AMAC National Office Welcomes Tia Perry to the Team
Please join us in welcoming the newest member to the AMAC National Office! Tia Perry serves as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Membership at AMAC, where she leads the Membership and Sponsorship teams. With nearly two decades of experience in the construction and transportation association industries, she is dedicated to advancing engagement strategies and building impactful partnerships that drive organizational growth.
An accomplished and award-winning association executive, Tia has more than 18 years of success in membership growth, strategic partnerships, and business development across the nonprofit and association sectors. She combines vision, execution, and heart in every initiative she leads.
Most recently, Tia was Executive Director of AEC Unites, where she oversaw the launch of a national nonprofit dedicated to creating intentional opportunities for Black talent and Black-owned businesses in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Prior to that, she held several leadership roles at Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), where she championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, advised senior leadership, and spearheaded efforts that increased diverse membership recruitment by 8% and generated over $2 million in non-dues revenue.
Tia began her career at the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), where she consistently grew membership, implemented data-driven engagement strategies, and launched innovative programs, including the Young Executive Networking Mixers across six states.
She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Old Dominion University and was named a 2020 Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) Scholar by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
Based in Northern Virginia, Tia enjoys mentoring youth and coaching youth basketball and treasures time with her husband and two children.
Welcome Aboard: Introducing the New AMAC Houston Chapter
Washington, DC (August 13, 2025)—We are proud to announce the launch of the AMAC Houston Chapter. This new Chapter provides tailored programming, professional connections, and a powerful platform in one of the nation’s top airport hubs. Become an AMAC National member and join the Houston Chapter today!
Meet the Chapter Officers
- President: Tamika Dickerson of HNTB
- Vice President of Finance: Raquel Olivier of Olivier, Inc.
- Vice President of Aviation: Michael Martin of AECOM
- Vice President of Public Relations: Thalia Andre-Noel of McKnight International
- Vice President of Corporate Relations: Rhonda Arnold of the Houston Airport System
- Vice President of Programs: Shanita Pettway of Fronza & Francis
- Vice President of Membership: Jerry Bustamante of RS&H
- Secretary: James Dean of the Walsh Group.
How to Get Involved
- Join Nationally – AMAC National membership is required to participate at the Chapter level and includes full member benefits.
- Opt Into Houston Chapter – Just $50/year, offering access to events, mentorship, committees, and local networking.
- Engage Actively – Attend orientation sessions (online and in-person), volunteer for committees, and participate in events.
Results of the 2025 AMAC Board of Directors Elections
New Orleans, LA (July 2, 2025)—Check out the results of the 2025 AMAC Board of Directors Elections!
- Treasurer: William “Bill” Swift, Owner & President, Business Traveler Services, Inc.
- Secretary: Siobhan Higgins, Managing Director, Ten Thirty Media
- Northeast Regional Director: Indhira Figuereo Blaney, Senior Vice President, National Aviation / Market Leader, WSP USA
- Central Regional Director: Shelia Hudson, Principal & CEO, Hudson and Associates
- Northwest Regional Director: Jeannie Killebrew, President, Killebrew | Killebrew, Inc
- At-Large Director: Lauryn Mangum Reed, Executive Vice President, TMG Hospitality USA
Minority and Women-Owned Business Groups Oppose Proposed Agreement that Threatens Landmark Remedial Program
AMAC continues its role as part of a coalition vigorously defending the constitutionality of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE), ensuring its continued role in advancing economic opportunity and fairness in federally funded contracting.
“The DBE Program isn’t just a policy—it’s a pathway for diverse businesses to contribute meaningfully to infrastructure, innovation, and job creation,” said Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC). “This rushed and unfair consent order would gut that progress, threaten the economic vitality, and undermine the growth of opportunities in local communities across the country. We will not be sidelined.”
Press Release: https://democracyforward.org/updates/mamco-opposition
Filings:
AMAC Selects 8 Outstanding Small Businesses from the Inaugural Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competitions Across the Country to Compete at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference
Washington, DC (June 11, 2025) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) proudly announces the Round 1 winners of its newly launched Runway to Success program that recently hosted two supplier pitch competitions in Baton Rouge, LA and St. Louis, MO. These “Shark-Tank” tournament-style pitch competitions offered suppliers an opportunity to expand their business into the airport food and retail industry.
“Each Runway to Success event offered participants invaluable opportunities for mentorship, exposure and funding as they presented their business models and innovations tailored to the aviation industry. The winners demonstrated remarkable potential, creativity and readiness to scale their impact across airports, said Ricky D. Smith, Chair, AMAC Board of Directors / General Manager & CEO, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
2025 RUNWAY TO SUCCESS PITCH ROUND 1 COMPETITION WINNERS
ST. LOUIS, MO COMPETITION WINNERS
[St. Louis, MO] Kay Wells of Posie Pots- Posie Pots is perfectly tailored for those with busy lifestyles, offering a minimal-maintenance solution that keeps plant care simple and easy.
- TeaVoila is a patented compostable cup with tea already built at the bottom of the cup, just add hot water and enjoy .
