What is your background and experience in airports and the aviation industry?
Since 2000, I have held roles and been exposed to every aspect of airport management including, but not limited to, operations, maintenance and security; commercial development (concessions, real estate, and parking); planning and development, noise abatement and environmental services; finance and administration; intergovernmental affairs; marketing and communications; and many others throughout my career. My airport assignments have been based throughout the country, including major hubs like Chicago O’Hare and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airports, medium hubs like Chicago Midway International Airport and small hubs like Tallahassee International Airport, as well as general aviation at DeKalb Peachtree Airport.
I also am a Certified Airport Manager by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). My education background includes earning a bachelor’s in accounting and a master’s in public administration in urban and public finance management. I’ve got “all but the dissertation” for a Ph.D. in political science with emphasis in urban politics, U.S. politics, political methodology and public administration, and anticipate finishing that degree in spring 2021.
What motivated you to come onboard as Executive Director of the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM)?
The challenge of working for a high-flying enterprise that is poised to continue to soar to new heights in the next five years. MGM is entering into a new era marked by service, and I think I am uniquely qualified based on my successes in turning airports from regional to international enterprises.
What are your plans and goals for the Montgomery Regional Airport?
MGM is committed to providing an exceptional airport experience that enhances the region; connects with the community; and establishes customer satisfaction as its top priorities. This robust vision looks forward to reaffirming the airport’s position as a regional leader. To this end, in 2019, we will relentlessly develop and finalize our mission, vision, goals and objectives to drive, develop and deliver the next generation of service.
How is our airport important to business in Montgomery and the surrounding area?
It is very obvious. Transportation is the key to moving goods and services in order to operate a business. These two items are fundamental building blocks of why a business succeeds. In our business, air transport is a key utility that ensures people connect in order to build relationships to foster business.
What are your interests outside of work and how do you plan to “plug-in” to the Montgomery community?
My interests include HBCU marching bands, golf, African American and Civil War history, mentoring black youth and of course, aviation. I’m looking forward to attending concerts and local sporting events, joining boards, visiting neighborhood associations, engaging in economic development through the Chamber and partnering with and mentoring students in Montgomery Public Schools.
DESTINATION: VISION 2025
Check out these key points of the Montgomery Regional Airport’s plan for the future.
Enhancing the Airport & the Region
Air service development remains a priority for the airport. Our goal is to increase select routes to preferred destinations and provide ground amenities for vacation and business travelers alike. In short, we want to offer “more routes and more travel rewards” for passengers who choose MGM.
With modern and welcoming environments on the air and land sides of the airport, MGM offers a comfortable and convenient terminal for passengers and guests. As the airport plans for
its future, covered parking, an expanded cell phone lot, new concessions, digital advertising and an observation deck are among the proposed enhancements.
Connecting With the Community
MGM’s continued success is linked to the vitality and growth of its local and regional communities. As partners in the development of the region, the airport and local communities collaborate
to maximize the area’s rich business, educational, military and cultural resources. Tourism partnerships will emerge as a primary outreach goal, regularly bringing citizens and visitors to the airport for unique experiences and events (Runway Run, Air Show, and the Airport Open House and Educational Fair).
Our airport seeks to drive innovation and explore the next frontier of the aviation industry. Perfectly positioned in a region with several institutions of higher education, MGM will establish relationships with colleges and universities to foster four research and development initiatives (renewable energy; engineering; arts and entertainment; and sustainability), capable of changing the face of our field.
Exceeding Customer Expectations
As a “high-performance organization,” our airport team will operate an efficient and well-run facility that anticipates the needs of customers and delivers an unparalleled level of service. MGM will harness the limitless power of technology and artificial intelligence to transform the customer experience. From the “roadway to the runway,” we will work to understand our travelers and anticipate what they want and need, from the moment they leave their homes until takeoff. Service upgrades, including airport parking and baggage claim, will be central to this effort.
