As a director in the Business + Finance Group at LeighFisher, James Gill leverages 25 years of experience to help the global consultancy’s airport industry clients improve fiscal planning and management and increase revenue. Jim Gill holds two of his industry’s most prestigious designations: Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) and International Airport Professional (IAP).
Previously, as the president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, he oversaw the first phase of a $45-million project to transform the airport gateways with new lounges, a post-security marketplace, and consolidated security processes. Gill also sought to make the Grand Rapids, MI, airport more technologically advanced and increase the number of direct flights. His efforts led to record-high customer satisfaction ratings and increased passenger traffic by 16 percent. Because of his achievements, Gill was recognized as a finalist for the 2017 Newsmaker of the Year Award from the Grand Rapids Business Journal.
Prior to relocating to Michigan, James Gill worked for the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) as chief operating officer and chief financial officer. In these roles, he improved the customer experience by enhancing facility amenities and removing operational inefficiencies. He also negotiated new service agreements with Frontier Airlines and other carriers, adding 12 new destinations. In addition, his negotiations with Uber made Pittsburgh International Airport one of the first commercial airports in the US to allow transportation network company service.
During his time with ACAA, Jim Gill was twice recognized as a CFO of the Year Finalist by the Pittsburgh Times. He also received multiple Awards of Excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association in recognition of his implementation of best practices in finance and accounting.
Earlier in his career, Gill worked for the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority as deputy airport director of finance, business, and administration. In this position, he helped improve the airport’s credit rating, completed its first revenue bond financing, negotiated the purchase of a terminal, and spearheaded a passenger facility charge program.
Outside of his work in the aviation industry, Gill has been actively involved in community and local business organizations such as the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Economic Club, and Experience Grand Rapids. In addition, he founded the Pittsburgh Airport Area Kiwanis Club.
Jim Gill's Blog 