Only a few women worldwide hold top positions in the aviation industry. Cindy Nichol is one of them.
As director of airports for the Sacramento County Department of Airports, Nichol oversees each of the county’s four airports, including Sacramento International (SMF), Mather Airport (MHR), Executive Airport (SAC), and Franklin Field (F72).
“I really want people in this region to feel pride in their airports.” — Cindy Nichol, Director of Airports
Growing up, she admired pioneer Amelia Earhart and never viewed aviation as just for men. While working at the Massachusetts Port Authority in the 1980s, she had several women to look up to.
“Two of five board members and three of five department heads were strong, thoughtful women,” says Nichol. “So, I had early inspiration and was fortunate to have good men and women mentors who helped me gain expertise and move up.”
She became finance director at San Francisco International Airport and CFO at the Port of Portland before her 2018 selection as Sacramento County’s director of airports.
“I attended an airport CEO summit and saw less than 10% women,” says Nichol, “so I joined with women nationwide who are airport CEOs in Executive Women in Aviation, a group that provides support and useful advice in a safe environment.”
Nichol says that several women in the group are now in leadership roles at airports — and in January, she took over leadership of the group itself. She is also in leadership roles in two more industry associations, Airports Council International, North America and California Airports Council.
“Both groups give me a platform to know what’s happening in the industry and to mentor both men and women to the next level,” she says.
Recently named Director of the Year for medium-sized airports by Airport Experience News, Nichol looks ahead with excitement to Sacramento International’s forthcoming growth, including new parking, dining, intermodal terminal access, and new gates for airlines.
