Robert J. Campbell, finance director of Wilmington International Airport, has been awarded the distinction of Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) by the American Association of Airport Executives, according to a news release.

To qualify for his distinction, Campbell had to successfully complete three phases of the accreditation process: (1) pass a 180-item multiple-choice examination, (2) fulfill a writing requirement, and (3) demonstrate, in the final interview by a panel of A.A.E.s, his knowledge of airport management, business administration and general transportation economics.

Campbell's achievement "attests to his ability to meet these stringent requirements and his experience in managing a public airport," the release stated. "By fulfilling all the requirements leading to the title of Accredited Airport Executive, Campbell joins a select group of individuals who have earned the designation in the six plus decades of the accreditation program’s existence."

At present, fewer than 10% of AAAE’s members throughout the country are active accredited airport executives.