Second year in a row that SRQ Airport manager has received prestigious honor
The Florida Airports Council (FAC) has recognized Fredrick J. “Rick” Piccolo, president and CEO of the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, with the organization’s 2024 Aviation Leadership Award, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has announced.
“This award is presented to an airport professional who has demonstrated outstanding service and contributions to the Florida airport community,” a news release explains.
“Recognizing his achievements, the award emphasizes Mr. Piccolo’s assistance over the last two years with FAC leadership and State Affairs personnel on numerous legislative issues,” the release continues. “Mr. Piccolo’s long tenure as CEO and his deep political relationships allowed him to work with FAC to advance legislation that supports Florida airports,” it notes.
“In addition,” the release points out, “Mr. Piccolo worked with the FAC Executive Board and all Florida airport’s CEOs to establish new leadership within the organization.”
This is the second year in a row that Piccolo has been recognized with a prestigious award. In October 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) named him 2022 Air Carrier Airport Manager of the Year.
In making that announcement, the FAA explained that the Southern Region Airports Division of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) presents that award “to an airport professional who exemplifies excellence in airport management, demonstrates exceptional leadership, tirelessly works to promote the aviation industry, and has achieved efficiencies and improved productivity in their organization.”
The FAA news release added that the award “emphasizes [Piccolo’s] aptitude for guiding the airport through unprecedented passenger growth, marked by an outstanding increase of 46% over 2021 and 155% over 2020. From 2018 through 2022, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport grew from 6 airlines and 12 nonstop destinations to 11 airlines and 54 nonstop destinations,” the release pointed out.
The Florida Airports Council release noted that Piccolo has more than 53 years of experience in the aviation industry, beginning in 1970 at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Upon his move to Florida, the release continues, he worked at Tampa International Airport before being named assistant airport director at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.
Further, it noted, Piccolo has served as president and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport since 1995. “He has overseen a myriad of challenges in his 29-year tenure while still managing to lead the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to become the fastest growing airport in the U.S. amongst the largest 100 airports when comparing 2023 vs. 2018,” that release added.