“It was great celebration for a man who has always given so much to so many.”
– Meshelle Howard
(BALTIMORE – March 24, 2025) – The political maneuvers and obstacles Ricky Smith had to navigate while running BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport would leave many in awe. For those who don’t know, Ricky is Black—and unapologetically so. A proud son of Baltimore, he hails from Whitelock and Brookfield in Reservoir Hill, a community that demands resilience, grit, and excellence from those who emerge from it. Ricky embodies that spirit, representing his family, community, city, and state on the world stage.
Tonight, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum hosted a reception in his honor—fitting, given his next destination. At the end of the month, Ricky is headed south to take the helm at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world.
I couldn’t be happier for him—he has earned this. More than that, he has uplifted countless people along the way. I once heard a preacher say, “You know you have the Holy Spirit when you help empower others.” That philosophy has guided me, and it certainly applies to Ricky. His leadership has opened doors for Black-owned businesses, not just in Baltimore, but across the nation.
This is rare. Too often, when we gain positions of power, we fail to create opportunities for others who look like
us. Ricky, however, has always understood the responsibility that comes with leadership. His journey dates back to the administration of Mayor Kurt Schmoke, when he and a group of young men took action in a city struggling with violence. That effort led to the formation of Black Professional Men, Inc. (BPM). Founding members and past presidents, including Delegate N. Scott Phillips, Esq., Edwin Avent, Omar Muhammad, and Drew Hawkins, were there tonight to honor Ricky’s legacy. Hawkins, in fact, eloquently introduced Ricky to tonight’s audience.
“What a great event to salute a truly deserving leader in this community,” said Avent, the CEO of the Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys.” He added, “Ricky Smith has been a real source of inspiration to so many. His presence is going to be missed in the DMV.”
Ricky attributes BPM as the starting point of his leadership journey. From there, his career took him to the State Highway Administration, then the Maryland Aviation Administration. By 2002, he was running BWI, before heading to Cleveland, only to return in 2014 and transform BWI into a thriving hub for commerce and opportunity. His influence has been profound—especially for the businesses he helped establish within the airport.
“Ricky Smith took Thurgood Marshall BWI Airport to heights never accomplished before in passenger ridership, expanding Southwest Airline presence and promoting diversity in procurement and Black proprietorship,” said Wayne Frazier, CEO of the Maryland-Washington Minority Companies Association. He continued, “He will be sorely missed by many of us because he cared!”
Beyond BWI, Ricky has served as Board Chair for the Greater Baltimore Urban League, reinforcing his commitment to community empowerment. Tonight, he expressed deep gratitude for his mentors and allies, including Zachary McDaniels—whose impact on Ricky’s journey is immeasurable—as well as former Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford and Gov. Wes Moore.
“Governor Hogan & I knew from the beginning of our Administration that we wanted to bring Ricky back to Maryland to run BWI and the Maryland Aviation Authority,” said Lt. Gov. Rutherford. He added, “I recall calling him to ask him to return to Maryland. After doing a wonderful job for Maryland, he is moving on to lead the busiest airport in the world. We know he will just as successful there as he’s been here.”
Ricky Smith successfully navigated Maryland state politics with a rare combination of vision, resilience, and faith. His unapologetic embrace of his identity, his purpose, and his mission made him a maestro in orchestrating growth at BWI.
“Leadership is not about titles or accolades; it’s about impact, influence, and inspiration,” said Omar Muhammad, the Director of the Entrepreneural Development and Assistance Center at Morgan State University. He added, “Ricky Smith, your vision and dedication have transformed BWI into more than just an airport—it’s a gateway to opportunity, progress, and community. As you take flight on your next journey, know that your legacy will always soar high with us. Improve and progress in your next journey.”
I believe Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall would be proud of Ricky. Marshall, a fellow Baltimorean, fought legal battles at the highest level, confronting the realities of race in a 30% Black state and a 60% Black city. Ricky stands on the shoulders of such giants and has, in turn, illuminated the path for others to follow.
It was only fitting that tonight’s celebration took place in a museum named after Baltimore’s first Black billionaire. Ricky Smith’s journey is yet another testament to Black excellence, resilience, and leadership. Job well done, sir!
