Ingrid Hairston, long a champion of concessions and diversity at airports, has joined Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) as its new vice president of properties and business development.
Hairston brings more than 30 years of experience in concessions, properties and business development, most recently serving as director of business initiatives at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Prior to that, Hairston was RDU’s director of business development, responsible for leasing and management of the terminal concessions, advertising and rental car programs generating more than $220 million in annual income.
“Ms. Hairston brings a well-balanced blend of skills along with a wealth of knowledge to this new role at such a critical time for our industry,” said Ronald Mathieu, president and CEO of the Birmingham Airport Authority, which operates BHM. “She has proven experience that will complement our team as we continue our mission of operating a safe, efficient, hospitable, and state-of-the-art airport that promotes a healthy economy and travel environment.”
As Alabama’s largest commercial airport, BHM was serving nearly 3 million passengers annually before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down travel.
“The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is vital to this community and to the state” Hairston said in a statement announcing her appointment. “I look forward to helping the Authority through the recovery phases of the coronavirus pandemic and to achieve its vision to be a driving force for economic development for the region and a showcase of southern hospitality.”