- Bitoy’s Sweet Treats is a Chicago-based brand offering a premium line of handcrafted popcorn and artisan brownies that bring modern indulgence to traditional favorites.
- Good Boy Goodies is an all-natural dog treat brand that offers high-quality, wholesome snacks that keep tails wagging and pet parents happy.
BATON ROUGE, LA COMPETITION WINNERS
[Addis, LA] Tyrone and Jeanetta Taylor of You Fork’n Right- You Fork’n Right embodies the culinary value and quality of authentic Louisiana cuisine. It’s simple, tasty and reasonably priced. Packaged well and small enough for a carry-on.
- Charcuterie On The Fly is a beautifully crafted, individually packaged charcuterie box that provides travelers a sophisticated, convenient dining option before or between flights.
- Rejuvenation offers plant-based energy drinks and functional beverages, including sparkling okra water, crafted with natural ingredients to promote wellness and provide clean, long-lasting energy.
- Vacaciones Vodka Seltzers is a premium, vodka-based hard seltzer brand created for travelers who crave bold flavor and high-quality ingredients.
Round 1 winners will compete at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference in New Orleans, LA. They will also receive national recognition, mentorship from industry leaders and opportunities to further engage with airport authorities and major contractors nationwide.
“AMAC is committed to fostering opportunities for exposure while igniting meaningful business development connections for small businesses aspiring to enter the aviation industry. These dynamic events spotlighted rising entrepreneurs, giving them a platform to pitch their products to industry leaders and airport executives – a potential game-changing opportunity to open doors to a space traditionally difficult to access,” said Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO, AMAC.
“As Chair of the AMAC Supplier Access and Opportunity Initiative, I am proud to congratulate the exceptional suppliers advancing to the Elite Eight round of Runway to Success. These visionary businesses represent the innovation, resilience, and excellence required to thrive in today’s aviation industry. Their advancement reflects the growing momentum for meaningful supplier inclusion across the nation’s airports. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to our remarkable hosts—St. Louis Lambert International Airport; Francois Lyles-Wiggins and her dedicated team at the Office of Business Diversity Development (BDD); Baton Rouge Councilman Cleve Dunn, Jr.; and the leadership at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR). Their unwavering support and partnership transformed this regional event into a national platform, paving the way for diverse suppliers to grow, compete, and lead. Together, we are redefining what access and opportunity look like in aviation.”—Shelia Hudson, President & CEO, Hudson and Associates; Central Regional Director, AMAC Board of Directors
“We were so honored to be one of two cities that hosted the first Runway to Success Pitch Competition. The amount of talent and product variety we had from our 14 participants was amazing, and this event was a great way to celebrate and hopefully elevate their businesses!”—Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Director, St. Louis Lambert International Airport
“The Baton Rouge Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition featured 21 vendors presenting products, services, and ideas to top aviation industry players like SSP America, Hudson by Avolta, SP+, and Paradies Lagardère —leaders in airport retail, concessions, and operations worldwide. Entrepreneurs gained exposure, made key connections, and learned how to tailor scalable offerings for aviation retail, wholesale, and direct-to-consumer markets. As an entrepreneur, I aim to empower suppliers with tools, knowledge, and opportunities for lasting wealth and stability in the industry. Congrats to all participants, especially the Elite Eight for moving on to showcase their concepts at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference in New Orleans this June.”– Cleve Dunn Jr., Council Member, Baton Rouge, LA (District 6), Commissioner, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport; Member, AMAC Foundation Board of Directors
AMAC extends congratulations to all the winners and participants for their inspiring contributions to the future of airport commerce, innovation and community impact.
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About Runway to Success
AMAC Runway to Success is a “Shark Tank-style” four-round progress supplier pitch competition to spotlight suppliers of goods and services with the potential to support and enhance the airport concessions industry. For more information, visit www.amac-org.com/rtswww.amac-org.com/rts.
About the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)
The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. Since 1984, AMAC has been at the forefront of nearly every national policy initiative impacting the participation of disadvantaged businesses in airport contracting. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as resources for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC represents a diverse membership of airports, corporations, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises, and professionals within the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, visit amac-org.com.
Media Contact:
Ramon Lo, Director of Membership & Industry Engagement, AMAC
rlo@amac-org.com
AMAC Statement on the Mid-America Milling Company v. U.S. Department of Transportation Case
WASHINGTON, DC (May 30, 2025) – The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) issued the following statement:
On May 21, 2025, in a decisive victory for equity in public contracting, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky granted AMAC, and our coalition partners (DBE-Intervenors) the right to intervene in Mid-America Milling Company v. USDOT, ensuring that our voices and those of the businesses we represent, will be heard.
Just days later, on May 28, the Department of Justice and the Plaintiffs filed a joint motion proposing a consent order that would dismantle the DBE Program, authorized by Congress in 1983 without consulting or notifying the DBE-Intervenors.
In response, on May 29, the newly admitted party in this case, DBE-Intervenors filed a formal Notice of Intent to oppose the motion. We will not stand by while others attempt to quietly unravel decades of progress.
