The Federal Aviation Administration’s Southern Region Airports Division named Robert M. Ball, A.A.E., executive director of the Lee County Port Authority, the 2015 Air Carrier Airport Manager of the Year at the Florida Airports Council Annual Conference held in Bonita Springs, Fla. This award is given annually to an airport professional that exemplifies excellence in airport management, demonstrates exceptional aviation leadership, works to promote the aviation industry and has achieved efficiencies and improved productivity within their organization. Ball received this prestigious honor once before.
Among the accomplishments honored by the award were Southwest Florida International Airport’s Terminal Access Road expansion, Baggage Handling System Recapitalization and Optimization, updates to Part 139 runway markings and airfield signage, utilization of a new Safety Management System and continued loss prevention and safety committee programs.
As executive director, Ball directs the administration, operations and development of Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field. Ball is currently on the board of directors for Airports Council International-North America and has served as a past president of the Florida Airports Council, as well as a member of its board of directors. He serves on the Florida Gulf Coast University College of Business Advisory Council and is on the advisory board to the School of Aeronautics for the Florida Institute of Technology, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in air commerce/flight technology. Ball is accredited by the American Association of Airport Executives and is a licensed Private Pilot.
