RIC Chief Operating Officer Named Virginia Airport Executive of the Year

John B. Rutledge honored for more than 20 years of airport leadership

During the 2026 Virginia Aviation Awards ceremony, Richmond International Airport’s (RIC) Chief Operating Officer John B. Rutledge was recognized as the Airport Executive of the Year.

“It’s always exciting to see well-deserved recognition, and John Rutledge is the quiet force helping Richmond International Airport prioritize modernization and expansion to provide a world-class passenger experience,” Perry J. Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P., president and CEO of Richmond International Airport. “A smooth journey from ticketing to touchdown is easy to take for granted, but John is always behind the scenes guiding our team as we make RIC the region’s preferred gateway to the world.”

“Unlike the roads we travel, the sky holds no historical markers. There are no signs to tell us who has passed this way before...” said Greg Campbell, DOAV director, in his remarks to attendees. “The Commonwealth’s aviation legacy lives on through the stories we tell of the enterprising individuals who built this industry.”

For the past two decades, Rutledge has served as a member of RIC’s leadership, first as the director of planning and engineering, then as chief operating officer (COO). He oversees day-to-day airport operations, planning, capital development, and public safety functions. His extensive expertise in engineering and financial stewardship combined with a wealth of industry experience have helped RIC navigate periods of substantial growth and become an economic engine in the Richmond region. Outside of the office, his focus is on strengthening his faith and spending time with family.

Rutledge was recognized alongside other 2026 award winners, including:

• Person of the Year – Delegate Karrie Delaney, Virginia House of Delegates, 9^th District
• Educator of the Year – Cindy Watson, Forest Middle School in Bedford County, Va.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Mike Mickel, Chesterfield County, Va.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Michael Cooper, Loudon County, Va.

About Richmond International Airport (RIC)

Richmond International Airport’s vision is to be the region’s preferred gateway to the world by focusing on world-class customer experience and operational excellence that drives passenger choice. Activities at RIC contribute nearly 13,500 jobs and $2.97 billion to central Virginia’s economy, according to a new report from the VCU School of Business Executive MBA program. To learn more, please visit RIC on the web, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, or YouTube.