Airport Experience News has selected Cindy Nichol, director of airports for the Sacramento County Department of Airports, as its Director of the Year, Medium Airports Division. Nichol oversees Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Mather Airport (MHR), a cargo and general aviation facility, as well as Executive Airport (SAC) and Franklin Field (F72), both general aviation airports.
At the helm of SCDA since 2018, Nichol is currently leading the $1.3 billion capital program, SMForward, to meet record passenger demand by adding gates and terminal space, parking, rental cars and other ground transportation. Prior to joining SMF, Nichol served as chief financial officer at the Port of Portland. She has also held finance leadership roles at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Leigh Fisher Associates/Jacobs Consultancy.
“Cindy Nichol is known throughout the industry for her extraordinary financial acumen. That, plus her role in leading the SMForward project that will position SMF for the future, earned her this recognition from the AXN team,” said Melissa K. Montes, publisher and portfolio director of Airport Experience News. Nichol is also contributing to industry excellence through her roles on the ACI-NA Executive Committee, U.S. Policy Committee, and Board Finance Committee, and in her leadership position with the California Airports Council, Montes noted.
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” said Nichol. “Throughout my career I’ve always cherished opportunities to contribute to the aviation industry. I believe that any achievement, especially in the aviation industry, is never a solitary effort. I would like to thank everyone who has worked with me and helped in making those contributions over the years.”
Nichol is the second of three directors of the year to be named by AXN for 2023. Last week, AXN announced the selection of Torrance “Tory” Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, as the Director of the Year, Small Airports Division. The selection for large airport category 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 2024 Airport Experience Conference.
