2026 AMAC Board of Directors Elections
The 2026 AMAC Board of Directors Elections is an opportunity to recommend candidates for AMAC leadership and help frame and support the organization’s future.
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Meet the Candidates: 2026 AMAC Board of Directors Elections
Ricky Smith
General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International AirportRicky Smith
Coming Soon!
Marlene Coleman
Marlene Coleman
Dear AMAC Family,
I’m excited to share that I am seeking your support to serve as Second Vice Chair of AMAC, and I wanted to personally explain why this role—and this organization—mean so much to me.
At a glance, here’s what I bring to this role:
- AMAC Director at Large (2023–2025) with active board and committee leadership
- Co‑Chair, Government Affairs Strategic Partnership Subcommittee
- Member, Gateway to Success National Planning Committee & Pitch Competition
- Former Concessions Director at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, managing a $1B program
- Current Director of Strategic Alliances at Areas USA, building high‑impact partnerships across aviation
- Recipient of the 2021 Airport Experience News Property Manager of the Year Award
- Recipient of the 2022 National Association of Minority Contractors Pace Setter Award
- Former Treasurer, Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with fiduciary and board leadership responsibility
- Long‑standing civic and nonprofit board leader focused on diversity, access, and opportunity
AMAC has always been about action—not just conversation—and that principle has guided both my career and my service to this organization.
From 2023 to 2025, I had the honor of serving as an AMAC Director at Large, working closely with fellow board members to support fundraising, member programming, and strategic priorities. I also served as Co‑Chair of the Government Affairs Strategic Partnership Subcommittee, helping advance policy discussions that directly affect minority, women, DBE, and ACDBE participation nationwide.
One of the most rewarding experiences was serving on the Gateway to Success National Planning Committee, supporting the pitch competition that creates real opportunities for emerging businesses. Seeing ideas turn into contracts, partnerships, and growth is exactly why AMAC’s work matters.
Professionally, I bring hands‑on leadership from every side of the aviation industry. As Concessions Director at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport—the world’s busiest airport—I managed a $1 billion concessions and car rental program, partnered with more than 50 concessionaire organizations, and led teams responsible for strategy, compliance, revenue growth, and customer experience. That work earned national recognition, including the Airport Experience News Property Manager of the Year Award and the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) Pace Setter Award.
Today, as Director of Strategic Alliances for Areas USA, I lead partnership development across major aviation concessions programs, working with airports, corporate partners, ACDBEs, and public agencies to create sustainable, compliant, and high‑performing alliances. This experience aligns directly with the responsibilities of the Second Vice Chair, particularly in corporate development, conference planning, aviation professional development, and governance.
Beyond AMAC, I’ve spent years serving in civic, nonprofit, and community leadership roles, including as Treasurer of the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where I provided fiscal oversight, financial accountability, and strategic leadership in support of community‑focused initiatives. These experiences have shaped my leadership style: listening first, leading with integrity, and delivering results that benefit the broader community.
As Second Vice Chair, my commitment is simple:
- Support strong, transparent governance
- Strengthening partnerships and revenue opportunities
- Ensure conferences and programs deliver real value
- Help develop the next generation of aviation leaders
- Be a steady, engaged, and collaborative voice on the Board
I respectfully ask for your vote and the opportunity to continue serving AMAC at this next level. Thank you for your trust, engagement, and commitment to advancing our mission.
With appreciation,
Marlene Coleman
Shelia Hudson
Shelia Hudson
Perry Miller
Perry Miller
In my three decades as an airport executive, I've learned that leading is a privilege because you aren’t just entrusted with the agency; you’re entrusted with the people who make it great. As a long-standing member of AMAC, I’ve seen the organization’s membership and influence grow, and I’m excited at the chance to share my experience as a board member and lead the council’s passionate membership as it continues to be a catalyst for change.
Since 2019, when I was named president and CEO at Richmond International Airport (RIC), I’ve taken a steady, people-centered approach to change management that balances long-term vision with practical execution. That work is most clearly reflected in the airport’s new Wheels Up 2030 strategic plan, which details how excellence, innovation, and service play a key role in this strategy for sustainable growth.
