Rodriguez Recognized with Hispanic Business Council Leadership Award
Indy airport executive has history of ‘taking on tough challenges and elevating organizations’
INDIANAPOLIS (May 22, 2017) – Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, has been recognized with the Indy Chamber’s Hispanic Business Council Leadership Award.
HBC Executive Director Gustavo Escalante said the Leadership Award “highlights those in our community who have blazed a trail and found success, and celebrates their achievements to inspire even more success.”
Rodriguez, an engineer by training, has served in the aviation-management industry for 29 years and has a track record of taking on tough challenges and elevating organizations from good to great. His leadership success has been instrumental in leading the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to achieve some of the most prestigious honors in the aviation industry – including being ranked the highest in customer satisfaction among mid-sized airports in North America, per a J.D. Power air-traveler survey.
“Throughout my career, I’ve found that no matter the organization, its success depends on connecting with the community, having a team of diverse thinkers in place across all functions, and cultivating a culture that is passionate about moving the organization forward,” said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, who was among five Indy executives selected to receive this year’s award, has also served in leadership roles with the Long Beach Airport and the Palm Beach International Airport. He also helped to lead the Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans through the recovery from Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters in modern U.S. history.
In 2016, Rodriguez was a recipient of the Men of Excellence Award, presented by the Circle City Links organization for his ability to rise above adversity. The White House also named Rodriguez in 2016 to serve on the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection.
The HBC supports the Hispanic business community through programs like Conexión that engage employers, civic partners and other decision-makers and the Mentor-Protégé Program to encourage the development of Hispanic-owned businesses.