WASHINGTON, DC (July 14, 2020) – The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is pleased to announce the election of Ricky D. Smith, Chief Executive Officer of BWI Marshall Airport as the National Chair of its Board of Directors.
A 30-year transportation professional, Smith was appointed to lead the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) in 2015, where he oversees the management and operations of BWI Marshall Airport, Martin State Airport, and regional aviation activities throughout the State of Maryland. He has also served as Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland Airport System, as well as leadership roles in the private sector with recognizable companies such as International Business Machines, H&R Block Business Services, and The May Company.
Smith’s experience and accolades make him an ideal leader to navigate AMAC through the current social and business climate. He has been recognized as ‘Man of the Year’ by Women Transportation Seminar, ‘Power 10 CEO’ by the Baltimore Business Journal (2018), ‘People Who Move America’ by the Boys Scouts of America (2018), ‘Thomas G. Newsome Founder’s Leadership Award’ by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (2018), ‘Influential Marylander’ by The Daily Record (2017), the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association ‘Black History Hero’ award (2017), ‘Most Influential CEO in Northeast Ohio’ by Crain’s Magazine (2014, 2013), ‘National Executive of the Year’ by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (2010), and ‘Congressional Achievement Award’ from Congressman Elijah Cummings (2006).
“During this period of unprecedented public health challenges and heightened awareness around social injustices, I could not be prouder and more humbled by the AMAC community’s confidence in my leadership,” Executive Director Smith said. “I am joined by a Board of Directors that is committed to addressing the myriad of challenges affecting women and minorities in the aviation industry.
“We are keen on our charge to reposition AMAC as one of the more influential and consequential trade organizations in the industry as we enhance our response to the membership, strengthen our alliance with like-minded organizations, and expand our connection with the many under-represented minority-owned businesses and professionals across the industry,” he said. “I look forward to leading through these challenges and opportunities.”
About the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)
The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advance the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. Since 1984, AMAC has been at the forefront of nearly every national policy initiative impacting the participation of disadvantaged businesses in airport contracting. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and others as a resource for information, education, and guidance on business and employment matters. For more information, visit www.amac-org.com
