Ken Paulson dedicated his professional career to public service, first to our country and then to his fellow union members. After graduating from San Jose State College, he entered the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. Over his 23-year military career, Ken served in various aviation and communications roles in, operations, training, and personnel management. Notably, he held the position of US Army Aviation School Deputy Director of Training and Doctrine, where he developed and implemented reserve aviation distance learning training. His overseas assignments took him to Hawai’i, the Marshall Islands, Guam, Korea and other destinations.

Transitioning to civilian life, Ken joined a scheduled US air carrier, where he actively participated in labor union activities. He served as a negotiating committee member, a grievance committee member, a scheduling committee member, and eventually became a labor union council officer for 6+ years.

Ken’s commitment to community service continued after retiring from the airline. He spearheaded the annual “Snowball Express” charity event at the American Airlines (AA) Norfolk airport station. This event brings together surviving spouses and children of fallen soldiers for a five-day experience of fun, friendship, and healing, connecting them with other families who share similar experiences. Since 2006, AA team members have volunteered to serve these families during the event or coordinate gate-side sendoff ceremonies at airports across the AA system.

In Norfolk, Ken has been actively involved in various community roles. He started as Chief of Election in Bayview and then served as a member of the Norfolk Coastal Resource Management Board, Erosion Control Board, Veterans Affairs Commission, and Norfolk Wetlands Board where he served as Chair. Ken was elected to Civic League VP and President. Ken led the East Ocean View Avenue Comprehensive Traffic Study that resulted in significant recommendations for traffic improvements and Ward 5 Ambassador to the Norfolk Plan 2050 Committee that is developing a land use vision for Norfolk’s Future.

Now he embarks on elected service as a Norfolk Public School Boardmember.