I’m delighted that the progress we’ve made at RIC has already been recognized in my selection as 2025 AXN Director of the Year – Small Airports Division and as a 2026 Virginia C-Suite Award honoree. These awards highlight the hard work of the team I’m fortunate to lead and its meaningful, measurable outcomes.
A specific focus of mine while at RIC has been on making airport contracting opportunities more accessible through education. We created the P.O.W.E.R. Forum and P.O.W.E.R. University, which help small and minority businesses understand the airport process before bids are released, linking opportunity and readiness. This ensures they are better equipped to compete and succeed.
Before coming to Richmond, I spent over 25 years with the Houston Airport System and later served as Chief Executive Officer of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority in Mississippi. In each of these roles, my consistent focus has been on advancing regional economic competitiveness, operational excellence, and public stewardship.
I am a past chair and an accredited member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and a graduate of the ACI-ICAO Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP).
As a life-long learner, I earned my Doctor of Philosophy in Management in 2024 from Walden University, expanding on my Bachelor’s in Airway Science and a Master's in Transportation Planning and Management from Texas Southern University.
AMAC’s work is vital to the future of the aviation industry. I would be honored to help guide that work forward as Second Vice Chair, building on its current momentum to serve today’s needs and position the organization for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Robin Gibson
Robin Gibson
Coming Soon!
Thiane Carter
Thiane Carter
I currently serve as the Director of Small Business Programs for the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, where I oversee the implementation and compliance of the various small business programs and the Title VI program. With more than twenty years of experience supporting U.S. Department of Transportation recipients, I bring both technical expertise and practical insight into advancing equitable access within the aviation industry.
Throughout my career, I have focused on strengthening program integrity, expanding outreach, and creating meaningful pathways for small and minority-owned businesses to compete and grow beyond certification programs. My work has contributed to nationally recognized outcomes, including the Airport Council International North America’s (ACI-NA) Inclusion Award.
I have remained actively engaged in industry leadership, serving as Chair of the AMAC Scholarship Committee and Chair of ACI's Business Diversity Committee, and contributing to AMAC's Government Affairs Committee to support the organization's advocacy efforts and ensure that member perspectives are reflected in key policy discussions.
Most recently, I have focused on helping AMAC and the broader industry navigate the U.S. Department of Transportation's Interim Final Rule, issued in October 2025. I helped develop practical guidance — including frequently asked questions and supporting resources — to assist practitioners in understanding and responding to these changes. This work reinforced for me how important it is for AMAC to remain a responsive, well-resourced organization as the regulatory environment continues to evolve.
As Southeast Regional Director, I have prioritized member engagement, transparency, and delivering practical value — ensuring that AMAC is not only a place to connect, but a resource to grow and advance. I remain committed to strengthening communication, expanding opportunities, and advocating for equitable participation in aviation across the region.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
I am seeking reelection to continue building on this work — providing steady leadership during a period of change and ensuring that AMAC remains a strong and effective voice for its members across the Southeast region.
Brian Smith
Brian Smith
Bridget Biagas
Bridget Biagas
Coming Soon!
James Goodwille Pierre
James Goodwille Pierre
Proven Leadership. Real Results. Stronger Southwest.
Hello AMAC Members,
Two years ago, you entrusted me with the honor of serving as your Southwest Regional Director. I am proud to report that we delivered results—and built real momentum across our region.
Today, I am asking for your support to continue that work and take the Southwest Region even further.
Delivering Results for the Southwest Region
Since being elected, I have focused on action, impact, and accountability:
- Hosted a major regional Opportunity Forum at Clinton National Airport
- 125 registrants, 75 attendees
- Generated new membership growth
- 100% sponsored — $0 cost to AMAC
- Activated regional engagement immediately—before even leaving the 2024 conference
- Participated in every AMAC Board meeting and key national events
- Supported the launch of the Houston AMAC Chapter, strengthening our regional footprint
- Advanced strategic initiatives aligned with:
- Membership growth
- Sponsorship development
- Regional programming Our regional mantra remains:
“Soar with the Best — The Mighty Southwest.”
