The Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) is seeking members interested in serving the Chapter to fill five (5) Board positions to be elected during the General Membership meeting held during the 80th Annual SWAAAE Summer Conference, taking place July 19-22, 2026, in Palm Springs, CA. The Chapter strives for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the makeup of Chapter leadership, not only in race, color, creed, ethnic background, religion, political party, age, gender or disability, but also as it relates to educational background, career level, employment classification, and organizational size.

NOMINATION SCHEDULE

Nominations Due: Thursday, June 4, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (PST)
Election: General Membership Meeting on Monday, July 20, 2026, during the 80th Annual SWAAAE Summer Conference

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

• (1) Second Vice President - Per the Bylaws, the Executive Committee rotation requires candidates be from the state of California
• (1) Arizona Director
• (1) Northern California* Director
• (1) Southern California* Director
• (1) Corporate Director
  

*The dividing line between Northern and Southern California regions shall be the southern boundaries of Monterey, Fresno, and Mono Counties.

Qualifications

Second Vice President (1 available) - The Second Vice President is elected to a four-year term moving progressively through the Executive Committee each year (2nd VP, 1st VP, President, and Immediate Past President and Foundation President). 

Qualifications are as follows:

• Per the Bylaws, the Executive Committee rotation requires 2026-27 candidates be from the state of California;
• Served at least one (1) year on the SWAAAE Board of Directors*;
• Be a current Executive member with at least one (1) year prior membership with SWAAAE and/or AAAE and/or another AAAE Regional Chapter, OR
• Are a Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.), OR
• Are an active Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) as determined by the American Association of Airport Executives; AND
• Have a substantive understanding of the SWAAAE business model and culture; AND
• Are recommended for the nomination by the Executive Committee

The SWAAAE President serves as the Vice President of the SWAAAE Foundation Board during their term as President. During their term as Immediate Past President of SWAAAE, they serve as a President of the SWAAAE Foundation.

*Prior service on the SWAAAE Board of Directors need not immediately precede the nomination for the office.

Directors (3 available) Qualifications - Each Director Position is a Two-Year Term

• Be a current Executive member with at least one (1) year prior membership with SWAAAE and/or AAAE and/or another AAAE Regional Chapter; OR
• Are a Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.), OR
• Are an active Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) as determined by the American Association of Airport Executives; AND
• Have demonstrated prior active participation in, and contribution to, the Chapter as determined by the Executive Committee; AND
• Are recommended for the nomination by the Executive Committee
  
  

Corporate Director (1 available) - Two-Year Term

• Be a current Corporate member with at least one (1) year prior membership with SWAAAE and/or AAAE and/or another AAAE Regional Chapter, AND
• Have demonstrated prior active participation in, and contributed to, the Chapter as determined by the Executive Committee; AND
• Are recommended for the nomination by the Executive Committee
  
  

Additional Qualifications for All Nominees:

• Be well-respected in the industry;
• Has demonstrated the following:
  - Strategic thinking and decision-making proficiencies;
  - Industry knowledge, involvement, and experience;
  - Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills;
  - Desirable Leadership traits;
  - Integrity, disciplined, and focused attitude/behaviors;
• Has the support of their employer for time commitment, participation, and travel requirements
  
  

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

If you are interested in running for any of the positions listed above, please provide the following:

• Personal statement of interest;
• Letter from your employer on airport or company letterhead indicating support for the time commitment, participation, and travel (four in-person Board meetings per year, two are in conjunction with SWAAAE Conferences);
• Current resume;
• Headshot/Photo;
• Candidate Statement for Elections (will be sent to the membership with the ballot to vote)

All nomination packets should be sent via email to SWAAAE by Thursday, June 4, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (PST).

If you have any questions, please contact Immediate Past President Courtney Johnson.