Rick Piccolo has over 53 years of experience in the aviation industry. He launched his career in1970 as a custodian at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. After earning a BS in Business Administration from SUNY-Buffalo, he held several positions at the airport including Building Superintendent, Property Manager, Assistant to Airport Manager, and Assistant Director of Operations. Upon moving to Florida, he worked in the Operations Department at Tampa International Airport, followed by his tenure as Assistant Airport Director at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.

Mr. Piccolo has served as President, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport since 1995. He has overseen a myriad of challenges in his 30-year tenure including multiple airport expansions, economic recessions, the trials of travel after September 11and most recently, navigating obstacles during and after Covid. SRQ is currently one of the fastest-
growing airports in the country, with a 300% increase in passenger traffic compared to pre-Covid numbers.

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2005 – FDOT Aviation Professional of the Year

2005 – FAA Airport Manager of the Year

2007 – Chairman, Airports Council International–North America

2009 – Small Airport CEO of the Year, Airport Revenue News

2010 – Chairman, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

2013 to 2015 – Chairman, Airports Council International–World

2018 to 2021 – Past Chairman, Airports Council International–World

2020 – Chairman, United Way Suncoast Campaign

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Currently – Board of Trustees, University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee

Currently – Board of Directors, Easterseals Foundation