And we are doing exactly that.
National Leadership & Advocacy
At a time when DBE programs are under increasing legal attack, leadership matters.
Denise Bailey
Denise Bailey
Coming Soon!
Tosin Kasali
Tosin Kasali
Coming Soon!
Spencer Shaw
Spencer Shaw
AMAC Board of Directors:
Thank you for approving my nomination to be a candidate for an at-large director.
I have the pleasure of serving as Executive Vice President of United Concessions Group, where I represent Hayat Rababy in her 100% ACDBE business across operated and joint venture locations. I am grateful for the opportunity to support her vision and leadership, which has shaped a model centered on both operating our own units and partnering with national partners through joint ventures. This approach provides a practical, real-time understanding of how agreements, policies, and partnerships perform in true operating environments.
Over the past several years, our organization has rapidly expanded across venues and concepts. Through this growth, and with Mrs. Rababy’s continued guidance, I have gained direct experience with the challenges ACDBEs face, including lease structures, operational execution, and building sustainable, long-term growth.
If elected, I’ll work to bring a grounded, operator’s perspective to the Board. I would be honored to contribute in a way that helps ensure policies and partnerships reflect the realities of running and scaling businesses in today’s airport environment, while supporting AMAC’s mission and the continued success of its members.
Given the changes to the ACDBE program, we believe an operators perspective would be helpful for the continued growth and effectiveness of participation across the industry.
Isela Toledo
Tony Tyler
Tony Tyler
Tony Tyler, CEO
Tyler Communications Inc.
I am honored to be a candidate for At-Large Director with AMAC. As a certified ACDBE, DBE, SBE and MBE firm, Tyler Communications Inc. has been actively engaged in delivering technology solutions to the public and private sector and restaurant and bar owner since 2009.
My work is rooted in expanding access—ensuring minority-owned businesses are not only included but positioned to scale within aviation and infrastructure ecosystems. Through direct engagement with airport stakeholders, concessionaires, and public-sector partners, I have developed a strong understanding of the operational, economic, and technological needs shaping our industry.
If elected, I will focus on:
- Expanding access to airport opportunities for ACDBE firms
- Strengthening technology integration across airport ecosystems
- Driving meaningful partnerships between small businesses and prime contractors
- Advocating for equitable procurement practices nationwide
My goal is simple: create pathways that lead to real contracts, real growth, and real sustainability for AMAC members.
I respectfully ask for your support.
Candidates Campaign Flyers
Candidates Campaign Videos
Timeline
| Candidates AMAC Membership Must Be Current to Be Nominated and Through the Election Process | |
|---|---|
| Nomination Period | March 1–31 |
| Confirm Nominees Have Accepted | April 1–7 |
| Board Approval of Candidates Slate | April 8 |
| Candidates’ Promotional Materials Submission Period | April 9–17 |
| Candidates’ Campaign Period | April 9–May 15 |
| Membership Voting Period | May 1–June 5 |
| Auditor Ratify Elections | June 6–10 |
| Membership Ratify Board of Directors During Annual Meeting | June 13 |
NOTE: Initiating campaign activity before April 9 will disqualify the candidate. Candidates are asked to be present on June 13 during the Annual Meeting & Election Ratification. The installation and orientation of the new board members will be scheduled after the meeting.
Open Positions
- Chair (1)
- Second Vice-Chair (1)
- Eastern Regional Director (1)
- Southwest Regional Director (1)
- Western Regional Director (1)
- Southeast Regional Director (1)
- At-Large Director (2)
Eligible Voter
To nominate a candidate or run for office, you must be an AMAC member in good standing by March 31. Candidates must maintain active AMAC membership throughout the nomination and election process and meet one of the following criteria:
- Airport Member Representative (One of Two Votes)
- Business Member Representative (One Vote)
- Corporate Member Representative (One of Two Votes)
- Individual Member (One Vote)
- Reside, Own, Operate or Are Employed by a Business or Have Business Interests in the Same AMAC Region as a Regional Director Candidate
Note: Student members cannot vote in general meetings, nominate candidates for office, stand for office or vote.
