Airport Experience® News - Leadership & Culture Issue 2023

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FEATURES

18 Becker’s Vision Kim Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and AXN’s Director of the Year in the large airports division, shares her goals and vision for San Diego International Airport and for the broader aviation industry. 24 Sharing Credit Colleagues of Kim Becker say she’s a consummate professional whose inclusive nature engenders loyalty and admiration. 26 Tackling Big Industry Issues Cindy Nichol, director of airports for the Sacramento County Airport System and AXN’s Director of the Year in the medium airports division, has a heavy lift with a major expansion plan underway, but she’s also hip-deep in helping solve a variety of industry issues. 32 Financial Whiz Those who have worked with Cindy Nichol over the years are uniformly wowed by her financial prowess. But they also praise her thoughtful approach and capacity for in-depth understanding of a variety of subjects. 34 Small Airport, Big Impact Tory Richardson, president and CEO at Gerald R. Ford International Airport and AXN’s Director of the Year in the small airports division, has steered his airport through a major redevelopment while also helping guide the industry through the Covid-19 pandemic. 40 Positive Approach Colleagues point to Tory Richardson’s steady management hand and positive nature, coupled with broad-based industry experience, as key attributes to his success in airports.

COLUMNS 1 Letter From The Editor 6 Data Check An AeroCloud study examines concerns about airport financial stability even as robust recovery continues. 11 Latest Buzz Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport is expanding the Mickey Leland International Terminal as part of a $1.4 billion redevelopment project. 46 Climbing The Ladder The path to leadership is never a straight line. Ten airport and concessions leaders share their unique experiences in getting to “the top,” and offer advice to those seeking a similar role. 52 Next-Gen Mentoring With the labor shortage continuing and top-tier workers more difficult to come by, the industry’s leading concessionaires are molding their top team members for future leadership roles.

14 Director’s Chair Perry Miller, president and CEO

of the Capital Region Airport Commission, which oversees Richmond International Airport, took the helm just prior to the pandemic. Now with his airport nearly fully recovered, Perry shares his vision for growth. 57 One-on-One Brandi Bynum, section chief of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign, shares how airports and concessionaires can assist in raising public awareness of human trafficking.

59 Advertising Index 60 Before You Take Off

Comfort food and international flavors are catching on in a big way, according to the latest trends report from the National Restaurant Association .

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AX NEWS LEADERSHIP ISSUE 2023