Soaring Success
Women-led airports around the world make history.
Happy Women’s History Month! It’s time we take a moment to highlight some amazing women ensuring airports around the world remain up-to-date and efficient for travelers.
Jamie Rhee
As commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, Jamie Rhee runs one of the world’s busiest airport systems, comprising Chicago O’hare and Midway international airports. CDA serves more than 100 million passengers each year flying to more than 260 locations on 50 different commercial carriers. Over the past 28 years Rhee held many roles within the city of Chicago, from customer service foreign language assistant to general counsel for the O’hare Modernization Program. Rhee dedicated most of her career to diversity, equality and inclusion, earning her dozens of industry awards.
Deborah Flint
Following 24 years in executive roles in the aviation industry, Deborah Flint joined Greater Toronto Airports Authority as president and CEO in February 2020. Despite taking on that role during the peak of the global pandemic, under her leadership Toronto Pearson Airport recently earned awards and recognition for its Healthy Airport program. Flint also serves as a member of the Airports Council International World Governing Board and board liaison for the Airports Council International – North America.
Kimberly J. Becker
Since 2017 Kimberly J. Becker has held the position of president and CEO of San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Overseeing several capital improvement projects, Becker has helped the airport achieve record-high passenger growth and extended the airport’s nonstop flights to more than 70 destinations worldwide. Becker received recognition as Woman of the Year by the San Diego Chapter of Advancing Women in Transportation and as CEO of the Year, Government by San Diego Business Journal.
Melissa Cooper
In November 2023 Melissa Cooper became director of aviation of Kansas City Aviation Department, the first woman to hold this position. Previously, Cooper served as deputy director of aviation of Properties and Commercial Development, where she helped launch the new $1.5 billion terminal at Kansas City International Airport.
Elizabeth Brown
After an extensive search, Elizabeth Brown was named president and CEO of Victoria Airport Authority, British Columbia, last year. Although new to the role, Brown held multiple positions in the aviation industry. Recently, as president at TBI US Airports, responsible for the operations of Orlando Sanford International Airport, she helped deliver a 20-year contract for Sanford Airport Authority to manage and operate airport terminals, ramp control and parking.
Vernice Walkine
For more than 10 years Vernice Walkine has been president and CEO of Lynden Pindling International Airport. Throughout her tenure, Walkine earned recognition as a leading woman in aviation by the Airport Council International North America. After the global pandemic took its toll on the aviation industry, Walkine worked vigorously with Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board to bring travelers back to The Bahamas.
Melbourne Airport
We couldn’t mention just one woman when it comes to Melbourne Airport, as three women currently hold executive positions. Lorie Argus became CEO of Melbourne Airport in 2022. With more than 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, Argus holds a passenger-first mentality. Ruth Martin holds the title of chief financial officer, and Claire Storey serves as executive general manager, People & Culture.