Airport Experience® News - Leadership & Culture Issue 2023

abatement office. Understanding the basics of aircraft operations and FAA procedures and policies were important in responding and working through noise impact issues with the FAA, airlines and community members. That position also gave me my first experience managing a team at a very young age. My decision to depart the MAC in 1990 to become involved in the new Denver International Airport (DEN) project was also a key turning point. Relocating to a new airport and a different part of the country provided the opportunity to expand my network of aviation professionals. I gained experience at another major hub airport and had the opportunity to participate in the construction of the new Denver International Airport. As the manager of noise abatement, politics played a key role in daily operations, both at the local and national level. This exposure was extremely valuable in preparing me to lead airports. Lastly, being open to new opportunities at multiple airports was extremely important in my career progression. I had a goal in mind that I established the day I left the MAC - to eventually return and lead the organization - along with a strategy to reach that goal over time. And it worked. What is your best advice for individuals seeking a position similar to yours? My best guidance for seeking a leadership role: don’t be afraid to leave an existing position to explore new opportunities. Along the way: • Be humble. Get to know your employees at every level. • Be honest and upfront – this is key to developing trusting relationships. • Reward employees for their contributions. • Prioritize work-life balance. • Be strategic and focus on the big picture. • Do what you say you’re going to do. • Have a competitive spirit. • Think outside the box.

What is your best advice for individuals seeking a position similar to yours? I believe the role of airport director is changing. Traditionally, most CEOs started in an operational capacity. Today, airport owners are looking for leaders who not only can oversee operations but can also build strong relationships with the community, are business savvy, and are visionary. My day is filled with making decisions on capital investments in the airport, discussions with airlines, concessionaires, investment bankers, governmental officials, and the list goes on. Therefore, I highly encourage those seeking to move up to the C-suite to learn about every aspect of the business of airports.

CHARLENE REYNOLDS, DIRECTOR, JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT How did your first opportunity in the aviation industry come about?

My journey in aviation began with a passion for public service. I have spent 30 years in public service, with previous stints in public transportation, engineering, local government, and aviation. Late into my career with the City of Phoenix came a promotional opportunity to create a new contract services division for the aviation department, aka Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Upon my arrival, I quickly became captivated by the inner workings of this city-within a-city while I built the new division, starting with a staff of one - me! I am now at my third airport. Each has been uniquely different in its ownership structure and major priorities. I am so glad I listened to one of my coworkers, who encouraged me to go out and experience another airport. Can you point to 1-3 turning points in your career that influenced your path to leadership? * When I learned to treat every day as a job interview, always be on your A-game. I have been lucky to have been offered several opportunities to either work on a particular project and/or interview for a position because someone had either noticed my work or heard about my work ethic from someone else. * When I stopped measuring my career journey against others. Sometimes, the job you think you want is not right for you. Be patient; you will truly know when it is the right fit. My career movement was a series of strategic moves, and there is nothing wrong with taking a lateral movement if it helps you eventually move forward. * Throughout my career with the City of Phoenix, I was fortunate to have several amazing managers who always pushed and encouraged me. When I learned the value of not only having a mentor but also having a sponsor, my career really took off. Early in my career, I was naïve in thinking that doing an excellent job alone would be enough to get me where I wanted to go; having someone pick up the phone and call on your behalf is a game changer.

BRIAN RYKS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO, METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION How did your first opportunity in the

aviation industry come about? My first career opportunity in aviation was provided through an internship in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) director’s office at the Metropolitan Airports Commission. It was a three-month internship where I contributed to a wide range of activities including data analysis of airport activity trends, occupying the lost and found office, and riding the employee shuttle bus to survey riders. The internship provided exposure to various departments within the MAC’s entire seven-airport system. It gave me great insights into how this major hub airport - in combination with the general aviation airports - serves the aviation needs of the Twin Cities region. This early experience allowed me to develop relationships that opened doors toward future career opportunities, both at the MAC and elsewhere. Can you point to 1-3 turning points in your career that influenced your path to leadership? The first major turning point was obtaining a private pilot’s license along with an instrument rating. That experience and knowledge helped me immensely in my first full-time position: working in the MAC’s noise

• Be entrepreneurial. • Strive for greatness.

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AX NEWS LEADERSHIP ISSUE 2023