August 2025
Airport Executive Earns Prestigious Accreditation
Congratulations to Matthew Heil, A.A.E., Deputy Aviation Director of Strategy, Policy and Administration for the Aviation Department, who successfully attained the coveted Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation.
This designation is administered by the American Association of Airport Executives, the largest professional organization for airport employees, and is considered a pinnacle of airport management.
To qualify for this distinction, Matt had to successfully complete three phases of the accreditation process:
- Pass a 180-item multiple-choice examination;
- Fulfill a writing requirement;
- Demonstrate his knowledge of airport management, business administration and general transportation economics in a panel interview by other accredited executives.
By fulfilling all the requirements leading to the title of Accredited Airport Executive, Matt joins a select group of individuals who have earned the designation that has been in existence since 1954.
Thanks to Matthew’s mentor Tim Reid, A.A.E., Riverside County Aviation and to his panelists Harry Barrett, Jr., A.A.E., Palm Springs International Airport, Brett Godown, A.A.E., San Bernardino County and Andrew Solsvig, A.A.E., MBA, Redding Regional Airport.
(Back row, from left: Brett Godown, Andrew Solsvig, Harry Barrett. Front row: Matthew Heil.)