Behind the Scenes with Kim Dell, the Woman Who Brings Cleveland’s Skies to Life for the Cleveland Air Show
- Gremi
- Aug 31
- 2 min read
Cleveland, Ohio — For Executive Director Kim Dell, Cleveland’s premier Labor Day weekend event is not just a job, it’s a year-round mission. As the force behind the Cleveland National Air Show, Dell orchestrates one of the most complex and thrilling spectacles in the region, all while juggling planning, logistics, marketing, and coordination with the world’s top aviation talent.
“I’m like Santa Claus, working 365 days a year,” Dell said, reflecting on the nonstop effort it takes to bring the air show to life each September.
This year’s air show once again showcased her signature attention to detail and vision. Thousands of spectators packed the lakefront to witness high-speed fighter jet demonstrations, awe-inspiring parachute teams, and precision helicopter stunts.
Among the weekend’s highlights, Cleveland 13’s Nikkie Brown took to the skies with the U.S. Army Golden Knights, documenting their elite jump operations from 12,500 feet above the city. That story is available in full coverage here.
Meanwhile, Cleveland 13’s Gremi spent time with Red Bull helicopter pilot Aaron Fitzgerald, who performed jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers including loops, spins, and a double-back flip in the BO-105 helicopter. Gremi also met with Jeff Downie, the lead pilot flying inverted in jet #5, offering viewers a firsthand look into the extreme skill and discipline involved in their performances. More coverage on that here.
Dell’s work behind the scenes is the connective tissue between all of it. Under her leadership, the Cleveland National Air Show has earned numerous awards and national recognition. From negotiating performer contracts to securing sponsorships and leading marketing efforts, Dell ensures that every detail is executed flawlessly.
In addition to producing the Cleveland show, Dell’s career includes high-level projects such as the 1993 Denver International Airport Grand Opening Air Show and multiple national campaigns. She was recently selected as the 2025 recipient of the Katharine Wright Trophy, recognizing her as a trailblazer for women in aviation.
Planning for next year’s event begins before the current one even ends. Dell’s calendar is packed with meetings, conferences, logistics checks, and outreach, all focused on keeping Cleveland’s show at the forefront of national aviation entertainment.
She also continues to mentor others in the field, frequently leading roundtables and seminars at industry conventions. Her dedication, paired with decades of experience, is why Cleveland’s air show continues to grow in both scale and acclaim.
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