The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is mourning the loss of its former executive vice president and chief revenue officer, Jerome L. Davis, who died Wednesday, December 7, after a battle with cancer. He was 67.

Davis retired from the Airports Authority in September 2021, after serving seven years as the organization’s second-highest-ranking executive officer. During his tenure, Davis directed all commercial and revenue-related activities for Reagan National and Dulles International airports, including airline business development, marketing and consumer strategy, real estate development, concessions, corporate communications and government affairs. Under his leadership, the two-airport system’s annual passenger traffic grew to nearly 47 million, including more than 7 million international passengers at Dulles International, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He joined the Airports Authority in 2014 to lead the newly formed Office of Revenue. During his tenure, Davis established and built a marketing and consumer strategy organization; launched a real-estate department to capitalize on airport land holdings; re-branded the organization to reflect a stronger focus on innovation and a top-quality passenger experience; upgraded the airport concessions program that is more reflective of the Washington, D.C., region; and led a strategic effort to grow revenue and strengthen Dulles’ competitive position. Under his leadership, non-airline revenue exceeded revenue from air carriers for the first time in 2017 and now exceeds 57 percent.

“All of us at the Airports Authority are saddened by the passing of Jerome Davis,” said Airports Authority President and CEO Jack Potter. “During his seven years with us, Jerome made an amazing difference in so many ways – for our business, our business partners, our executive team and everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He was a role model to us all in the way he conducted himself and treated people. Jerome’s many accomplishments are a key factor in our success today, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone who knew him.”

Chryssa Westerlund, who succeeded Davis as executive vice president and chief revenue officer, called him “one of the most accomplished and inspirational leaders I have ever worked with. In addition to his knowledge and expertise in business, Jerome brought a ‘human side’ to our organization and to everything he did. The Airports Authority is a better company – and I am a better manager – from having the honor of being his employee and colleague.”

During his business career of over 40 years, Davis held executive leadership and marketing positions at a number of major corporations, including Waste Management, Electronic Data Systems, Maytag, Frito-Lay and Procter & Gamble. Additionally, he served on the boards of directors of Apogee Enterprises and GameStop Corp. While at the Airports Authority, he also served on the board of directors and executive committee of Destination DC, the official marketing organization for the District of Columbia.

Born April 28, 1955, in Middletown, Ohio, Davis attended The Ohio State and Florida State universities on full athletic scholarships, earning a bachelor’s degree in communications. He played football under legendary coaches Woody Hayes at Ohio State and Bobby Bowden at Florida State. At Ohio State, he was a member of two Big 10 Championship football teams and played in two Rose Bowl games. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, four grown children and several grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on December 18 at 2 p.m. with burial and reception to follow at Robert Toale & Sons at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota, Florida 34232. Flowers can be sent to the funeral home addressed to the Davis Family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, Florida 34236.