The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation announced today the appointment of M. Denise Bailey as Deputy Director of Aviation, Business Diversity, and Accessibility. 

As the Department operates the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and the Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), in Bailey's new role she will lead both airports in fulfilling their responsibilities with different programs, including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), their Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE), and the Small Business and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The DBE was implemented to ensure that small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals have a fair opportunity when competing for transportation contracts, with the ACDBE made to support airport partner businesses.

The final act, the ADA, requires that all facilities built by public accommodations — including those of small businesses — be accessible by those with disabilities.

In her new role, Bailey will ensure the airport's compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) requirements while also driving diversity within businesses, and oversee efforts to build more capacity and accessibility.

“We are excited to welcome Denise to our team,” said Tracy Borda, Department of Aviation CFO in a press release. “Denise worked closely with the airports for many years as a consultant and her expertise in business diversity will be a tremendous asset as we continue to enhance our program.”

Bailey's prior experience includes her previous role where she managed the Government Consulting Department of Milligan Consulting, LLC; a marginalized community member owned firm based in Philadelphia. 

Over the course of her 30 years of leadership, the firm consulted for Federal, State, and local governments in matters of diversity, economic development, and transportation grant compliance.

In addition, she led a team of professionals in providing services to multiple industries, such as the aviation, transit, and highway industries. 

Bailey earned her Bachelors of Science in Commerce and Engineering from Drexel University, where she would gain her first experience in aviation during a cooperative education program with PHL's Engineering Department.

Bailey holds membership with the Airport Minority Advisory Council, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, and Women's Transportation Seminar.