Anticipate and practice. Practice and rehearse with a trusted friend. The more you respond to the same criticisms in rehearsal, the easier and less emotional that response will be when the heat is applied. Keep any criticisms focused on measurable performance issues. Insist that board members specify their problems with you.
Vague criticisms accomplish nothing and keep the interaction on a charged, emotional level.
Insist that the board also outline aspects of your performance that the members are pleased with. But by spending some time focusing on the positive qualities of your performance, board members will be forced to recognize your value to the airport and the community. Don't accept hostility and disrespectful treatment from a board member. One airport director was recently criticized by a board member as incompetent. A few weeks later, the same member advised the director that he will either be a total success or a total wash-out as an airport executive.