Sarasota Bradenton International Airport CEO To Retire

SARASOTA, FL — After nearly three decades, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport president and chief executive officer announced his retirement.

Rick Piccolo will step down from his role at the airport on June 30, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.
The airport has seen significant growth in recent years with an expansion project under way.

“As I enter my 30th year at the helm of SRQ, I have been blessed to work with so many outstanding professionals and have enjoyed tremendous support from distinguished board members throughout my time here. I look forward to having more time to spend with my family,” he said in a prepared statement.

After this, Piccolo will serve in the role of advisor until Dec. 31, 2025, the Observer said.

Korn Ferry, a national executive search firm, will search for his replacement, reports said.

“The airport has been fortunate to have such an outstanding individual for nearly three decades and the tremendous growth and development of the airport is a testament to his leadership,” Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority chairman Robert Spencer said, according to the Bradenton Herald. “A national search will ensue utilizing the professional search firm Korn Ferry with a goal to have the new executive in place before summer.”

Piccolo has more than 53 years of experience in the aviation industry beginning in 1970 at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, according to a news release.

Upon moving to Florida, he worked at Tampa International Airport, followed by his tenure as assistant airport director at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.

Piccolo has served as president and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport since 1995, the airport said.

He has overseen a myriad of challenges in his 29-year tenure while still managing to lead the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to become the fastest growing airport in the U.S. amongst the largest 100 airports when comparing 2023 vs. 2018, the airport said.