It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Don Bergin,
former President and Board Member of Blast Deflectors, Inc., and more importantly, our dear friend.
Don joined Blast Deflectors, Inc. (BDI) as the Director of Technical Sales in 2005. He made an enormous impact on BDI’s global business and was instrumental in building BDI into what it is today.
As an aviation and travel enthusiast, Don frequently visited with industry professionals and regularly attended a variety of conferences and tradeshows, quickly making personal connections and impacting many within the aviation industry, both at home and abroad. This led Don into becoming an active member of the Airport Consultants Council (ACC), soon being appointed as a Board Member in 2010 and eventually to Board Chair in 2016. Notably, Don had the honor of being the first ever supplier/vendor representative to become ACC Board Chair.
Don presenting BDI’s contribution to the ACC Foundation at the 2016 ACC Annual Conference
For all of those who knew and worked with him, Don’s immense talent and leadership along with BDI’s value in the industry—which he helped to develop—made him a clear choice for that distinction. Don’s passion and advocacy for the airport development industry further extended to his involvement as a member of the ACC Foundation, which offers financial support for educational and research activities within the industry. Naturally, he was also appointed ACC Foundation Board Chair in 2022. His colleagues within the ACC organization remember his outstanding organizational abilities, unbounded cheerfulness, and genuine sincerity.
Don was a highly respected leader, exemplary mentor, and a true motivator for BDI, whose influence extended well beyond his tenure with the company. He was a steadfast supporter of the organization and its people, and was widely known for his encouragement, integrity, and commitment to BDI and the broader aviation industry. Through his leadership, dedication to mentoring others, and his industry involvement, Don has made a lasting impact on both BDI and the airport community.
We extend our sincere condolences to Don’s family, friends, and all who knew him. We are grateful for the legacy he leaves behind and will miss him deeply.
For more information regarding the ACC Foundation, ways to get involved,
or to make a contribution in Don’s honor, please visit: acconline.org/acc-foundation/