Airport Experience News has selected Deanna Zachrisson of San Diego International Airport (SAN) as its 2026 Property Manager of the Year. Zachrisson currently serves as director of terminal business development at San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Since arriving at SAN in 2022, Zachrisson has spearheaded development of the new restaurant and retail program in SAN’s $3.8B Terminal 1 project, which opened in September 2025.
“The culmination of the Terminal 1 project was exciting, and the new concessions program over-delivers on providing an exceptional travel experience with local flair,” said Melissa K. Montes, vice president and publisher of Airport Experience News. “It’s a major achievement for Deanna and her team. We can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Zachrisson has a long tenure in the aviation commercial business arena – this year marks her 26th year in the sector. She began her aviation career at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) where for nearly a decade she led the airport dining and retail program and laid the foundation for that airport’s award-winning offerings. She also has served as assistant director of business development at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), heading up airline affairs and business development, including marketing, air service development, real estate/FBO development as well as terminal concessions and customer service initiatives.
“This award is such a fantastic surprise and honor to receive after so many years in the industry,” said Zachrisson. “I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had along the way and the incredible relationships I’ve formed. In this business, it’s no exaggeration to say that ‘it takes a village’.”
Zachrisson will be honored at the 2026 AX Awards Gala, the culmination of the 2026 Airport Experience Conference slated for February 22-25 at the Gaylord Opryland hotel and convention center in Nashville.
