Indy Airport Developing Workforce to Combat Industry Upheaval

Carrico and Fiscus Promoted to New Leadership Roles

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 6, 2024) – The Indianapolis Airport Authority is reaping positive results in its decade-long effort to address a pending personnel upheaval predicted for the aviation industry. As an example, the IAA has recently named Megan Carrico to the position of senior director of public affairs across the authority’s operations, which include the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and all of its regional airports throughout the Indianapolis-Metro area. Additionally, Rebecca Fiscus has been named the IAA’s new director of the capital program, also impacting all of the IAA’s operations and facilities.

Both Carrico and Fiscus represent leadership grown from within, a practice the IAA is intentionally striving to implement as part of its overall workforce recruitment, growth and development efforts.

“Megan and Rebecca exemplify how we’re building our workforce for today and into the future,” said IAA Executive Director Mario Rodriguez. “We’re looking for ‘people people’ who have an excellent customer service mentality and who want to take advantage of our development opportunities to learn, contribute and grow a career at the airport.”

Rodriguez said it’s more than an HR program; it’s a crucial strategy to address several critical factors facing the aviation industry – from mass retirements to the pandemic’s continued impact and workforce retention challenges in general.

Carrico joined IAA at 25 and has progressively grown into higher leadership positions across her near-decade tenure. She will become the newest member of the IAA’s senior leadership team, joining a growing number of long-tenured and highly qualified professionals who help to lead the airport, earning it honors like Best Airport in North America for 12 years running, as well as recognition from organizations like J.D. Power, Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.

She oversees the IAA’s strategic external communications and supports the region’s tourism, hospitality and economic development efforts. Carrico has helped to lead some of the most memorable spotlight moments at the Indy airport in recent years, such as activities supporting the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming, 2024 NBA All-Star, 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship, 2021 NCAA Men’s March Madness Tournament and annual events including Indy 500, National FFA Convention and Gen Con.

Along with being named to the IBJ’s 40 Under 40 roster in 2023 and a Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series alum, Carrico has also earned honors such as the Public Relations Society of America’s Hoosier Catalyst Award, the Ball State University Graduate of the Last Decade Award, and the Indianapolis Urban League’s Volunteer Appreciation Award. She serves on the Indy Partnership Council and supports her alma mater in the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication Alumni Society and through Women of Beneficence.

Fiscus Named New Director of Capital Program

Fiscus began her career with the IAA at 28, where she started as a treasury analyst and was quickly promoted as the authority’s treasury manager in the finance department. She transitioned into the planning and development department and became the manager of the capital program in 2021 and was promoted recently to the director role.

She oversees over a $2 billion capital program and its multiple funding sources, ensuring its compliance with federal grant regulations and maintaining a five-year capital program. Fiscus also has been part of $516 million new money debt issuances funding capital projects. The Indy airport is 100 percent user fee-based and does not rely on state or local taxes to fund its operations.

Fiscus was named to the Airport Business 40 Under 40 list in 2023 and was a 2021 Indy’s Best and Brightest finalist. Her work also helped the IAA to earn an Exceptional Recognition Award, the highest distinction the Environmental Protection Agency Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success Award for innovative use of state-revolving funds for clean water projects.

Indy Airport Facing Challenge of Retirement ‘Tsunami’ in Aviation Industry

The IAA will see 25 percent of its seasoned workforce eligible to retire by 2026. However, the IAA is investing in a range of recruitment and development activities – along with compensation and benefits for retention – to help stave off a worker shortage unique to the aviation industry. Carrico and Fiscus are just two examples of how the IAA’s approach is bearing fruit.

To recruit new employees, the IAA offers competitive wages and a range of benefits often only seen with larger corporations. Employees who join the IAA have access to tuition assistance, significant childcare and elder care reimbursements, paid parental leave and a free off-site health clinic.

Additionally, the IAA participates in EmployIndy’s Modern Apprenticeship program for Central Indiana high school students, as well as offers a public safety officer internal apprenticeship program and IAA fully paid community leadership development and mentoring program opportunities.

“These efforts are not only stabilizing the IAA’s workforce for the future, but also attracting a diverse workforce,” said Rachel Stevens, IAA senior director of human resources. “Currently, 58 percent of senior IAA leadership are racially diverse or women. That breaks down into 50 percent women in IAA leadership, in addition to 53 percent of all IAA employees being racially diverse or women.”

For more information about joining the IAA, visit IND.com/Careers.