Wed, Sep 16, 2009
State's Only Two-Time Winner Of The Award
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) honored Lee
County Port Authority (LCPA) Executive Director Robert M. Ball,
A.A.E, as the 2009 Aviation Professional of the Year. This award is
given to an active aviation professional who has made a significant
and continued contribution to Florida aviation during the year and
throughout their career. The award was presented at the recent
Florida Airports Council (FAC) annual conference in Miami. Ball was
previously given this award in 1998 and is the only airport
professional to have received this prestigious honor twice.
Robert M. Ball
"This award recognizes Bob's work and leadership in expansion,
air service and business development efforts in the operation of
two award-winning transportation facilities - Southwest Florida
International Airport (RSW) and Page Field General Aviation Airport
(FMY)," said Aaron N. Smith, FDOT state aviation manager. "He is
responsible for the unprecedented success of both airports and has
been committed to working with community partners to meet
commercial and general aviation air transportation needs in
Southwest Florida."
Ball joined the Lee County Port Authority in August 1993 as deputy
executive director, and was promoted to executive director in May
1996.
During his tenure, passenger traffic at Southwest Florida
International Airport has increased from 4.3 million to 7.6 million
per year and the economic impact of the airports has grown to more
$3.6 billion annually. He oversaw the planning, funding,
construction and opening of the $438 million terminal at RSW and
led the renaissance of FMY with a highly successful revitalization
plan. Another notable project was the Runway 6/24 Rehabilitation at
RSW, which was visionary and received recognition from the aviation
and transportation industry. Under his direction, FDOT named RSW
the 2006 and 2008 Commercial Service Airport of the Year and FMY
the 2002 and 2008 General Aviation Airport of the Year.
He is accredited by the American Association of Airport
Executives. He is a past president of FAC and serves on its board
of directors. Ball was honored by the Federal Aviation
Administration as the 1998 Airport Manager of the Year for the
Southern Region. He holds a bachelor's degree in air commerce from
the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) as well as a private
pilot certificate.
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