San Diego International Airport Receives Top Workplace Excellence Honor from SHRM San Diego

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) is proud to announce that its Human Resources (HR) team has been honored with the 2026 San Diego Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Workplace Excellence Awards Grand Champion Award, the organization’s highest recognition for excellence in workplace culture, employee engagement, and human resources practices.

The Airport Authority’s HR team was recognized for its dedication to supporting employees, advancing workplace initiatives, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and fostering a culture centered on collaboration, service, and continuous improvement. From guiding employees and leaders through complex challenges to enhancing programs and processes, the team plays a critical role in helping the organization achieve its mission while creating a workplace where people can do their best work.

“At the Airport Authority, we know that our people are our greatest asset, and this recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our Human Resources team,” said Atif Saeed, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “Their commitment to supporting employees, strengthening leadership, and building a culture of collaboration and care helps make our organization stronger every day. This award is a testament to the passion, expertise, and heart they bring to their work and the lasting impact they have across our entire organization.”

Presented annually by SHRM San Diego, the Workplace Excellence Awards recognize organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in creating workplaces where employees thrive and organizational success follows. For more than 25 years, the awards have celebrated employers that invest in their people through innovative HR programs, strong workplace cultures, and meaningful employee experiences.

The Grand Champion Award recognizes organizations whose human resources practices deliver measurable impact across the organization while fostering a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.

With this achievement, the Airport Authority joins a distinguished group of previous Grand Champion recipients, including Callaway Golf, Sharp HealthCare, Scripps Health, Palomar Health, AMN Healthcare, University of San Diego, Blanchard, Gen-Probe, Family Health Centers of San Diego, and Hunter Industries.

The award reinforces the Airport Authority’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, engaged, and high-performing workplace that enables employees to serve the traveling public and the San Diego region with excellence.