Yuma director named SW Airport Executive of the Year
Yuma International Airport Director Gladys Wiggins has been named as the 2017 Airport Executive of the Year by the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives at its annual summer conference held this year in Newport Beach, Calif.
The Yuma County Airport Authority said only one award is given annually to an airport executive who has provided public service to the community, exercised good management practices and demonstrated high personal integrity and personal professionalism.
“I have enjoyed my time working with Gladys through the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives for many years,” said Jon Stout, president of the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. “She has always been a positive influence to the chapter and is the first one to volunteer, no matter the task at hand. When she commits to lending a hand, she does so in a professional, efficient and allin manner.”
In addition, Stout pointed to the “great work she has done for the association. She has also been a great resource regarding airport matters. She is always willing to discuss how Yuma conducts their activities and shares freely her ideas when I am looking to peers for best practices. Gladys without a doubt is a worthy recipient of the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives of the
year award.”
Wiggins has been with the Yuma International Airport since 2009. She was the director of operations, then promoted to deputy airport director in 2011. In 2013, the YCAA conducted a national search for the next airport director and selected Wiggins.
She became actively involved with SWAAAE in 2010, serving in many capacities, including on the Board of Directors as conference committee chairperson.
In her current role as the chair of the Resolutions and Recognition Committee, she is responsible for ensuring and promoting both formal and spontaneous recognition of entities acting in support of SWAAAE.
In addition to the past and present roles, Wiggins enjoys attending the conference and is typically the voice attendees hear while visiting exhibitors in between sessions, encouraging networking opportunities between consultants and airport sponsors.
Past President Richard Smith recognized Wiggins for her commitment to the organization, volunteering and enthusiasm and received the 2016 SWAAAE President’s Award.
“This recognition is very special to me and honestly I was surprised to receive the Executive of the Year from SWAAAE. It truly touches my heart and of course brought a smile to my face,” Wiggins said.
“I never imagined being selected or nominated because I do everything for the future of aviation -not for recognition. I work hard and volunteer because I feel it is necessary, I treat people kindly and care genuinely because we should, not because someone may be watching.”
Wiggins expressed appreciation for the opportunity to wake up every day and say “I love what I do. I do my best to be professional but personable without losing who I am as Gladys. I have a strong work ethic and put passion into everything I commit to. I have always been a go-getter. At the end of every day, I reflect and remind myself how lucky I am to be surrounded by wonderful people both at work and in my personal life who help me grow. In turn I hope I help others grow as well.”
This achievement is the second prestigious
award for Wiggins in recent months as she was recognized by the Arizona Airports Association as its 2017 Airport Executive of the Year in late May.
“The addition of this award reinforces the tremendous impact Gladys has on our airport system. She exemplifies optimism, mentorship and leadership on a daily basis. We are truly blessed to have people of her caliber serving the City of Yuma, the State of Arizona and the Southwest,” said Ron Rice, president of the Yuma International Airport Board of Directors.