Palm Springs, CA — The Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) has named Harry Barrett, Jr., AAE, Executive Director of Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), as the 2025 Airport Executive of the Year, the organization’s highest individual honor.
The award recognizes an airport leader who demonstrates courage, innovation, and measurable impact on their airport, community, and the aviation industry. Barrett was nominated by his peers for his transformational leadership at PSP, marked by strategic growth, operational transparency, and a people-first culture.
Since joining PSP in 2020, Barrett has overseen a period of historic growth. He was named Executive Director in 2022 after quickly rising through key leadership roles, including Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance, Assistant Airport Director, and Interim Director. During his tenure, he has secured more than $6 million in FAA grants to modernize PSP’s outbound baggage system and led major infrastructure projects, including a $36 million TSA and ticket lobby expansion and an $11 million passenger loading bridge replacement.
Barrett also launched ProgressPSP.com, a public-facing website that tracks airport capital projects and promotes fiscal transparency. He issued PSP’s first-ever economic impact study, revealing that last year the airport generated over $2.5 billion in economic activity, supported more than 18,000 jobs, and produced $382 million in tax revenue — most of which stays within local communities. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to accountability and community engagement.
Beyond capital investment, Barrett nearly doubled PSP’s staff during a period of rapid growth and has fostered a values-based culture where employees feel supported and empowered. He has also advanced inclusive hiring through partnerships that create meaningful job opportunities for adults with disabilities.
“Harry’s ability to balance warmth with clarity, friendship with leadership, and bold vision with everyday execution has created a rare kind of workplace: one where people feel proud to serve,” one nomination read.
Another nomination stated, “His innovative approach to airport management, paired with a commitment to transparency and community partnerships, has positioned PSP as not just an airport, but a regional engine for opportunity and economic growth.”
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Barrett holds advanced degrees in aeronautics, public administration, and global management. He also serves in national leadership roles with AAAE, including chairing the Inclusion in Aviation Committee and serving as a national AAAE Director.
The SWAAAE Airport Executive of the Year Award is presented annually to one leader across the Southwest Chapter region — which includes Arizona, Nevada, California, Hawaii, the American Trust Territories in the South Pacific, the Baja Norte/Sur–Sonora regions of Mexico, and the countries of Australia and New Zealand — for excellence, impact, and integrity in the aviation profession.
ABOUT PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) served more than 3.2 million passengers in 2024, serving as the Coachella Valley’s gateway to the world. Owned and operated by the City of Palm Springs, PSP is the region’s only commercial airport and the closest airport to Joshua Tree National Park.
During peak season, 11 airlines provide nonstop service to 30 airports during peak season with one-stop connections to more than 300 global cities.
U.S. nonstop routes include Atlanta, Austin, Bellingham, Boise, Chicago Midway, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas Love, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Washington Dulles, Everett, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York JFK, Newark, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle. Canadian nonstop routes include Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.
Airlines serving PSP include Air Canada, Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Porter, Southwest, Sun Country, United, and WestJet. Some routes and carriers are seasonal. Learn more at flyPSP.com, follow @flyPSP on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and subscribe at flyPSP.com/updates.
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