The Naples Airport Authority (NAA) announces that Ken Warriner, Senior Director of Finance and Administration, has received the prestigious 2024 Risk Management Professional of the Year award in the Small and Non-Hub Airport category by Airports Council International- North America (ACI-NA). This recognition highlights his exceptional leadership in managing risk and ensuring operational resilience at the Naples Airport, a leading general aviation facility in the United States.

Warriner's award-winning work is built on his strategic oversight of key airport departments, including risk management, accounting, information technology and procurement. His expertise in risk management has been particularly vital due to Naples Airport's coastal location and exposure to natural hazards, including three hurricanes in the past two years.

His leadership in securing a comprehensive flood insurance policy for the airport is one of his notable achievements, safeguarding it from the potential devastating impact of storm surge. Warriner's skillful management of disaster recovery processes was put to the ultimate test following Hurricane Ian in September 2022. He played a pivotal role in managing a $10+ million insurance claim and collaborated with FEMA after the storm. His efforts helped ensure the airport's swift recovery, allowing it to quickly return to operation after suffering significant damage, including severe flooding that submerged critical infrastructure.

He also has proactively improved safety and reduced risk across the airport's operations, including collaborating with staff to reduce the risk of accidents involving vehicles on the airfield ramp and implementing a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) program ahead of regulatory requirements. This leadership has directly contributed to a significant reduction in the airport's workers' compensation claims.

Warriner's leadership also extends to managing cybersecurity and fraud prevention, having led the airport's information technology initiatives to strengthen and protect its information systems.

"Ken's dedication to risk management and his strategic vision for our airport's safety and resilience have been invaluable," said Chris Rozansky, Executive Director of the Naples Airport Authority. "His tireless efforts, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, have ensured that the Naples Airport thrives in the face of challenges. We are incredibly proud to see Ken recognized for his contributions to our airport and the broader aviation community."

About Naples Airport

Naples Airport is ideally located within minutes of downtown Naples, the Gulf of Mexico and I-75, connecting people to the Paradise Coast through an exceptional airport experience. The airport serviced 119,075 annual operations and more than 200,000 passengers last year, while being an engaged, responsive partner to the community. Home to corporate aviation, air charter, car rental, flight schools and critical public services such as fire/rescue, air ambulance services, mosquito control and the Collier County Sheriff's Aviation Unit, the airport also prides itself on being the hub of emergency staging during natural disasters, like hurricanes.

All funds used for the airport's operation, maintenance and improvements are generated from activities at the airport or federal and state grants from aviation-related user fees. The airport receives no local tax dollars. The Florida Department of Transportation values the airport's annual economic impact on the community at more than $781 million.

For more information or to subscribe to email updates from the airport, visit http://www.FlyNaples.com.

About Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA)

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) represents local, regional, and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA member airports enplane more than 95 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America. Approximately 380 aviation-related businesses are also members of ACI-NA, providing goods and services to airports. Collectively, U.S. airports support more than 11.5 million jobs and account for $1.4 trillion in economic activity – or more than seven percent of the total U.S. GDP. Canadian airports support 405,000 jobs and contribute C$35 billion to Canada's GDP. Learn more at www.airportscouncil.org.