Naples Airport's Damien Neff completes national management program
Damien Neff, line service supervisor for the Naples Airport Authority, has completed the rigorous U.S. Airport Professional (USAP) program through Airports Council International-North America.
The credential certifies that Neff has mastered a range of airport management topics, including leadership development, business strategy, commercial management, finance, operations, safety, security and air service. ACI-NA is a professional organization that represents local, regional and state governing bodies that operate airports in the U.S. and Canada, offering continuing education opportunities to its members along with advocacy, research, communications and networking.
Neff, a graduate of Gulf Coast High School in Naples, earned FAA certification in aviation maintenance through Lorenzo Walker Technical College in Naples before holding positions as a parts manager and powerplant mechanic with Naples Air Center, airframe and powerplant mechanic with PrimePlanes Aircraft Maintenance and line technician with Rexair Flight School.
He joined Naples Airport Authority in 2014 as a line service technician, progressing in his role until being appointed line service supervisor in 2022. In his current position, Neff is responsible for all aircraft movements, services and personnel on the ramp at the airport's General Aviation Terminal, overseeing the safety of personnel, pilots, passengers and aircraft.
In addition to USAP completion, Neff also maintains the Airport Certified Employee designation through the American Association of Airport Executives and has completed the O-305 All-Hazards Incident Management Team course. Neff holds more than two dozen certifications and professional credentials from federal government and national industry organizations, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and Avfuel, a global supplier of aviation fuel and services.
Neff is a two-time Naples Airport Authority Employee of the Quarter and a graduate of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce's Associate Leadership Collier program. Additionally, he is president of Amateur Radio Emergency Services of Collier County, a volunteer organization that supports public safety efforts during disasters and large-scale events.
About Naples Airport
The Naples Airport is a vital community asset that provides convenient access to the City of Naples and Collier County for residents and visitors alike. The airport is also home to critical public services, including the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier Mosquito Control District, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Fire Station 3 and Collier County EMS MedFlight. It also serves as a staging hub for recovery operations during emergencies. The airport’s tenants include private and corporate aviation, air charter, aircraft maintenance and repair services, car rental brands and flight schools. Naples Airport Authority (NAA), an independent government agency that operates Naples Airport, receives no local tax dollars; it is primarily funded through fuel sales, hangar rentals and other related services. The Florida Department of Transportation has estimated Naples Airport’s annual economic impact at $781 million. The NAA strives to balance the needs of the aviation community and residents’ quality of life through a variety of initiatives, including its Fly Safe Fly Quiet program. Visit FlyNaples.com for more information.