Brian Ryks, CEO, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, USA

Speaker Biograghy: Brian D. Ryks, AAE, has over 29 years' experience in the aviation industry and is currently the Chief Executive Officer for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, MI. He is responsible for the overall administration, financing, operations, maintenance and development of the international airport. Before arriving in Grand Rapids, he held similar positions as Executive Director of the Duluth (Minnesota) Airport Authority, overseeing the Duluth International Airport and Sky Harbor, a general aviation airport, St. Cloud (Minnesota) Regional Airport and Aberdeen (South Dakota) Regional Airport. Brian has also held positions at the Denver International Airport and Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. He holds a BA from St. Cloud State University. He is a licensed private pilot with instrument flight certificate. Brian is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).


Day 1 - 15 March
Session:
Commercial Development, Retail, Concessions & Media


16:00 - 16:25 - An innovative funding approach to terminal development
Synopsis: The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has experienced tremendous growth over the past two years. A 40,000ft2 terminal expansion project is needed to consolidate and streamline passenger screening and enhance the overall experience for airport customers. The airport has taken an innovative funding approach through corporate sponsorship and philanthropic funding to finance the project. The presentation will provide an overview of the process to introduce and build regional support for this innovate funding concept.

Audience will learn: