2016 Airport Business Top 40 Under 40: Sarah Demory AAE

Nov. 10, 2016

Sarah Demory
Age: 38
Airport Deputy Director - Operations and Security
Boise Airport

  • Alma Mater: University of North Dakota
  • Something people may not know about me: I love music, I played the drums (percussion) in my high school band.  
  • Favorite book:  I am a huge Brene Brown fan, all of her books are my current favorite, I especially love Daring Greatly.
  • Favorite TV show: I don't watch much TV, but I got really into the TV series Lost a few years ago.
  • Favorite movie:  Top Gun
  • Favorite hobby(s):  I love to travel with my family (husband and our 2 year old daughter).  

Sarah Demory always knew she wanted a career in aviation. “But I was gearing more towards airline or FBO management,” she said. “Through an internship with the Metropolitan Airports Commission at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport [at] airside operations, I immediately found a passion for airport operations, particularly airfield operations.”

During her five-year tenure at Boise Airport, Demory has streamlined operations and implemented technology improvements to enable the airport to better serve its multiple customers. “Sarah was directly responsible for implementing new technology, Eagle Systems, to enable a mobile work solution for our operations and air field maintenance teams, which provides electronic self-inspections and work orders,” according to her nomination form. “Another example is the implementation of PASSUR that allows all airport tenants access to airport conditions and updates. This improves communication to tenants and provides them real time information.”

Demory also contributes to the airport industry and is often asked to present on panels as a subject matter expert. She serves on the planning committee for the Hub Winter Operations Conference, Airport and Facilities Management Conference, the Summer Winter Integrated Field Technologies (SWIFT) Conference, and the Runway Safety Conference. She is a member of the ACI Public Safety and Security Steering Committee and the AAAE Operations, Safety, Planning and Emergency Management Committee. She is also a commercial pilot with instrument and multi-engine ratings.

The aviation industry is dynamic and ever changing and it is extremely exciting to be a part of, said Demory. “The future is exciting. Enhancements in technology are likely going to change airports, both inside and out,” she said. “Each day is unique, I never know what exactly the day will bring.”