18 Jun 2026

AMAC Welcomes New and Returning Members to Its Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, DC (June 18, 2026) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 AMAC Board of Directors Elections. 

  • Chair: Ricky Smith, General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 
  • Second Vice-Chair: Perry Miller, President & CEO, Richmond International Airport 
  • Eastern Regional Director: Robin Gibson, Director, External Affairs & Partner Relations, Fraport USA
  • Southeast Regional Director: Thiane Carter, Director, Small Business Programs, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority 
  • Southwest Regional Director: J. Goodwille Pierre, Division Manager, Office of Business Opportunity, Houston Airport System 
  • Western Regional Director: Michael E. Washington, CEO, Cato Hospitality Group 
  • At-Large Director: Tosin Kasali, Chief Development Officer, Russell Enterprises 
  • At-Large Director: Isela Toledo, Director, Business Opportunities, Ontario International Airport 

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About the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) 

Since 1984, the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) has been 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. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as a resource for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC’s membership includes 1,900 airports, primes and small businesses, including DBEs/ACDBEs deeply engaged in airport operations and economic growth nationwide. For more information, visit amac-org.com. 

 

Media Contact: 

AMAC National Office, info@amac-org.com 

 
4 Jun 2026

AMAC Announces the 8 Contestants of the AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition to Compete at the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference

Washington, DC (June 4, 2026) – The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) proudly unveils the Takeoff 8 contestants, this year’s standouts who have advanced from Rounds 1 and 2 to the Round 3/Final Competition of the 2026 AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition. These contestants will compete live at the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference at National Harbor, MD.

The Takeoff 8 contestants will exhibit their products in the Experience Hall and compete among VIP judges comprised of a distinguished panel of airport concessions and travel retail executives on Friday, June 12, 2026. After the Takeoff 8 contestants are scored, the Final Approach 4 contestants will compete again among the VIP judges live on the AMAC Hub Stage in the Experience Hall on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 2:45 pm. 

 

Takeoff 8 Contestants

Representing Atlanta, GA

Che’ Rene Macarons 

  • Ché René Macarons sells French Macarons with a Southern twist while providing jobs to veterans, second-chance individuals, and neurodivergent adults seeking independence. 

Creole-ish

  • Creole-ish is a Creole-inspired specialty food brand offering bold Creole-style barbecue sauce and handcrafted pralines.

Popcorn Remix

  • A gourmet popcorn offering flavors like Strawberry Shortcake, Caramel, Cookies n’ Cream, and more. 

 

Representing Chicago, IL

Love Cork Screw

  • Love Cork Screw offers award-winning rosé, red and white wine.

MsPsGFree

  • MsPsGFree is a granola company offering gluten-free options like Berry Nutty, Harvest Blend, and Chocolate Hazelnut Pecan. 

SickFit

  • SickFit creates premium, durable compression socks combining health and performance for confidence in every step.

Veggie Vice

  • Veggie Vice offers crispy, seasoned veggie chips as an alternative to chips without seed oils.

 

Representing St. Louis, MI

DEMIblue Natural Nails

  • DEMIblue Natural Nails is a clean, vegan nail polish that’s cruelty- and toxin-free. 

 

The Takeoff 8 contestants will present their concepts before a distinguished panel of airport concessions and travel retail executives, who will evaluate each business based on innovation, scalability, market readiness and overall presentation. The VIP judging panel includes Jordi Martin-Consuegra of Avolta, George Mboya of SSP America, Richard Schneider of Areas USA, Yasmin Sheriff of WHSmith North America and Meghan Woods of Paradies Lagardère. After scoring is complete, the Takeoff 8 will be narrowed down to the Final Approach 4 Winners. In addition to receiving national recognition, mentorship from industry leaders and opportunities to further engage with airport authorities and major contractors nationwide, the Final 4 have the potential to secure contracts with airport primes.

Round 1 competitions were held in Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago and Atlanta. Hosted by AMAC Chapters in Detroit, Chicago and Atlanta, with anchor support from the major hub airports in each respective market, the competitions brought together over 50 participants representing emerging entrepreneurs and innovative business concepts from across the country. The regional competitions served as the first phase of the national challenge, giving contestants an opportunity to present their concepts before advancing in the competitive selection process. 

