Restaurateur SSP America has appointed Heather Barry as vice president of strategic partnerships. Barry will be responsible for SSP America’s development and strategic airport business diversity plans and program efforts across the company’s North American operations.
These efforts will provide SSP America with operational and performance initiatives designed to enhance and advance SSP’s airport concession disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) efforts.
Known throughout the aviation industry as a highly effective public administrator, Barry brings more than 18 years of airport leadership as well as legislative experience to the SSP America team. Barry most recently served as director of business affairs at Denver International Airport in Colorado, where she established and led the gateway’s Commerce Hub, part of the airport’s Executive Office, which works to promote a transparent and competitive business environment by creating opportunities for the wider aviation business community.
Pat Murray, executive vice president of business development for SSP America, said, “Today, SSP America has more than 75 strategic relationships with joint venture partners, ACDBEs, subtenant operators and community organizers. We are delighted to welcome Heather Barry to our growing SSP America development team. Heather brings a highly unique skillset to SSP America, having both extensive, first-hand airport business development as well as city hall experience. SSP America is proud to maintain lasting, quality relationships with all of our airport and business partners; Heather’s unparalleled experience in this position will add even further depth and innovation to these partnerships as SSP continues to grow across our North American operations.”
