Airports Council Announces Damian Brooke, Brandy James, and Maria Kim, and Sheri Ernico as the 2026 Airport Finance Professionals and Finance Partner of the Year

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, today announced Damian Brooke from Tampa International Airport (TPA), Brandy James from Charleston International Airport (CHS), and Maria Kim from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) as recipients of the 2026 ACI-NA Finance Professionals of the Year Award.

ACI-NA also awarded Sheri Ernico as the inaugural Finance Partner of the Year, a new recognition introduced this year for finance professionals at associate member or World Business Partner organizations who demonstrate outstanding expertise in financial management, planning, analysis, or advisory services within the airport and aviation sector.

The recipients were recognized on Wednesday, June 24, at the ACI-NA 2026 Business of Airports Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"Airport and industry finance leaders are essential to ensuring North America's airports remain financially resilient and well-positioned to meet future demands, benefiting travelers and the communities they serve," said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. "This year's honorees, Damian Brooke, Brandy James, Maria Kim, and Sheri Ernico have all demonstrated exceptional acumen for finance, which has delivered impressive results for their organizations and the traveling public. Through innovative financial strategies and a commitment to long-term success, they have strengthened their airports and businesses, supported their teams, and enhanced the passenger experience while effectively navigating an evolving economic landscape. I applaud their achievements and dedication to the aviation industry."

Large Airport Finance Professional of the Year: Damian Brooke, Tampa International Airport

For more than a decade, Damian Brooke has served as Chief Financial Officer at Tampa International Airport (TPA), helping transform the airport into one of the industry's strongest financial performers. In this role, he has overseen a complex financial portfolio while guiding an upcoming $6 billion capital program and more than $3 billion in Master Plan Projects, including a new 16-gate Airside D, a full rebuild of the main terminal ticketing and baggage system, and the reconstruction of a primary runway.

Brooke brings a forward-looking, strategic approach to airport finance, strengthening TPA's operating margins, growing investment income, and building cash reserves to historic levels. He has advanced innovative commercial partnerships, including AI initiatives now deployed across the airport. Brooke was also a member of ACI-NA's Finance Committee Steering Group for almost a decade and participated in ACI World's Standing Economics Committee for five years.

Medium Airport Finance Professional of the Year: Brandy James, Charleston International Airport

Brandy James is the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Charleston International Airport (CHS). During her tenure, James has led several transformational financial initiatives, including designing and executing a multi-phase debt strategy that reduced the airport's total debt service costs by more than $42 million, highlighted by CHS's first Cinderella refunding and a $16.7 million debt defeasance. These tactics have strategically positioned the airport for its ten-year, multi-project capital improvement program estimated at more than $1 billion, including a $360 million parking garage expansion, a $110 million terminal enhancement, and a larger terminal expansion adding new gates, an expanded ticketing hall, an additional TSA checkpoint, and upgraded baggage systems. In addition, James led the implementation of a new cloud-based ERP and budgeting system, modernizing financial operations and strengthening cybersecurity across the organization. James is also an active industry leader, serving as Chair of ACI-NA's Accounting and Finance Working Group, hosting the most recent Airport CFO Summit, and contributing to national discussions on airport financial policy and standards.

Small Airport Finance Professional of the Year: Maria Kim, Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Maria Kim is the Chief Financial Officer at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). During her tenure, she has led transformative financial initiatives, including executing more than $600 million in financing to support the airport's largest-ever capital development program. Her efforts have helped deliver a major consolidated rental car facility, launch a new passenger lounge, and expand retail, and food and beverage offerings. Additionally, Kim has played a key role in growing GRR's revenue, enhancing financial accountability, and promoting sound financial management through mentorship, education, and collaboration across the airport. She is an active contributor to ACI-NA's Community Opportunity Working Group and Strategic Planning and Performance Management Working Group, helping advance best practices and foster innovation across the aviation industry.

Airport Finance Partner of the Year Award: Sheri Ernico, Jacobs

ACI-NA also announced the inaugural Finance Partner of the Year Award, a new recognition introduced this year for finance professionals at associate member or World Business Partner organizations who demonstrate outstanding expertise in financial management, planning, analysis, or advisory services within the airport and aviation sector.

Sheri Ernico is a principal at Jacobs with more than 40 years of experience in the airport industry, having worked as both a consultant and airport finance director. She has contributed to the successful delivery of numerous milestone projects, including the new Denver International Airport (which replaced Denver Stapleton), two new terminal developments at Pittsburgh International, the new terminal complex at Kansas City International, the new Terminal B at Sacramento International, the new South Terminal and APM at Orlando International, and the International Terminal at San Francisco International. Ernico is an active member of ACI-NA's Finance Steering Group and a mentor to many in the industry.