Airport Authority’s Lori Ballard Named among Top 10 Michigan Women in Business

Lori Ballard, Small Business Facilitator for Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), has been named among the 2010 “Top 10 Michigan Women in Business” by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Greater Detroit Chapter.

“The Airport Authority is extremely proud of Lori on this well-deserved honor,” said WCAA CEO Lester Robinson. “She has truly been a champion for building collaborative business relationships with various organizations and entities whose charge is to promote opportunities for small, minority and women-owned businesses.

The annual awards program, now in its 16th year, recognizes women who are making a difference in Michigan businesses. Each of the ten awards recognizes an individual for their specific, exemplary contributions. Ballard was specifically honored with this year’s “Red Tape Buster” award, which is bestowed upon a woman in government that has consistently demonstrated commitment to helping women business owners. She was nominated by a member of NAWBO.

“We had a phenomenal group of nominees this year. Our members are moving business forward, and helping to support and uplift a sagging Michigan economy. Our honorees are a fantastic group of women, each with very compelling stories of sacrifice and success,” said Leah Arnold, NAWBO Greater Detroit Chapter President Elect.

Ms. Ballard joined the Airport Authority upon its establishment as an independent government entity in 2002 to operate Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) and Willow Run Airport, having previously worked for Wayne County Department of Airports since 2001. In her role as Small Business Facilitator, she works to enhance the Airport Authority’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program by increasing the number of certified SBE companies and increasing the funds spent with SBE certified companies through the use of strategic outreach efforts.

Prior to becoming the Small Business Facilitator, Ms. Ballard held the position of Business Diversity Manager operating the Airport Authority’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program for more than seven years.

Ballard holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Mercy College of Detroit, a Master of Science in Administration degree from Central Michigan University, and has served in leadership positions with the international trade organization Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA). She is also a dedicated member of Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) and the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC).

The National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Detroit is committed to Networking, Advocacy, Affiliation, and Economic Opportunity for Women Business Owners, serving Oakland, Wayne, Macomb and Washtenaw counties, and the state at large through satellite locations.