Kerry C. Dustin, NAA Board of Commissioners, Vice Chair
— From Boardroom to Beach —
The NAA’s Board of Commissioners is comprised of five members, each appointed to a 4-year term by the Naples City Council to govern the NAA, set policy and strategic direction. We are pleased to feature Commissioners to help you get to know them better.
Kerry C. Dustin, currently the Vice Chair of the Naples Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, is an experienced and skilled dealmaker. Almost three decades ago, Kerry founded Falls River Group LLC which is a global mergers and acquisition advisory firm based in Naples (www.fallsrivergroup.com). Kerry’s firm is the oldest Member of IMAP (International M & A Partners), one of the world’s most successful middle market advisory partnerships with over 450 members worldwide.
Kerry does not practice law, but earned a J.D. from Case Western School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Ohio State University. Kerry’s business philosophy has remained the same his entire career and one that has branded his firm. It is based on ethics, commitment and trust.
One of five NAA Commissioners, Kerry says he attends every meeting with an open mind and encourages candid dialogue regarding all opportunities and issues. “One of the most important undertakings during my tenure with the NAA was starting the Part 150 Noise Study. We are exploring potential ways to make improvements for those surrounding the Naples Airport, while preserving safety and the operations of the airport. We will complete this study by working cooperatively with our partners, including the Federal Aviation Administration, City of Naples, customers and our community,” he explained.
Kerry says his biggest “aha” moment since joining the NAA Board in December 2018 is learning about the critical public services based at the Naples Airport. “While most people know about the private planes, many don’t appreciate how important Mosquito Control, Med-Flight, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the new fire station are for the well-being of the community,” he said.
Seeing the tremendous economic impact that the airport has on the community has been another highlight of Kerry’s tenure on the board. “In 2019, the Florida Department of Transportation estimated that the Naples Airport contributes $440 million annually to the local economy,” he recalled. “Between the thousands of local employees who support their families and the economic impact of our residents, visitors, on-airport businesses and tenants, the Naples Airport is critical in ensuring the economic health of our community,” Kerry said.
His personal life is as active as his professional one. Kerry reads up to 60 books a year, plays golf and enjoys time at the beach with his growing family comprised of wife, Maegan, four adult children, six — soon to be seven — grandchildren and a devoted dog Chloe. Recent travels include a visit to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, where he toured the Spruce Goose, and enjoyed seeing many other aviation treasures.
NAA Board Vice Chair Kerry C. Dustin can be contacted at kdustin@flynaples.com.
Learn more about how to view and participate in the NAA monthly meetings here.
The next Commissioner feature will be published in the November 2021 edition of the NAA’s Connections.