BVA Community Recognition Program

Jamsheed Lovelace
Inducted in 2026
C3 Awarded in 2026

Jay, known to many as "Sheed", has been a member of BVA since 2008 and is widely known as one of the community’s most dedicated and recognizable controllers. Over the years, he built a reputation for his tireless commitment to the network and his willingness to support both pilots and fellow controllers. After many years serving the training program as a Mentor, Jay was promoted to Instructor in October 2018, reflecting his longstanding dedication to helping develop new controllers. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Administration Team as Training Administrator in January 2019, where he helped guide BVA’s training program through one of the most challenging periods in the network’s history. Just over a year into his tenure as Training Administrator, the COVID-19 pandemic brought an unprecedented surge in flight simulation activity and controller training demand. Despite limited staffing, Jay worked tirelessly to adapt the training program to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community. Through numerous improvements to training systems and processes, he helped ensure BVA could continue developing controllers while maintaining the high standards the facility is known for. Jay served as Training Administrator until October 2021, leaving a lasting impact on the structure and strength of the program. Even after stepping down from the role, he continues to serve the community as an Instructor, remaining actively involved in training and mentoring controllers to this day. Jay also became well known for his extraordinary dedication behind the radar scope. A frequent participant in Iron Mic challenges and extended controlling sessions—including multiple occasions where he controlled for 24 hours straight—he consistently went above and beyond to provide coverage for pilots across the network. His efforts played a significant role in BVA earning recognition through the Golden Mic Award for Boston Center. Beyond the radar scope, Jay helped bring BVA to a wider audience through his Twitch streaming presence, introducing many members of the flight simulation community to VATSIM and showcasing the professionalism and excitement of BVA controllers. Through his dedication to training, his countless hours supporting the community on the network, and his efforts to share BVA with the broader flight simulation world, Jay has left a lasting and meaningful mark on the BVA community.

Mike Willey
Inducted in 2026
C3 Awarded in 2026

Mike joined BVA in December 2009 and quickly demonstrated a strong commitment to the community and its training mission. After only nine months as a controller, he joined the training staff as a Mentor in September 2010, reflecting his early dedication to helping others learn and succeed. His contributions to the training program continued to grow in the years that followed. In November 2011, he was promoted to Instructor, and just one year later, in November 2012, he was selected as Training Administrator. In that role, he led BVA’s controller training program until September 2015, helping guide the development of new controllers and shaping the instructional standards that continue to support the facility today. Even after stepping down from the Administration Team, he remained an Instructor through late 2015 and continues to informally mentor and support members of the community to this day. Beyond his formal training roles, Mike has long been recognized as a steady and respected presence on the network. Known to many as BVA’s early morning controller, he is frequently online during the early hours providing ATC service and helping pilots get their day started on the network. Pilots consistently praise his calm and supportive style on frequency, where he often takes the time to guide pilots through procedures and ensure a positive experience. Mike’s contributions to BVA extend well beyond the virtual scope. Over many years, he has been an active participant in Boston Tea Party and other in-person gatherings. He is also a close friend to many in the community and is often seen flying alongside his longtime friend Mark Mayo. Mike has also demonstrated remarkable generosity in supporting the organization, both through significant financial contributions and by donating equipment from his own simulator builds to benefit the community. Taken together, Mike’s contributions—both on and off the network—reflect the dedication, generosity, and community spirit that have long defined BVA.

Clifton Whitten
Inducted in 2026

Clif joined BVA in 2008 and quickly became one of the facility’s most dedicated contributors. Over more than fifteen years of involvement, Clif has played a significant role in shaping the community through both leadership and service. Clif joined the Administration Team in 2015 as Events Coordinator, where he helped lead the planning and promotion of BVA's major events and expanded the facility’s presence across the VATSIM network. In 2017, he was selected as Deputy Air Traffic Manager, where he helped oversee the operations and development of the ARTCC. Shortly thereafter, Clif was appointed Air Traffic Manager, serving in the role for five years. During his tenure, he guided the facility through a period of tremendous growth in controller participation and network activity. He successfully navigated the unprecedented surge in membership, controller training demand, and day-to-day operations that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid growth of flight simulation. Under his leadership, BVA adapted to this new scale of activity and emerged stronger, setting the facility up for continued success in the years that followed. Across nearly a decade on the Administration Team, Clif helped develop future leaders, supported the facility’s training and events programs, and strengthened the collaborative culture that defines BVA today. Following his service as Air Traffic Manager, Clif continues to support the community as a member of BVA’s Board of Directors, helping guide the organization’s long-term strategic direction and the continued development of its 501(c)(3) nonprofit mission.