2026 C-suite government: PERRY MILLER

Supporting more than 14,000 jobs and generating approximately $2.4 billion in annual economic impact, Richmond International Airport plays a significant role in the region’s economy.

Under his stewardship since 2019, the airport has achieved consecutive records in both passenger traffic and cargo volume, welcoming more than 4.9 million passengers and 223 million pounds in 2025. Last June, RIC launched nonstop service to Bermuda, its first international route in more than a decade, and direct service to London Heathrow is under consideration.

A Texas Southern University graduate, he currently serves on the board of directors for Airports Council International-North America.

This year, Miller announced a roughly $253.1 million expansion of the airport under the Wheels Up 2030 strategic plan. Construction of a consolidated security screening checkpoint and other updates are expected to take about three years and make the small hub airport a medium-sized one.

Troy Bell, the airport’s director of air service development and corporate communications, says Miller leads transformation “by building trust, aligning stakeholders and clearly communicating the ‘why’ behind every decision.”