2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Perry J. Miller

Miller joined the Richmond International Airport in 2019, having previously served as interim CEO of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority in Mississippi and in management positions for the Houston airport system. In 2023-24, he was chair of the American Association of Airport Executives, the world’s largest such professional organization.

FIRST JOB: Ron’s Krispy Fried Chicken

MOST MEANINGFUL JOB: Summer clerk with NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. As a clerk, I supported the development of a budget for the space shuttle program. I learned the importance of communication and urgency, and that every job was important and contributed to the achievement of the mission.

WHOSE FOOTSTEPS I’M FOLLOWING: I am the first member of my family to pursue a career in aviation. However, I attribute my exposure to the industry to my Uncle Jardene, who introduced me to remote-controlled aircraft at a very young age, and my Uncle Leroy, who introduced me to the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds that performed during the airshows we attended.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE MY MENTOR GAVE ME: Continue to invest in yourself. Your competitors are as fierce and determined as you are to excel.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: To be voted as chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). I started the first student chapter of AAAE at Texas Southern University and was its first president. Decades later, I served as chair of this prestigious organization with over 10,000 members representing nearly 875 airports and authorities.

FAVORITE PLACE I’VE TRAVELED: I love exploring archeological sites with biblical significance. Therefore, Egypt, Greece, Turkey and Israel are at the top of my list.