Top 40 Under 40: Stacy Kuba

Dec. 3, 2014

BIO:

Stacy Kuba is the Downtown Airport Manager for the Shreveport Airport Authority in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she oversees the day-today operations of the largest general aviation airport in the state. She also serves as the project manager for the Downtown Airport from project conception to completion. Stacy is an Accredited Airport Executive and a member of the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SEC-AAAE). In addition, Stacy serves as the legislative liaison with the Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates (LAMA).

Stacy has 10 years of experience in airport management. She has served as Operations Superintendent for the Shreveport Airport Authority and as an Operations Coordinator at Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey. Stacy is a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Communications and Master’s Degrees in Aeronautics focusing on Human Factors Engineering and Aviation Safety. 

In her spare time, Stacy enjoys spending time with her family, vacationing anywhere that has a beach or snow and working out. Stacy currently resides in Benton, LA with her husband and two young children.

1)      Growing up, the airport was, and still is, one of my favorite places to visit. I visit the airport more often these days and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the specialized nature of the industry. It’s dynamic and rapidly changing and keeps me interested and involved. Not to mention I have a great view out of my office window.

2)      The greatest advice a mentor ever gave me is that if you are going to your boss with a problem make sure you are already working on a solution or two. Your boss will appreciate your solution-driven business style. It’s a practice that I use often and it allows my bosses the peace of mind that I can handle any situation. This same mentor also told me that it is okay to ask for help. I know the two may seem contradictory, but they really go hand in hand.

3)      One of the greatest challenges facing aviation is the pressure for Airports to find non-aeronautical revenue sources. As an aviation professional, it is now a necessity to think outside the box and be creative with how the airport earns its money. The potential for earning is high depending on zoning and land usage. It is imperative as an airport manager to actively seek new opportunities and not to be afraid to diversify.

4)      For people just starting out in the industry, I would definitely recommend that they read as much and as many of the aviation trade magazines as possible. It will help keep them current of the rapidly changing industry and help lead to new insight and ideas that will help you in your job. Someone at the FAA once told me that forgery was the greatest form of flattery. If someone is doing something and it’s working, do that too.

5)      Three things that are not known about me include 1) I was a Professional Ski Instructor of America (PSIA) Level 1 Ski Instructor during high school. 2) I started taking college courses when I was 16. I aspire to achieve a Doctorate degree someday.