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By Harika Rao '11 '15Published Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012
Nina Demeo '88 is the airport manager for the North Perry Airport, Hollywood International Airport. She lives in Boca Raton and is a mother of two beautiful daughters, Camilla and Celina. I had a conversation with Nina about her time at Lynn and her current success:
1) How did Lynn University help you get where you are today?
In 1984 the aviation program was new; I was the second woman to enroll in the program and the first to graduate in May 1988. The program covered topics such as Airport Planning, Fixed Base Operator Management, Aviation Law, Air transportation, all of which were great classes preparing me for the aviation industry.
Lynn University gave me exposure to the courses I needed to truly understand what the field I was about to embark on, was all about. Great professors were accessible and helpful. I met people at Lynn from all parts of the world, who I am still friends with today. As of this writing I have been in aviation management for the past 24 years.
2) Any particular faculty that inspired/influenced you?
E.K.Morice. What a wonderful man. He was very patient with the students and very passionate about aviation. It was hard not to get excited about the future with such an endearing and smart man as my teacher.
3) How big is the North Perry Airport?
The airport has four runways and a contracted air traffic control tower. With over 300 based aircraft and 141, 000 operations a year, the airport is a very busy general aviation airport.
4) What is a typical day for you?
I manage the day to day activities, which include business planning, finance and budgeting, airport planning and development, airfield maintenance and operations. No day is like the other as the airport always offers up its challenges.
5) Do you belong to any professional organizations?
I am a member of American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and Florida Airport Council (FAC) Most recently I was elected to serve on the Executive Board of FAC representing General Aviation Airports in Florida. FAC is recognized by aviation experts as one of the most effective airport organizations in the nation.
During my tenure at North Perry Airport the airport received the FAA Runway Safety Award for runway safety initiatives completed on the airfield and the State of Florida awarded the Airport with the Airport of the Year Award.
It is an honor and privilege to be a part of an industry that displays so much enthusiasm and passion, I am grateful every day for being in my position. Couldn’t have done it, without a great start, Lynn University!