2025-2026 Board of Directors

Gladys Diva Brown, C.M., C.A.E. is the Airport Director at Yuma International Airport (NYL) and the small rural airport in the City of San Luis known as Rolle Airfield (44A - Aux 4). Yuma International Airport is co-located with the MCAS Yuma and is a Shared Use airport with a Joint Use Operating Agreement. Her leadership has been pivotal in ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and state laws, while fostering a strong partnership with the military and promoting both commercial and general aviation.

Under her guidance, Yuma International Airport was honored as Arizona Airport of the Year in 2015 and 2021 by the Arizona Department of Transportation Aeronautics Group. Ms. Brown's accolades includes being recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Arizona for 2025 by Women We Admire, California Maritime Academy 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award, the SWAAAE President’s Award (2016), SWAAAE Executive of the Year (2017), and the Arizona Airports Association Airport Executive of the Year (2017, 2024). She was also featured in the 2017 Airport Business 40 Under 40 and received the 2017 Yuma Chamber of Commerce Athena International Award.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Brown is deeply committed to community engagement. She volunteers in STEM/AVID programs, serves as Secretary for the Yuma 50, dedicates time with Arizona@Work Youth Services Adult Mentoring Program launching its first corporate community mentorship program, is a founding member of the Naval Sea Cadet Committee Yuma Sea Eagles Squadron, and participates in various educational and youth sports initiatives. A talented musician, she plays the bass clarinet in the Yuma Civic Orchestra and the Arizona Western College Community Band.

Ms. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the California Maritime Academy, accompanied by a U.S. Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer License, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is a Certified Member (C.M.) and Certified Airport Executive (C.A.E.) through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and currently serves as the 1st Vice President for the Southwest Chapter of AAAE (SWAAAE). Within the industry she is known for her enthusiastic personality, exceptional leadership in aviation and her dedication to community service.

Ms. Brown has a strong commitment to her community, believes in mentoring to help build leadership for tomorrow and leads to inspire through passionate forward movement. She is a proud mother of three boys but has a beautiful, blended family of six children whom she loves to cook, bake and spend time with every chance they have all together.

Chad Makovsky was named Aviation Director of the City of Phoenix Aviation Department in March 2021. He provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Phoenix system of airports, including Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT), and Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR). In his role, Mr. Makovsky leads one of America’s largest airports with 24 airlines providing nonstop service to more than 140 destinations across North America and Europe. Mr. Makovsky returned to Phoenix after serving as the Executive Vice President of Operations at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Prior to DFW Airport, Mr. Makovsky held a variety of roles with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, Burbank Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and America West Airlines over his 33-year professional career.

Mr. Makovsky is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives and serves on their International Board (IAAE) and national Policy Review Council. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Airports Council International – North America, as well as on the Airport Oversight Committee for the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP AOC). He also serves on several state, regional, and local boards including the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, the Arizona Governor’s Tourism Advisory Council, and the Arizona Humane Society. He holds a Private Pilot’s License, a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Operations from St. Cloud State University, and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business.

Rick is Airport Director of Prescott Regional Airport, Ernest A. Love Field in Prescott, Arizona.

Prior to moving to Prescott, Rick served as Executive Vice President, Airport/Railport & Military Relations at Port San Antonio/Kelly Field, the former Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Prior to joining Port San Antonio, Crider served as Vice President of Airport Development and Management Services at RW Armstrong, establishing and leading the Austin office that served aviation and transportation customers in the southwestern United States, the Caribbean and Latin America.

Rick is married to Joyce Crider and has three adult children - Philip, Danielle and Natalie.