Staff report
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) CEO Candace McGraw has been named recipient of the 2024 Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award from the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).
The award honoring outstanding leadership and innovative vision within the aviation industry was presented Monday at the ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“Candace McGraw is a true visionary and a trailblazer in our industry,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Her expertise on every major issue facing airports today—whether it’s cargo, infrastructure investment, passenger satisfaction, innovation, workforce management, air space management, or technology—sets the bar for airport leadership. She has not only led her airport with distinction but has also opened doors for women in aviation worldwide, especially in her current role as the first woman to chair ACI’s World Governing Board.”
With more than 30 years of operational and legal expertise, McGraw was recognized for her contributions to the aviation industry at-large. But she has guided CVG through many challenges and advancements. During her tenure, CVG has expanded and diversified services, transforming the airport into a hub for both passenger and cargo operations in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati Region.
“I am very honored to accept this award because I am so deeply passionate about our industry,” said McGraw. “The mission of ACI, both in North America and globally, is to work collaboratively to drive positive advancements in aviation and to increase economic impact to benefit our communities. That mission mirrors the collaborative work done by my colleagues each day at CVG. This award is the direct result of their hard work and commitment to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region.”
ACI is a trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada. Its Annual Conference and Exhibition brings together airport and aviation professionals from across North America annually to discuss and advance key industry issues.
Congrats Candace! Well deserved.