AMAC Legends & Leapers: April 2024
AMAC Legends & Leapers is a virtual conversation series featuring an aviation industry legend and leaper.
Legend
Amy Shaw began her career in 1974 with the City and County of Denver, working in various departments in Public Works. In 1985, she was assigned to the Affirmative Action Office at Stapleton International Airport to ensure the airport’s certification, DBE goal setting and monitoring programs complied with DOT/FAA regulations.
In 1993, Amy joined the Airport Property Office and was assigned to work with the New Denver Airport Planning Team. There, she collaborated with internal departments, consultants, regulatory agencies and industry peers to develop a new concessions and car rental program.
After the opening of Denver International Airport in February 1995, Amy rejoined the Airport Business Office as the Manager of Concessions.
In 2004, Amy relocated from her hometown to Seattle, Washington, where she served as Manager of Aviation, Commercial Business for the Port of Seattle, Sea-Tac Airport. She was assigned to develop the concessions program for the new Concourse A and Central Terminal expansion programs, negotiate with concessionaires impacted by security checkpoint expansions, and manage day-to-day operations.
From 2008-2010, Amy was the Deputy Executive Director and Manager of Concessions Development for Los Angeles World Airports to create a concessions program for nine separate terminals.
In 2011, Amy relocated to Las Vegas to retire. Instead, she joined the Clark County Department of Aviation – McCarran International Airport as the DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer, where she managed the compliance programs and developed an outreach program with local chambers, business and community organizations and served on the Nevada Commission of Minority Affairs. In 2016, Amy became the Manager of Concessions, managing concessions, car rental, ACDBE/DBE certification, and Small Business Programs and worked with a consultant to complete a five-year Disparity Study.
From mid-2003 until March 15, 2024, in preparation for Amy’s retirement, she continued her career under several different titles, including Airport Concessions Manager, Chief Diversity Officer and Airport Manager Strategies.
Leaper
I am Rochell Akins, a Kansas City native with a passion for fostering DEIA. I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration Management from Baker University, Baldwin City, KS. Embarking on a new chapter in Richmond, I am excited to contribute my skills and knowledge as a DBE Compliance Coordinator at the Capital Region Airport Commission (RIC). My dedication to encouraging diversity and inclusion will play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance and promoting equity in airport contracting opportunities.
My love for diversity began during my professional tenure with MGM Argosy Hotel and Spa. Overcoming challenges related to language barriers and diverse cultural backgrounds, I enhanced my strategic thinking, communication, and adaptability skills. In pursuit of professional advancement, I transitioned into financial services at DST Systems. Progressing steadily, I attained a management position. During my career, I garnered global recognition as a Top 5% Talent performer. As a top talent mentee, I participated in developmental meetings aimed at increasing awareness of inclusivity and diversity and fostering a healthier work culture.
In Kansas City, I actively engaged with the Kansas City Kansas Juneteenth Committee, working closely to impart knowledge and celebrate this historical moment. Additionally, I volunteered with the Kansas City Big Brothers and Big Sisters program as a mentor.
Raised with a strong faith, I participated in Red Circle girls. I learned the importance of bonding and uplifting other women. Additionally, I contributed to the missionary group, organizing, and providing support to the community, with a commitment to remembering those who are less fortunate.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunities awaiting me in Richmond. Let’s connect and explore how I can continue to contribute positively, fostering diversity and making a meaningful impact.
Moderators
Lauryn Mangum Reed
Secretary, AMAC Board of Directors
Chair, AMAC Emerging Leaders Committee
Executive Vice President, TMG Hospitality USA
Lauryn Mangum Reed is the Executive Vice President for TMG Hospitality USA, the Phoenix-based parent company, comprised of LAM Holdings, TMG Services, PMCS, and TMG Development; Award-winning Food and Beverage and Retail operations within airports, real estate and land development Lauryn is also the owner of Lauryn Ashley Management and Consulting, a boutique company that lends its expertise to individuals and small businesses for development, consulting, RFP creation and proposal assistance.
