AMAC Legends & Leapers: March 2026

AMAC Legends & Leapers is a virtual conversation series featuring an aviation industry legend and a leaper.

Legend

Ingrid N. Hairston is the Chief Revenue Officer at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. Ms. Hairston provides strategic direction for the development of aeronautical and non-aeronautical business, strategic partnerships, and commercial leasing at BHM. Major initiatives include new airline leases, rental car agreements, redevelopment of terminal restaurants and shops, a new corporate hangar leasing strategy, and two new fixed base operator agreements resulting in $72M in development. The terminal concession program was recognized for excellence: 2023 by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) for Best New News and Gift – Civil Rights Trail Market, 2024 by Airport Experience News (AXN) for Airport with the Best Commercial Management Team, Best Local-Inspired Store – Civil Rights Trail Market, and 2025 by the Alabama Tourism Department for the Corporate Tourism Award for the Civil Rights Trail Market’s promotion of Alabama’s culture and history.

Prior to BHM, Ms. Hairston served as Director of Business Initiative, Director of Business Development, and Operations Manager at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. With 35+ years of experience, Ms. Hairston is a recognized industry expert in airport management, property management, and business development. She Chairs the AAAE Foundation Committee. She chaired the ACI-NA Commercial Management Committee Steering Group. Ms. Hairston was named the AXN 2019 Property Manager of the Year. She was recognized as the 2022 Top Birmingham Woman by the Birmingham Business Journal. In 2023, she was inducted into the College of Aviation Hall of Honor at Western Michigan University, her alma mater. In 2024, Ms. Hairston was named the AXN Outstanding Woman in Leadership – Airports.

Ms. Hairston holds a BS in Aviation Technology and MPA from Western Michigan University. She is an Accredited Airport Executive and a Project Management Professional.

Leaper

Nia Newton serves as the Deputy Chief of Business Development and Management, overseeing the Office of Commercial Management, Procurement, and Ground Transportation at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Before joining BWI, Nia served as the Chief Legal Officer at Fraport USA, a concessions developer.  Prior to Fraport, Nia served as Corporate Counsel, Restaurant Brands & Development, at HMSHost.  Nia started her career as an attorney at the law firm Nixon Peabody where she specialized in franchise law. She is originally from Newburgh, NY and is the oldest of three girls. She attended Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and Georgetown Law in Washington, DC.  She has lived in Washington, DC since 2012. Nia enjoys working out, riding Capital Bikeshare, karaoke, trying new restaurants, hanging out with friends and family, sewing, and most importantly – traveling. Fun fact about Nia, she lived in Lagos, Nigeria for five years with her family when she was a child and has since revisited the continent three times as an adult.