We are in this fight, we have a voice, and we will be heard!
Eboni Wimbush, Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) President & CEO
Meet the 2025 AMAC Chapter Officers
Court Grants Intervention to Minority and Women-Owned Business Groups Defending Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
AMAC continues its role as part of a coalition vigorously defending the constitutionality of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE), ensuring its continued role in advancing economic opportunity and fairness in federally funded contracting.
As of May 21, 2025, in a critical win for equity in public contracting, the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Kentucky granted a coalition of minority—and women-owned businesses and trade organizations the right to intervene to defend the constitutionality of the USDOT DBE program.
Press Release: https://democracyforward.org/updates/midamericamilling-mit
Recap: 2025 AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum
We recently hosted the AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum from March 26–28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Thank you to our members, sponsors and partners for making this event successful!
Day One
AMAC members gathered at the forum’s host hotel for an energizing Capitol Hill prep session led by Nigel Stephens, Principal of Phoenix Strategies, alongside AMAC Government Affairs Chairs Farad Ali, Executive Chairman of Asociar, and Gonzalo de la Melena Jr., Founder and CEO of Emerging Airport Ventures. Attendees received timely legislative updates from Brian Bell, Democratic Staff Director for the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee, and legal insights from Sarah von der Lippe, Pro-bono Chief Legal Counsel for the Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.
In the afternoon, members fanned out across Capitol Hill, meeting in regional groups with over 50 Congressional Representatives to advocate for the continued protection and advancement of the DBE/ACDBE programs. The day’s momentum continued with a symbolic photo opportunity at the iconic U.S. Capitol Building, which captured the unity, determination, and shared purpose of AMAC’s advocacy efforts. The evening wrapped up back at the host hotel with a spirited reception sponsored by the AMAC PAC, bringing members together to reflect, reconnect and recharge.
Day Two
Forum attendees received timely congressional insights from Senator Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Senate (D-MD), Congressman Rick Larsen, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-WA) and Congressman Greg Stanton, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-AZ). The keynote address was delivered by Michael Steele—former Republican National Committee Chairman and Maryland Lieutenant Governor, now a prominent MSNBC political analyst and host of The Michael Steele Podcast—who offered a thought-provoking perspective on the national political landscape. Throughout the day, expert panelists unpacked airport economic opportunities, shared updates on DBE/ACDBE programs, and highlighted AMAC’s federal legislative priorities. The program wrapped up with forward-looking procurement forecast presentations from representatives of BWI/MTN, LAX, ONT and DCA/IAD, before transitioning into a lively networking reception to close out the day.
Day Three
The day kicked off with an energizing discussion led by esteemed panel experts, diving into how coalitions can shape policy, unlock business opportunities and influence the future of transportation. Attendees then gained valuable insights from procurement forecast presentations by key airport representatives, including CDA, DTW, MKAA and SEA. The forum culminated in a high-impact Business Matchmaking session, where Buyers—from major airports, prime contractors, and corporations—connected directly with Suppliers, including small businesses and M/W/S/DBEs, ACDBE, WOSB, EDWOSB enterprises. Notable participating Buyers included BWI, LIT, CDA, DTW, HMSHost, JE Dunn Construction, JGM, LAX, MKAA, DCA/IAD, ONT, SEA, Vanderlande Industries and WHSmith North America.
AMAC Kicks Off the 2025 Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum in Washington, DC to Advance Opportunities in Aviation
WASHINGTON, DC (March 26, 2025) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) alongside Baltimore Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) is proud to host the 2025 AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum, taking place March 24–26, 2025, at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center. This annual event brings together key aviation industry leaders, government officials, policymakers and business professionals for a powerful exchange of ideas, strategies and partnerships aimed at advancing opportunities for small businesses across the aviation sector.
The forum’s robust agenda features a lineup of distinguished speakers, panel discussions and workshops focusing on current legislative and policy initiatives impacting airport concessions, construction, and professional services. Highlights include sessions on the FAA’s Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program, infrastructure investment, workforce development and federal funding opportunities.
Senator Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Senate (D-MD), Congressman Rick Larsen, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-WA) and Congressman Greg Stanton, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-AZ), will give congressional remarks. Michael Steele, Former RNC Chairman and Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, current Political Analyst for MSNBC and Host of The Michael Steele Podcast, will provide the keynote address.
AMAC members will also participate in Capitol Hill advocacy visits, engaging directly with lawmakers to support minority business participation in aviation-related projects and initiatives.
“This forum serves as a critical platform for advancing economic opportunities and addressing policy issues essential to small businesses, especially minority and women-owned businesses in aviation,” said Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO of AMAC. “We are excited to unite industry stakeholders and decision-makers committed to a fair and prosperous aviation community.”
About AMAC
The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. Since 1984, AMAC has been at the forefront of nearly every national policy initiative impacting the participation of disadvantaged businesses in airport contracting. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as resources for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC represents a diverse membership of airports, corporations, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises, and professionals within the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, visit www.amac-org.com.
Media Contact:
info@amac-org.com