Our Window of Opportunity: Leading the Way for More Diversity in Leadership

In a historic moment for AAAE and ACI-NA, both elected chairs of the organizations are African American simultaneously. To mark this significant milestone, Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and ACI-NA Chair, along with Perry Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P., President & Chief Executive Officer at Richmond International Airport and AAAE Chair, came together for an insightful conversation reflecting on their journey to their respective positions. Join them as they reflect on leadership lessons, share insights from their experiences, and offer guidance to future airport leaders.

[@Gristow3]

I am a retired African American accredited airport executive. When I started in the industry in 1989, I was the only African American Airport Operations Officer. One of the white managers did not want to hire me (despite having an Associate's and a Bachelor's degree in airport management), but the Assistant Director of Administration (an African American) had more power than the white boss; therefore, he hired me. Over the next decade or two, more minorities (including women) were hired in my department when there was a change in management. I started in the accreditation process in the early 1990s, and with little support from my bosses in the early years, it took me over 20 years to get my accreditation. I am happy that two great African American executives promote diversity because that is what we need.

[@Flack4RIC]

History in the making!

[@dannyjones7541]

Very proud and inspired by both of you and how you've persevered.

[@tcempower]

This is fantastic!

[@Petefamily]

Awesome brothers.