Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) announced Denean Robinson as North America’s recipient of the Finance Professional of the Year Award in the small airport category (serving under 2.4-million annual passengers).
Each year ACI-NA, which represents more than 300 airports in the United States and Canada, recognizes finance professionals who have demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership.
“I am humbled to be recognized by the airport industry in such a big way,” said Denean Robinson, CFO and VP of corporate services at the Fort McMurray International Airport - YMM. “Behind this award, is a team of incredible professionals who enable results and do everything they can to move our organization forward. I’m very proud of the accomplishments we’ve achieved together.”
Robinson was selected as the award recipient by a panel of independent judges from ACI- NA. Evaluation criteria included financial management contributing to the airport’s performance, implementation of best practice, and leadership in stakeholder relations and community involvement.
“Denean sets the benchmark for what a chief financial officer should be, and I am thrilled for her to be recognized in this way,” said RJ Steenstra, president and CEO of YMM. “People are our greatest asset and Denean exemplifies that through her leadership traits and ability to navigate complex challenges.”
During her tenure at YMM, Robinson has pivoted the airport towards sustainable financial business operations, identifying process improvements and cost efficiencies. Under her portfolio, she oversees financial controls and commercial agreements with 70+ businesses operating on privately owned Fort McMurray Airport Authority lands.
Robinson has financially stewarded the airport through a number of setbacks including: declines in oil sands capital investment, which has contributed to a 55% decline in passenger traffic over five years; the 2016 Horse River Wildfires, which created significant business interruption; and the ongoing financial impacts of the pandemic.
“Congratulations to Denean and the entire team at YMM,” said Mayor Don Scott, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. “It is great to see local talent and leadership recognized on the North American stage. A healthy and viable airport supports quality of life, business growth and development and is vital to the region’s economic success.”
Robinson is joined by colleagues, Greg Richardson of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, who received the award for Finance Professional of the Year for large airports, and Randy Bush of Columbus Regional Airport in the medium airport category.
