In a career spanning more than four decades, Kent George has made a profound impact on the aviation industry, guiding multiple airports to growth, resilience, and strategic excellence. This year, Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) recognized his extraordinary contributions with its highest honor: the 2024 William E. Downes, Jr. Memorial Award. George’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to advancing the aviation industry are evident in every step of his storied career.

“Kent George’s dedication to the aviation industry is unparalleled,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “His leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to making airports and communities better than he found them truly embody the spirit of the Downes Award.” This award, which highlights a lifetime of service, also acknowledges George’s unique blend of personal resilience, technical expertise, and passion for community.

A Career Rooted in Hard Work and Passion

George’s journey in aviation began with a childhood marked by hard work on a Pennsylvania dairy farm. This early exposure to rigorous labor instilled in him a tenacity that would later fuel his success in one of the most challenging sectors. Following his service in the Air Force, which included a 13 month tour In Vietnam, George pursued an aviation management degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. With unwavering focus, he transitioned into airport management, beginning at Harrisburg International Airport and steadily ascending the ranks at several airports across the United States.

“Each of those airports brought its own challenges,” George reflected in an interview with ACI-NA. “And that’s what kept the work so exciting.” From Harrisburg to Pittsburgh, and finally Fort Lauderdale, George’s career arc demonstrates a constant pursuit of innovation, excellence, and adaptability.

Rising Through Adversity: The Pittsburgh Legacy

One of George’s most defining roles was his tenure at Pittsburgh International Airport. Brought on to transition the airport from a county-run facility to an independent authority, he faced considerable political resistance. Local politicians had vested interests in maintaining control over the airport’s operations, but George’s approach was resolute and clear-cut.

“We were in a position where we had to make tough decisions, not just for the airport but for the entire community,” George explained. He credits the establishment of the airport authority with the creation of a more

business-oriented model that allowed for growth and stability. Under his leadership, the airport weathered two U.S. Airways bankruptcies, shifting from a major airline hub to an origin-and-destination facility while preserving essential services for the community.

“Kent’s influence on the Pittsburgh airport was remarkable,” said Kelly Fredericks, a former deputy director at Allegheny County Department of Aviation and now Managing Director at KJF Consulting LLC. “He set the airport up for future success, tackling every challenge with a strategic, forward-thinking approach.”

Building Bridges and Growing Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

In 2007, George accepted the role of Director of Aviation for Broward County, responsible for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The airport faced critical congestion issues, including the most delay-prone airfield in the country. But George transformed these challenges into opportunities, overseeing a $2.3 billion expansion project that included the construction of a new runway and significant upgrades to terminal facilities.

“At Fort Lauderdale, Kent came in and just calmed everything down, got it moving forward,” recalled Rick Piccolo, President and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and longtime colleague of Geroge.  “He really changed the dialogue down there.”

George’s leadership style was crucial to these achievements. According to Steve Grossman, now retired CEO of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, George “always led with integrity and transparency,” qualities that fostered trust and collaboration among his team. His approach to leadership was both hands-on and empowering, allowing his staff to take charge of their responsibilities and flourish.

“Kent hired good people who knew his vision, and he gave them the freedom to execute it,” explained Gregg Paradies, CEO of airport concessionaire Paradies Lagardère. This trust-based management style helped George’s team accomplish large-scale projects efficiently and effectively, demonstrating a hallmark of his leadership legacy.

A Champion for Collaboration and Community

George’s legacy is not solely about infrastructure and strategic planning. He has been a fierce advocate for collaboration and community engagement, qualities he instilled in his teams. “An airport does not operate in a vacuum; it’s integral to the community it serves,” George remarked during his acceptance speech at the 2024 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He prioritized building relationships with stakeholders, including airlines, government agencies, and local businesses.

His efforts paid off in Fort Lauderdale, where he secured a historic $250 million federal Letter of Intent to finance the new runway, supplemented by state funding and airport passenger fees. This financing structure minimized costs for the airlines, ensuring their cooperation and support—a testament to George’s skill in fostering collaboration.

“He didn’t just get people to the table; he created an environment where everyone wanted to be there and was genuinely engaged,” said San Diego County Regional Airport Authority President and CEO Kim Becker, another aviation leader influenced by George’s example. His emphasis on open communication and transparency became a model for effective leadership in the industry.

A Mentor and Friend to Many

Beyond his technical expertise and strategic foresight, George is celebrated for his mentorship and kindness. He has nurtured countless careers in the aviation industry, instilling confidence in the next generation of leaders. Many who worked under him attribute their success to his encouragement and guidance.

“Kent had this unique ability to make you feel capable, even when you doubted yourself,” said Becker. “He would tell you, ‘Yes, you are ready. Go for it.’” His influence extends beyond his direct reports, as industry colleagues continue to seek his advice and perspective long after his retirement.

Fredericks reflected on George’s impact, emphasizing his willingness to give back to the industry. “Every airport he worked at, every person he mentored, they were all better off because of him.”

Family and Legacy: A Life of Gratitude

For George, family has always been at the heart of his journey. In his acceptance speech, he paid tribute to his wife Barbara, his daughters Kari and Jennifer, and his grandchildren, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his five airport relocations and countless long days.

Barbara, his wife of 55 years, was instrumental in his career, providing constant encouragement and stability. “I couldn’t have done it without her,” he said. His family’s support allowed him to pursue his passion for aviation fully, and his gratitude was palpable as he accepted the Downes Award. His professional achievements, while significant, would not have been possible without his family’s steadfast presence.

Reflecting on his career, George shared advice for aspiring aviation professionals: “If you want a career that’s self-fulfilling and challenging, airport management is it,” he said. He urged newcomers to work their way up from smaller airports to larger facilities, gaining hands-on experience at every stage.

The 2024 Downes Award: A Culmination of Visionary Leadership

As the recipient of ACI-NA’s highest honor, Kent George joins an elite group of aviation leaders. His acceptance speech was both reflective and inspiring, acknowledging the pioneers who came before him while looking ahead to the industry’s bright future. “The airport industry is in good hands,” he said, recognizing the efforts of today’s leaders to address modern challenges with the same resolve and innovation that he brought to his roles.

George’s contributions have shaped the aviation industry, leaving a legacy of strategic vision, community impact, and an enduring commitment to mentorship. As he accepted the Downes Award, he expressed deep humility and gratitude for the honor, dedicating it to the colleagues, friends, and family who supported him along the way.

“Kent George is more than deserving of the Downes Award. His legacy is one of integrity, vision, and an infectious commitment to making airports better,” said Grossman.