EDC awards SRQ chief its highest honor

Last week’s Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County’s 2024 annual meeting at The Ora in Sarasota was a celebration of the organization's accomplishments over the past year. 

It was also a double celebration of sorts for Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo, who was surprised with organization’s top honor, the Clyde Nixon Leadership Award.

In introducing the award at the Sept. 12 event, Sean Bagan, interim president and CEO of award sponsor Helios Technologies, traced Piccolo’s 53-year career in airport operations, beginning in 1970 as a janitor at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Following a military stint, he returned to the aviation industry with a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo and began climbing the boarding stairs of airport administration.

He has served as president and CEO of SRQ for 28 years. 

“He has expertly navigated the airport through multiple expansions, economic downturns, post-9/11, travel changes and the challenges of COVID-19,” Bagan said of Piccolo. “Under his leadership, SRQ has flourished, becoming one of the nation's fastest growing airports with a 300% increase in passenger traffic in the last few years. His influence extends beyond SRQ, making a significant impact on the aviation industry at state, national and global levels, all while deeply engaging with Sarasota and Bradenton communities.”

In addition to celebrating his award, Piccolo also announced that, the next day, he and his wife, Sally, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

“I thought I was just coming here for lunch,” Piccolo said. "First of all, I want to thank the EDC and board for this wonderful honor. I know this isn’t possible, though, without the support of a lot of people. I have a tremendous board that's very supportive of what we do. I have a wonderful staff. This is the fourth airport that I've worked at, but this is the best staff I've ever seen.”

After thanking Sally for her support as well, he offered a piece of marital longevity advice.

“I know this will sound a bit old-fashioned and misogynist, but I told Sally that I will make all the big decisions and you can make all the small decisions, and I expect you to support me in all the big decisions,” Piccolo said. “I'm pleased to say that after 50 years of marriage, I have never had to make a big decision.”