Tim Komberec, president and CEO of Empire Airlines, Inc. in Hayden, has received the Executive of the Year Award from the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance.

The award was presented to Komberec on Feb. 13 at the alliance’s annual conference at the Lynwood Convention Center near Seattle.

The Executive of the Year award is given annually by the organization in recognition of the executive that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the Pacific Northwest aerospace industry.

“It is truly an honor to receive this award and to be recognized by peers in the industry. The credit really goes to our wonderful employees and great customers.” Komberec said, in a news release.

Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance chairman Ted Croft said the agency was excited to present the award to Komberec.

“His leadership has taken the company to incredible heights and has launched ventures to carry them through the future,” Croft said.

Komberec has been president and CEO of Empire Airlines, a commercial carrier services company, since 2000.

“He has overseen the successful operations of not only Empire Airlines, but the company’s subsidiaries: Empire Aerospace, LLC; Empire Unmanned, LLC; and Ohana Airlines passenger services in Hawaii,” said the news release. “Any of Empire Airlines’ employees will readily verify that Mr. Komberec is an executive leader that leads by example, espousing to his teams integrity, accountability, dependability, innovation and excellence in customer service.”

In addition, Komberec serves as chairman of the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA), past chairman of the Idaho Workforce Development Council, member of the board of directors for the Regional Airline Association, member of the Coeur d’Alene Airport Advisory Board and member on the Jobs Plus Board. He is also a board member and past President of the North Idaho College Foundation.