Over the last decade, Lauryn’s aviation industry experience has spanned from ACDBE (small business) start-up and operations to business development, strategic planning, innovation, and technology for multi-million- and billion-dollar international organizations. She is the Airport Minority Advisory Board (AMAC) Trade Board Secretary, AMAC’s Emerging Leaders Committee Chair, and Airport Council International North America (ACI-NA) Business Diversity Steering Committee member. She volunteers with the Salvation Army Metro Phoenix on its board initiatives.
Raised in Detroit, Michigan, Lauryn left for warmer winters. She earned her BS in Business with a Minor in Communications from Arizona State University, where she became a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member. As a wife and mom of 2 littles, daughter Londyn and son Legend, Lauryn has an affinity for people, representation, and diversity in her day-to-day life. She strongly advocates for work/life synergy and empowers women to do everything they desire.
Ricky D. Smith
Chair, AMAC Board of Directors
CEO, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
RICKY DORELL SMITH was appointed Executive Director/CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) on July 10, 2015. Mr. Smith is responsible for the management and operations of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI Marshall), Martin State Airport, and regional aviation activities throughout the State of Maryland.
photo of Maryland Aviation Administration Executive Director Ricky Smith
Mr. Smith, a 32-year transportation professional, returned to Maryland after serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland Airport System, which includes Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Burke Lakefront Airport. In addition, he was responsible for overseeing the development and management of the City’s lakefront properties.
Since returning to BWI Marshall, Mr. Smith has led the airport to five (5) consecutive record-setting years for passengers, including restoring BWI Marshall as the busiest airport in the Washington/Baltimore region and the Best Airport in North America for Customer Service, according to Airport Council International. Establishing a culture of performance, customer service, safety, and innovation, the airports have received several other national and regional awards for customer service, capital development, and marketing, including Emmy Awards in 2018 and 2019. In 2017, the LaunchPad program was started to enable minority-owned micro-businesses the opportunity to participate in BWI Marshall’s thriving food and retail program without barriers to entry. In 2015, he launched the BWI Marshall Youth Initiative to introduce Baltimore City youth to aviation and transportation careers. To date, over 100 youths have participated in this program.
Before his service in Cleveland, Mr. Smith served as the Chief Operating Officer for the MAA, where he helped lead BWI Marshall Airport through a $2 billion expansion program, increased air service throughout the world, and the creation of a new food and retail program. Before returning to the MAA, after a two-year departure, Ricky served as the Deputy Administrator for the Maryland State Highway Administration. In addition, he served in the private sector for several years with International Business Machines, H&R Block Business Services, The May Company, and others.
Ricky holds an Accounting degree from Howard University and an Executive MBA from Loyola University in Maryland. He graduated from several leadership programs, including the Greater Baltimore Committee and Leadership Cleveland. He is active on several national and local boards and industry associations, including the Airport Minority Advisory Council, where he serves as Board Chair, the American Association of Airport Executives, the Washington Board of Trade, the BWI Business Partnership, the World Trade Center Institute, Greater Baltimore Urban League where he serves as Board Chair, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture where he serves as Vice Board Chair, and the Morgan State University School of Communications Board of Advisors.
He has been recognized as the ‘Best State Executive for Minority Business Enterprise’ by the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association (2022), ‘Leon C. Watkins Guardian Award’ recipient by Airports Council International/North America (2020), ‘Man of the Year’ by Women Transportation Seminar (2019), ‘Leadership in Excellence’ by Leadership Anne Arundel (2019), ‘Power 10 CEO’ by the Baltimore Business Journal (2018), ‘People Who Move America’ by the Boys Scouts of America (2018), ‘Thomas G. Newsome Founder’s Leadership Award’ by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (2018), ‘Influential Marylander’ by The Daily Record (2017), the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association ‘Black History Hero’ award (2017), ‘Most Influential CEO in Northeast Ohio’ by Crain’s Magazine (2014, 2013), ‘National Executive of the Year’ by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (2010), and ‘Congressional Achievement Award’ from Congressman Elijah Cummings (2006).
