She Runs Sacramento’s Airport Like a City | Cindy Nichol on Innovation, Expansion & Leadership

Cindy Nichol is the powerhouse behind Sacramento’s entire airport system—including SMF, Mather, Executive, and Franklin Field. As Director of Airports for Sacramento County, she’s leading a $1.3 billion transformation while running an operation that functions more like a city than a terminal.

On this episode, Cindy Nichol reveals what it takes to run an airport that operates like a city—and why SMF is preparing for the future.

✈️ How SMF is expanding to meet record passenger demand
🏗️ The strategy behind the SMForward capital program
💡 Why innovation and local partnerships are central to the airport’s future
🌍 What it will take to bring nonstop flights to Europe and Asia
🛠️ And how she empowers her team to lead with purpose and try new things

Whether you travel often or just want a look behind the curtain of how critical infrastructure really works—this episode is packed with insights on leadership, logistics, and long-term vision.

Website: https://sacramento.aero/scas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FlySMF/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SacIntlAirport
YouTube:  @sacramentointlairport5800  

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00:00 – Intro – The Backyard Advantage & Guest Introduction  
01:34 – Running an Airport Is Like Running a City  
03:14 – Top 5 Airport Complaints Game (Bathrooms, TSA, Food Prices)  
10:34 – Fixing Airport Food: Local Partnerships & New Offerings  
12:10 – Business Model for Concessionaires  
13:03 – Airport Workers: The Hidden Heroes  
19:00 – Why Baggage Handling Is Still a Challenge in Terminal A  
22:42 – What’s Working at SMF + $1.4B Expansion Overview  
23:58 – Skybridge to Replace Crowded People Mover  
26:00 – New Parking Garage: More Than Double Capacity  
27:41 – Public Art & Local Identity in the Airport  
30:29 – Adding 6 New Gates + More Public Art  
33:26 – Upcoming Rental Car Facility & Walkable Campus  
36:06 – Managing 4 Airports & a $1.4B Expansion  
38:45 – How Airline Fees Work & Airport Revenue  
39:51 – Drones, AI, and the Future of Airport Innovation  
41:29 – Chasing Nonstop Flights to Europe & Asia  
46:27 – Culture of Innovation & Empowering Staff  
47:49 – Accessibility Tech for Visually Impaired Travelers  
48:29 – Faster, Smarter Construction: New Delivery Methods  
49:09 – Closing Thoughts – Why SMF Just Works  


#MarkHaneyShow #CindyNichol #SacramentoAirport #SMF #Leadership #SMForward #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #sacramento 
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If this episode inspires you to be part of the movement, and you believe, like me, that entrepreneurs are the answer to our future, message me so we can join forces to support building truly great companies in our region. 
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Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur that has experience growing companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the CEO and founder of HaneyBiz 
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Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarkhaney​ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/themarkhaney 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markehaney​ 
Website: http://haneybiz.com​ 
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