FORT MYERS, Fla. — Emily Underhill, division director of development for the Lee County Port Authority, has earned the honor of Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives. To achieve accreditation, Underhill passed a 180-item written examination, prepared a management research paper and demonstrated her knowledge of all aspects of airport management, business administration, environmental regulations, air service, safety and security, operations and general transportation economics during an oral interview before a panel of AAE examiners. Fewer than 10 percent of the 5,100 AAAE members throughout the country have passed.

Underhill graduated from the University of Maine, with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and is a registered professional engineer in both Maine and Florida. She has more than two decades of aviation and airport experience. Prior to joining the Port Authority, she worked as an aviation consultant on projects in New England and Florida. Underhill has been with the Lee County Port Authority since 1996 and has oversight of engineering and construction; planning and environmental compliance; government affairs and grants; and development services at both Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field.

She has held leadership positions with the Airports Council International — North America and is currently the vice-chair of the Operations and Technical Affairs Committee. Underhill also co-chairs the ACI Planning and Development Working Group.

The Lee County Port Authority operates Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers

Underhill is a 1983 graduate of Winslow High School and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Paquet Sr., of Winslow.