Airport Experience® News - Leadership Issue 2024

DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

Dear Valued Readers,

Welcome to the 2024 Leadership Issue of Airport Experience News, our 3 rd edition, in which we highlight many aspects of leadership and celebrate our 2024 Directors of the Year. This issue of Airport Experience News spotlights our three directors of the year for 2024: Doug Kreulen of Nashville International Airport (BNA) in the large airports category, Jesus Saenz of San Antonio International Airport (SAT) in the medium airports category and Kelly Cambell of Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB) in the small airports category. This year-end leadership issue is also special because of a unique feature on retiring airport directors. Retirements happen every year, of course, but the announcements have come at a steady pace over the past six months or so. Carol Ward, our editor-in-chief, spoke with eight directors who have announced their retirements, discussing everything from achievements and challenges to succession planning efforts to post-retirement plans. This issue continues to be one of our teams’ favorites to put together as we hear directly from many of the leaders helping to guide our industry forward. In this special issue we highlight the vision, grit, influence and innovation of leaders from many airports. I was personally inspired by all the leaders’ perspectives and the diversity of thinking. This issue caps 2024 for Airport Experience News Magazine – our first full year back to printed issues – and I’d like to take a moment in gratitude for all our advertisers and all of you, our loyal subscribers, for continuing to engage with AXN and support us keeping this industry we all love connected. Beyond the magazine, the AX Team is in the thick of planning for the 2025 Airport Experience Conference. Sessions are being filled with panelists, exhibitors and sponsors are signing up and a few new perks for attendees are all in the works. In addition, the AX Awards Committee is in the process of selecting the winners for the 2025 AX Awards. Cheers, thanks, and see you all soon in Washington D.C.!

Mel

Melissa K. Montes Vice President & Publisher Airport Experience News mel@airportxnews.com

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AX NEWS DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025