Airport Experience® News - Leadership 2022

2022 MEDIUM AIRPORTS DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

GENTLE GIANT Brockman Earned Respect, Credibility Rebuilding MEM And Leading Nationally

BY ANDREW TELL I JOHN

Scott Brockman took over the role of president and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority in 2014, taking over for another stalwart, Larry Cox. He did so as Delta Air Lines was deciding to de-hub Memphis International Airport , leaving him with the lead role in rebuilding the city and region’s air service and collective self-esteem. He assumed leadership roles with the American Association of Airport Executives, both nationally and in the Southeast Chapter. And he’s taken on all these roles and responsibilities in a welcoming and humble way that earned respect and goodwill across the industry. Here’s what Brockman’s partners, peers and friends have to say.

JAMES BENNETT principal at Paslay Group

CYRUS CALLUM director of aviation and economic resources for Volusia County FL and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) “I call him Pops because he mentored me l ike a father

“He’s very approach able. Everybody in the industry appreciates his commitment to the business and his ability to reach across

all lines. He’s strong in terms of working with the young people coming into the business. A big effort that the indus try has been advancing has been trying to diversify the industry in terms of folks involved and get people excited about being in it. Scott has done a great job in those areas.”

would do a son, in terms of following in his footsteps and developing that craft. Our industry colleagues know I call him Pops. His wife refers to me as son because I call him Pops. … The fact of the matter is he has taken lots of time and energy out of his busy schedule to take me and my peers that share that same interest under his wing and he has given us the tools to develop into professionals and to be at the top of the class.”

MARK GALE CEO and director of aviation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): “When you go around the room and they’re passing the microphone from person to person, Scott’s the guy who doesn’t need the microphone. He has a booming voice. He’s extremely charismatic, an extremely knowledgeable individual. He’s giant of a man, a towering figure, physically in terms of his stature coupled with his voice. He’s a figure that you’re not going to miss or dismiss. But I also liken him to, not a teddy bear, but he’s an individual who has an extremely warm heart and personality that make you feel very comfortable talking and sharing issues together.”

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