Member News: Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport
By: MIASF Staff
Date posted: Apr 28, 2021 Wed
The Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SEC-AAAE) named Rufus A. James, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) Manager, as the 2021 Airport Professional of the Year. The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the SEC-AAAE’s Annual Southeast Chapter Conference held in Savannah, GA on March 28-30, 2021. The SEC-AAAE selects the Airport Professional of the Year based on professional accomplishments and contributions to the aviation industry.
James started his career with City of Fort Lauderdale in 1999 as an Airport Operations Aide. After being promoted to Airport Operations Supervisor and Assistant Airport Manager, James was appointed Acting Airport Manager in November 2014. In October 2015, James was named Airport Manager.
As Airport Manager, James is responsible for the operations and management of the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, which has an economic impact of nearly $2.1 billion and is the fourth busiest general aviation airport in the country for itinerant traffic, the 200-acre Industrial Airpark, John Fuhrer Downtown Helistop, and Foreign Trade Zone #241.
Congratulations, Rufus!