Matt Smith
Director, IT Operations
Indianapolis Airport Authority
Age 38
Matt Smith is the Director of IT Operations for the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA), where he manages customer-facing technology systems across the award-winning Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and other facilities in Indiana’s largest airport system. Since beginning as an intern, Smith has worked his way up to become the “number two” in IT at IAA, overseeing a team of 13 who ensure the seamless operation of technology critical to nearly 10 million annual passengers. From implementing TSA wait-time systems to leading the development of one of the nation’s top-rated airport Wi-Fi networks, Smith’s work exemplifies innovation and customer service.
“The work our small department performs changes all the time and I enjoy the varied skills we learn for each project,” he said. “One day we are working with a PSAP on a dispatching console, the next we are replacing a major software requiring business process studies, and the next we are supporting a technology-driven art piece. It’s incredibly dynamic and extremely fun.”
Smith has achieved numerous firsts at IND, including pioneering a U.S.-first Flight Information Display System run on Raspberry Pis and one of the first LiDAR-based checkpoint wait-time systems at a domestic airport. His team’s projects, such as IND’s website redesign and mobile app, have improved customer interactions, with the website earning a MarCom Gold Award. In recognition of his industry contributions, Smith was honored as a TechPoint “Tech 25” inductee in 2021 and received the Jim Champy Award for Student Enrichment from Ball State University for his ongoing mentorship of CIS students.
Beyond his professional role, Smith strengthens his industry through extensive mentoring. He collaborates with Ball State University on capstone projects, offering real-world experiences to students in areas like post-COVID airport technology. Internally, he drives an IAA working group dedicated to exploring new technologies, pushing his team to seek solutions that go beyond tradition. His strategic vision and empathetic leadership make Smith a respected innovator, driving the Indianapolis Airport Authority to deliver exceptional experiences and lead in tech advancement.
