Alfonso Denson, A.A.E., President and CEO of the Birmingham Airport Authority, will receive the American Association of Airport Executives’ Distinguished Service Award, which is presented to airport executives in honor of an exemplary career and contributions to the airport industry.
“Al is an invaluable colleague who has tirelessly served the nation’s aviation community in a number of important roles, including widely-respected airport director and active AAAE member,” said AAAE Chair Carl Newman, A.A.E., CEO of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority. “In addition to nearly two decades as a successful airport director, Al has been so passionate about airports that he has undertaken a large number of volunteer positions, resulting in invaluable improvements throughout our industry.”
The Distinguished Service Award is one of AAAE’s highest levels of recognition. Men and women receive the award as a mark of accomplishments in their professional and personal lives. Respected leaders of their own communities, these men and women also contribute to other aviation organizations, serve AAAE and its chapters and participate in civic and community affairs. Distinguished Service Award winners exemplify the best in airport management by continually bringing credit to the profession and the aviation community. All DSA winners are Accredited Airport Executives (A.A.E.) and exemplify the standards accreditation seeks to inspire. Denson will receive the award at a ceremony held today at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
Denson has been active in many aspects of AAAE over the years, including service on the Board of Directors, the Policy Review Committee, the Airport Legislative Alliance Committee and the Board of Directors of the Southeast Chapter of AAAE. During his distinguished career, Denson has been honored with numerous awards, including the FAA Airport Minority Advisory Council National Award of Excellence and the Airport Minority Advisory Council Hall of Fame Award. Denson has also been an active leader in a number of community organizations, including as Chair of the UNCF Birmingham Campaign, Chairman of the Sickle Cell Foundation’s annual fundraising event and a member of the Executive Committee of United Way of Central Alabama.
Since 2000, Denson has served as President and CEO of the Birmingham Airport Authority. Prior to that, he was Deputy Director and Director of Administration for the Airport Authority. Denson also served as Properties and Business Manager for the City of Birmingham prior to the creation of the Airport Authority.