Following the completion of Round 1, 16 contestants (the top 4 from each Round 1 competition) advanced to Round 2, which was held virtually and featured more intense competition and evaluation. During the virtual round, contestants further refined and presented their business concepts to a panel of industry leaders and subject-matter experts. At the conclusion of Round 2, the contestants were narrowed down to the Takeoff 8, who are moving forward to Round 3/Final.

Nearly 240 business owners applied to compete in this year’s Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Program. AMAC extends congratulations to all the contestants for their inspiring contributions to the future of airport commerce, innovation and community impact.

 

About AMAC Runway to Success
AMAC Runway to Success is a “Shark Tank-style”- style, multi-round, progressive 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 amac-org.com/rts. 

About the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)
Since 1984, the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) has been 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. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as a resource for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC’s membership includes 1,900 airports, primes and small businesses, including DBEs/ACDBEs deeply engaged in airport operations and economic growth nationwide. For more information, visit amac-org.com.

Media Contact:
Ramon Lo, Director of Membership & Industry Engagement, AMAC
rlo@amac-org.com 
19 May 2026

Court Rules for Small Businesses, Dismisses Case Threatening 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.

“Today’s outcome is a significant victory for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and the thousands of small businesses that help power America’s transportation industry,” said Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) President & CEO Eboni Wimbush. “The DBE Program was created to address longstanding barriers that have historically limited access to federally funded contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. This outcome reinforces the importance of protecting programs that create pathways for business growth, competition, and long-term economic opportunity. AMAC is proud to stand alongside our coalition partners in defense of a program that continues to support small businesses and strengthen our nation’s infrastructure industry. We are also excited to continue working collaboratively with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration regarding the October 3, 2026, USDOT DBE/ACDBE Program Interim Final Rule to help ensure that all socially disadvantaged firms continue to have meaningful access to contracting opportunities throughout the transportation industry.”

Press Release: https://democracyforward.org/news/press-releases/court-rules-for-small-businesses-dismisses-case-threatening-disadvantaged-business-enterprise-program

 
10 Mar 2026

AMAC’s Capitol Hill Day and Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum 2026 Kicks Off in DC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMAC’s Capitol Hill Day and Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum 2026 Kicks Off in Washington, DC — Nation’s Aviation Leaders Converge to Advance Innovation and Small Business Growth

 

WASHINGTON, DC (March 10, 2026) – The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) will host the 2026 AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum on March 18–20, 2026, at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center in Washington, DC. The annual forum convenes industry leaders, policymakers, government officials and small businesses to strengthen economic access, expand opportunities and shape critical policy discussions for the aviation and aerospace ecosystem, including guidance on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs.

The three-day forum serves as a dynamic platform for advancing economic opportunities and strengthening small business participation in airport projects nationwide. Attendees will engage in panel discussions and sessions on federal policy updates, infrastructure investment, workforce development and innovative strategies to increase participation by minority- and women-owned small businesses in aviation.

The forum opens on Wednesday, March 18, with an exclusive Capitol Hill Day for AMAC members, offering direct dialogue with Congressional leaders to advocate for policies that strengthen DBE/ACDBE participation and promote fair access to contracting opportunities and investment in airport infrastructure.

On Thursday, March 19, the forum will open with a keynote address by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). Following the keynote, Mayor Van Johnson (Savannah, GA) and Mayor Steven Reed (Montgomery, AL) will speak on how they are leveraging airport projects to increase small business participation and growth. Later in the program, Allen Gutierrez, the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at the U.S. Department of Transportation, will provide an overview of OSDBU’s latest programs and resources designed to expand federal contracting opportunities for small businesses. He will also highlight OSDBU’s partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its role in enhancing access and engagement for firms participating in aviation-related projects and contracts. 

The forum concludes on Friday, March 20, with an Airport Opportunities Procurement Forecast session featuring airport representatives presenting a 12–18-month procurement forecast outlining architecture, engineering, construction, and concession opportunities for suppliers. Followed by Business Matchmaking sessions, connecting airports and prime contractors with small businesses to foster meaningful partnerships and future collaborations. Airport representatives from the Chicago Department of Aviation, Los Angeles World Airports, the Maryland Aviation Administration, Ontario International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport and the Wayne County Airport Authority will participate in these sessions.

“We look forward to three days of impactful conversations and strategic connections that will strengthen fairness and economic opportunity in aviation,” said Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO of AMAC. “This forum is a powerful platform to elevate airport businesses and shape policy that drives real results for communities across the nation.”

