Piccolo wins statewide aviation leadership award

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo was recently awarded the 2024 Aviation Leadership Award by the Florida Airports Council. The award is presented to an airport professional who has demonstrated outstanding service and contributions to the Florida airport community.

The award emphasizes Piccolo’s assistance over the last two years with FAC leadership and state personnel on numerous legislative issues. He worked with the FAC Executive Board and all Florida airport CEOs to establish new leadership within the organization. 

With more than 50 years of experience in the aviation industry, Piccolo began his career in 1970 at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Upon moving to Florida, he worked at Tampa International Airport, followed by a tenure as assistant airport director at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. 

He has served as president and CEO of SRQ since 1995, overseeing its growth as the fastest growing airport in the United States among the 100 largest airports from 2018 to 2023.

The Florida Airports Council is the official association of publicly owned and operated airports in the state. It is composed of members representing all 20 Florida commercial service airports and 75 of the state’s publicly owned general aviation airports.