Kelly Campbell, executive director of aviation at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB), has been selected as the Director of the Year, Small Airports Division, by Airport Experience News.
Nearly all of Campbell’s career thus far has been centered at LBB. After graduating from Texas Tech University in 1997, she joined LBB in 2001 as the airport accountant. In September 2003, she was promoted to deputy director and in April 2014 became executive director. Among Campbell’s many achievements at LBB was the renovation of the airport terminal, a project that was completed in 2022 and transformed the airport to meet the needs of a new generation of travelers. The airport’s concessions program also received attention through a revamp with partner SSP America.
Campbell has also shone on the national stage. She is active with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and received high praise throughout the industry for her role as Chair during for the 2020-2021 term at the height of the pandemic. Campbell currently serves on the Policy Review Council for AAAE.
“Kelly’s long-tenured leadership at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport is to be commended, as the airport has gone through a remarkable transformation in recent years,” said Melissa K. Montes, publisher and portfolio director of Airport Experience News. “Plus, her national leadership in 2020 and 2021 helped the industry rebound from one of its most challenging times on record.”
Campbell credited her team in helping her succeed. “It is an honor to be selected as Director of the Year, Small Airports Division,” she said. “I’m privileged to work with a great team, all of whom take pride in the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport and the Lubbock community. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of each team member.”
Campbell is the first of three directors of the year to be named by AXN for 2024. AXN’s selections for the medium and large airport categories will be revealed in the coming weeks. All will be featured in a special Leadership Issue of Airport Experience News and will be honored at the 2025 Airport Experience Conference.
