Ingrid Hairston

Hall of Honor Class of 2023

WMU Aviation Alumna (BS – 1988, MPA – 1991), VP of Properties and Business of Development for the Birmingham Airport Authority (BHM), Thurgood Marshall Graduate Assistant scholarship recipient, AAAE Member 

As an aviation management and operations ambassador, there is no greater representative than Hairston.  With a career that has spanned over 32 years, Hairston has served in the capacity of intern, Operations Manager, Business Development Officer, Directory of Business Development and Vice President of Properties and Business of Development. Prior to her stint at BHM, Hairston served as the Director of Business Initiative at Raleigh-Durham Internationa Airport (RDU), where she retired after 30 years of service.  Hairston has been recognized at the national level for excellence and distinction, winning multiple awards and serving on numerous boards, such as being named the 2019 Property Manager of the Year by Airport Experience News, and serving as an aviation industry expert with the Airport Cooperative Research Program and Transportation Research Board.  She served as the Chair of the Commercial Management Committee of Airports Council International North America (ACI-NA) for 2020 and 2021, leading the Commercial Management Committee through one of the most significant global economic downturns in history. Under her leadership, the Committee and ACI-NA provided invaluable data and insights to airports as they grappled with responding to the devastating impact of the global pandemic.   A strong proponent of giving her time, talents and treasures, Ingrid is a proud Alumna of WMU and the College of Aviation, often providing guidance and support the for University’s AAAE student chapter.