The Birmingham Airport Authority announced Ingrid Hairston as its new vice president of properties and business development. Hairston brings over 30 years of experience in concessions, properties, business development, and airport operations to her new position with the Birmingham Airport Authority.
“Ms. Hairston brings a well-balanced blend of skills along with a wealth of knowledge to this new role at such a critical time for our industry,” said Ronald F. Mathieu, Birmingham Airport Authority president and CEO. “She has proven experience that will complement our team as we continue our mission of operating a safe, efficient, hospitable, and state-of-the-art airport that promotes a healthy economy and travel environment.”
Hairston recently served as the director of Business Initiatives at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina where she was responsible for strategic business initiatives. Prior to this, Hairston served as the director of Business Development at RDU. She was responsible for business development, leasing and management of the terminal concessions, advertising and rental car programs generating over $220 million in annual sales. Hairston was also recently named the 2019 Property Manager of the Year by Airport Experience News for her many accomplishments.
“As a child, my parents took our family to the small airport in Gary, Indiana to picnic and watch the airplanes fly,” said Hairston. “From those summertime visits, a passion for airports was born. I have been fortunate to build a career in airport management and to work where I can still watch the airplanes fly. The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is vital to this community and to the State. I look forward to helping the Authority through the recovery phases of the coronavirus pandemic and to achieve its vision to be a driving force for economic development for the region and a showcase of southern hospitality.”
Hairston holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology and master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. She is an Accredited Airport Executive and Project Management Professional. Hairston is also chair of the Airports Council International – North America Commercial Management Committee.
About Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
As Alabama’s largest commercial airport serving nearly 3 million passengers annually, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport has served a gateway to the sky for more than 85 years. Governed by the Birmingham Airport Authority, the airport continues to be a catalyst for growth and economic development for the entire region. For more information, visit flybirmingham.com.
###
