Ricky Smith, Executive Director of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, was elected to a two-year term as chairman of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) during the organization’s virtual annual meeting June 24. Executive Director Smith served as an at-large member of the AMAC Board of Directors over the past year and has been an active member of the national organization for many years.
“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 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.”
Formed in 1984, AMAC is the only national nonprofit trade association dedicated to advance the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries.
“I congratulate Ricky on his election to lead AMAC, a respected organization that works tirelessly to promote equality for women and minorities in the industry,” MDOT Transportation Secretary Gregory Slater said. “Equal opportunity in hiring and advancement is foundational in MDOT’s mission to serve Maryland and all of its citizens, and I share the confidence of AMAC members that Ricky will do a tremendous job as a champion of these principles on a national level at such a critical time.”
BWI Marshall Airport remains the busiest airport in the region and produces a total economic impact of $9.3 billion. The airport and visitors generate and support more than 106,000 jobs throughout the region. In his position as Executive Director, Smith also serves as Executive Director of the Maryland Aviation Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation and is a member of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO).
