Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Announces Promotions to Senior Team, Formation of Commercial Development Department

NASHVILLE – The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) recently announced multiple promotions. Vanessa Hickman has been named chief administrative officer and will oversee MNAA’s Human Resources department, in addition to her role as vice president of Information Technology. Davita Taylor, director of Business Diversity Development, has been named chief of staff and Board liaison. Michael Lee has been named chief commercial officer and head of the newly-formed Commercial Development department.

“Our airports serve as the front doors to our booming city and region,” said Rob Wigington, MNAA president and CEO. “To meet the growing needs of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, we are transforming the Airport Authority to provide the focus and expertise necessary to take on the next generation of airport development. Nashville International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in North America.

“In taking on these new responsibilities, Vanessa, Davita and Michael bring the special talents, extensive industry experience and strong leadership skills that will help MNAA become more entrepreneurial, community engaged and a great place to work – all essential to providing travelers with a great Nashville Airports Experience.”

Vanessa Hickman

Hickman joined MNAA in 2005 as vice president and chief information officer, responsible for procuring, managing and supporting information technology and telecommunications systems for BNA and JWN.

As chief administrative officer, Hickman will broaden her role to lead MNAA’s Human Resources department, which plays a critical role recruiting and retaining the Authority’s workforce, expanding employee development and training opportunities, and promoting MNAA’s values and culture: Integrity, Service, Teamwork and Innovation. In this role, Hickman will focus on strengthening employee engagement and make MNAA an even better place to work and grow professionally.

Hickman is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives. Prior to joining MNAA, Hickman served more than a decade as director of Application Development and Support for Gaylord Entertainment and nearly 20 years at IBM in a variety of roles including marketing, technical marketing support and technical systems management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from East Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in Healthcare Informatics from Lipscomb University.

Davita Taylor

Taylor joined MNAA in 2008 as director of Business Diversity Development, where she oversees programs that provide local small, minority, woman-owned and other disadvantaged businesses maximum opportunities to participate in contracts, programs and all business-related activities at MNAA. The small business program with its robust initiatives, such as its Mentor Protégé and Emerging Contractors programs, will still remain a priority for MNAA with Taylor continuing to provide oversight and direction.

In her new role as chief of staff and Board liaison, Taylor will assist MNAA President and CEO Rob Wigington on a variety of high priority projects and initiatives, working with the Authority’s Board of Commissioners and executive and senior management team to ensure coordination and communication in support of MNAA’s strategic objectives and priorities.

Taylor is a certified master compliance administrator, a member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing and current president of the Middle Tennessee Public Purchasing Association. Her business diversity development career includes work for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Mid-South Minority Business Council and Memphis Light, Gas and Water. Prior to joining MNAA, Taylor served in the small business office for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Austin Peay State University.

Michael Lee

Lee joined MNAA in 2014 as assistant vice president of Business Services and Strategic Initiatives.

As chief commercial officer, Lee will oversee the newly-formed Commercial Development department, which is responsible for revenue-producing enterprises and opportunities, including concessions, properties and car rentals. Lee will identify, pursue and negotiate new business ventures and public-private partnerships for aviation- and non-aviation-related development projects at Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN), including business investments that will enhance customer services and the Nashville Airports Experience, and attract aviation- and non-aviation related development and generate jobs and economic development for the Nashville region.

Lee began his career in airport management in 1998 as part of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport’s properties department. He also served 12 years in various roles at the Houston Airport System, including acting chief financial officer and deputy assistant director of Financial Planning and Analysis. Lee is part of the first graduating class of the joint Airports Council International/ International Civil Aviation Organization’s Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program, earning the International Airport Professional (IAP) designation in 2008. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management from the University of Central Missouri.

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) was established in 1970, and owns and operates Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN). MNAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit www.flynashville.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NashvilleInternationalAirport and follow us on Twitter: @Fly_Nashville.

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