition is as much a reflection of their commitment as it is of my own, and I am excited to continue building an environment where people can do their best work and feel truly valued."
The NBAA will officially honor Pryor along with the rest of the 2025 40 Under 40 awardees during their annual Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), scheduled to take place from October 21–23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Thrive Aviation isn't just a company that excels at recognizing talent; they also continue to redefine private aviation services across the globe. The company is recognized as one of the Top 10 charter operators in the nation, providing innovative aircraft and fleet management strategies designed to elevate their service. Thriving out of Las Vegas, Nevada, their fleet comprises a diverse range of aircraft, enabling them to cater effectively to both North American and international markets. Thrive Aviation's commitment to providing superior service and bespoke asset management underscores not only the company's operational framework but also the culture fostered by leaders like Kelly Pryor.
In essence, Kelly Pryor's recognition is not just a personal milestone; it embodies Thrive Aviation's overarching commitment to excellence, innovation, and an inclusive corporate culture that values each team member's contribution. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it is clear that Pryor, alongside her team at Thrive, is well-positioned to lead that charge into a promising future.