For the full schedule and registration details, visit amacforum.com.

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About AMAC

Since 1984, the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) has been 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. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as a resource for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC’s membership includes 1,900 airports, primes and small businesses, including DBEs/ACDBEs deeply engaged in airport operations and economic growth nationwide. For more information, visit amac-org.com.

Media Contact: info@amac-org.com
10 Dec 2025

AMAC Celebrates Significant Victory for U.S. Small and Minority Businesses in Federal Contracting: FAR Part 19 “Rule of Two” Provision Preserved

Washington, DC (December 10, 2025) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) celebrates a significant victory for America’s small and minority businesses in federal contracting. After months of uncertainty, the recently released rewrite to the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council (FAR Council) Part 19 confirms that the Rule of Two provision has been preserved.

The Rule of Two is a statutory requirement that mandates set-asides for small businesses when at least two responsible small business concerns are expected to submit offers at fair market prices. The rule of two remains firmly in place, as required by statute for contracts between the micro-purchase threshold (MPT) and the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT).

  • Without this safeguard, small, minority and disadvantaged businesses risked losing fair access to billions of dollars in contracting opportunities.
  • This statutory foundation ensures that small businesses continue to have meaningful access to federal contracting opportunities in this range.

Resources:

AMAC remains unwavering in our mission to advance the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. AMAC continues to advocate for contracting policies that advance economic growth, fairness, innovation and access to the robust opportunities across the aviation and aerospace industries. AMAC will continue to hold decision-makers accountable and help safeguard opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses across the aviation sector.

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: 
info@amac-org.com
3 Oct 2025

AMAC Statement on the USDOT DBE & ACDBE Program Interim Final Rule

Statement 

 “The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Interim Final Rule (IFR) marks the most significant change to the DBE and ACDBE programs in more than four decades. These programs have long served as a gateway for minority- and women-owned businesses to access airport opportunities. The removal of the rebuttable presumption of social disadvantage based on race and gender fundamentally alters how certification is determined.

This is a pivotal moment. Despite the challenges embedded in the IFR, the DBE and ACDBE programs remain essential to equity and opportunity in airport contracting. This IFR introduces significant uncertainty and administrative burden, placing minority and women-owned firms at risk of disruption during recertification.

While the challenges are real, so is our resolve. AMAC is committed to transforming disruption into opportunity—reaffirming the value of inclusion and ensuring that small, local businesses continue to thrive within the aviation ecosystem.

We remain unwavering in our mission to advance the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries.

AMAC is actively developing resources, advocating for our stakeholders, and providing clarity to our members and partners.”

—Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO, Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)

 

Resources:

 

Call to Action: AMAC Urges DBEs, ACDBEs, Airports and Partners to Remain Engaged

To support our community in understanding and navigating these changes, AMAC has developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) resource to address many questions our members have raised. These FAQs will be updated regularly as additional guidance and clarity become available.

Additionally, AMAC is hosting two webinars to help stakeholders deepen their understanding and enhance their approach to certification under the IFR.

 

October 7, 2025 | 11:30 am ET
AMAC Webinar: Maintaining and Expanding DBE/ACDBE Certifications

Focused on helping business owners understand current regulations for demonstrating social disadvantage through personal narratives, this session will offer practical tips for navigating potential process changes. Target Audience: AMAC members who are Business Owners.

 

October 30, 2025 | 11:30 am ET
AMAC Webinar: Reviewing Personal Narratives for DBE/ACDBE Certifications

Designed for those involved in certification review, this webinar will explore how to interpret and assess personal narratives under the updated non-presumptive eligibility framework. Target Audience: This webinar is exclusively for Airport Representatives and DBE/ACDBE Certifying Bodies.

 

We encourage all stakeholders to attend these sessions, review the FAQ, and stay engaged as AMAC leads its members through this new chapter.
14 Aug 2025

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.
14 Aug 2025

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

  1. Join Nationally – AMAC National membership is required to participate at the Chapter level and includes full member benefits.
  2. Opt Into Houston Chapter – Just $50/year, offering access to events, mentorship, committees, and local networking.
  3. Engage Actively – Attend orientation sessions (online and in-person), volunteer for committees, and participate in events.
2 Jul 2025

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