CEO

Company Overview

Albany International Airport began operation in 1928 as the nation’s first municipal airport. The Airport is located on 1,157 acres of land in the Town of Colonie seven miles northwest of downtown Albany, New York the capital of the State of New York. Albany International Airport is the major air center for the Capital Region, Northeastern New York, Western New England, and Southern Vermont. The Airport is one of the top economic development generators in Upstate New York. The Albany Airport is a modern facility with recent and ongoing improvements to the terminal and a new parking garage. The Airport is served by airlines including allegiant, JetBlue, Delta, United, Southwest, American, Avelo, and Breeze, connecting to cities like Orlando, Chicago, DC, and more.  

The Authority engages the services of AvPorts ALB LLC (AvPorts), to manage the daily operations of the Airport and REW Investments, Inc., d/b/a Million Air – Albany (Million Air), to manage the daily operations of the fixed based operations. AvPorts has daily responsibility for airport operations, airside security, ARFF, terminal and vehicle maintenance and the parking facilities. Million Air has daily responsibility for fixed based operations including commercial into-plane fueling, fuel farm management and general aviation handling and fueling. 

Mission Statement

The Authority’s mission is to provide adequate, safe, secure and efficient aviation and transportation facilities at a reasonable cost to the people. To accomplish its mission the Authority will: 

• Provide world-class, customer-oriented transportation services
• Promote airline, cargo, business and general aviation services on airport by providing quality airport facilities
• Operate the airport and provide services in the most cost-effective manner
• Foster inter-model transportation
• Implement the airport’s Capital Improvement Plan
• Maintain financial security.

Performance Measures

The Authority has identified the following performance measurements to assess its success in achieving its mission and intended public purpose.

• Safety
  • Employee Accidents and Incidents
  • Airfield Violations
• Security
  • Security Incidents and Violations
• Financial
  • Revenue Management
  • Cost Performance
  • Debt Management
  • Liquidity
• Operational
  • Aircraft Delays caused by Airport
  •  Aircraft Delays caused by Fixed Based Operators
• Customer Service
  • Service Quality
  • Customer Satisfaction
• Environmental Sustainability
  • Environment Compliance
  • Noise    
• People
  • Employee Satisfaction
  • Workforce Diversity

Financial Information

For fiscal 2024 the Airport had total revenue of $67.97 million (before revenue sharing and adjustment for non-sharing interest earnings), expenses of $49.18 million, and net funds remaining of $7.74 million after debt service, reserve requirements, and capital expenditures.  The Airport is projecting 2025 financial performance with revenue of $75.99 million (before revenue sharing and adjustment for non-sharing interest earnings), expenses of $51.48 million, and net funds remaining of $13.1 million after debt service, reserve requirements, and capital expenditures. 

In 2024, Albany International Airport welcomed approximately 1.5 million passengers, making it the fourth-busiest year on record and bringing activity levels close to the 2019 peak. The airport’s financial stability was underscored in August 2024 when S&P Global Ratings raised its long-term bond rating to A+, the highest in the airport’s history.  

Governance

The Albany County Airport Authority is a New York public authority organized by statute codified under Title 32 of Article 8 of the Public Authorities Law.  The Authority is governed by a seven-member board with four members appointed by the Majority Leader of the Albany County Legislature and three members appointed by the Albany County Executive, all with approval of the Albany County Legislature. The Authority members are appointed for a term of four years or until a successor is appointed. Any person appointed to fill a vacancy will be appointed to serve only the unexpired term. 

Based on the County's responsibility for the appointment of the Authority members, their approval of the Authority's five-year capital improvement programs and the issuance of certain debt, the Authority is considered a component unit of the County under the criteria set forth by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.  The Authority follows all reporting requirements and periodic guidance set forth and issued by the Authorities Budget Office. 

National Recognition of Albany

• In 2024 Forbes Magazine ranked Albany in the top 20 best places in the U.S. for young professionals. 
• The Albany Metro area was named the 4th fastest growing metro area in the U.S. by LinkedIn in 2025. 
• U.S. News and & World Report names Albany as one of the best places to retire. 
• Coworkingcafe.com ranked Albany 4th as the best place for Female tech workers. 

Role Summary

The Albany International Airport CEO is a broad-based strategic leader.  This leader will be responsible for developing and executing the Airport’s vision and strategy for the future.  The CEO will be an inspirational leader and partner overseeing Airport operations, partner relationships, personnel, fiscal administration, customer satisfaction, and safety and security.   In addition, the CEO will be the Airport’s primary representative on local and national levels with government/regulatory and industry leaders and organizations.  

Primary Accountabilities and Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the Airport Authority strategic vision, goals, and objectives in alignment with board directives.
• Lead the organization in addressing future growth opportunities and challenges, financial stewardship and performance, customer and employee satisfaction and quality, operational and technological improvement and advancements, safety and security goals, and environmental sustainability.
• Monitor national and regional trends and adapt strategies to meet evolving transportation opportunities and needs.

Operational Oversight    

• Oversee the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of airport services, ensuring reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Implement and enforce policies, procedures, and standards to meet and exceed operational performance goals and industry standards.
• Manage major projects, including construction and development, service offerings, and technology advancements.  

Financial Management

• Develop and oversee the annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational strategy and goals.
• Identify and present funding sources, including grants, public-private partnerships, and revenue initiatives.
• Ensure stewardship and transparency in financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Leadership

• Lead and inspire a diverse workforce, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Build and maintain a cooperative relationship with contract partners including AvPorts, Million Air, and others.
• Oversee the development of objectives for and negotiations of collective bargaining agreements and other employee and labor relation matters.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and development programs to enhance employee performance and retention.
• Ensure commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across the organization.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary representative for Albany Airport, engaging with government officials, community leaders, business partners, and across the industry.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the public, media, business community, and other stakeholders.
• Effectively communicate organizational goals, initiatives, and achievements.

Regulatory and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local transportation regulations and policies.
• Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risks.
• Oversees emergency preparedness and response plans.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business Administration, Transportation Management, Urban Planning, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred. 
• A minimum of ten years of management experience in airport, transportation, or a related field.
• In depth knowledge of airport management and operations.
• Breadth of knowledge and experience with respect to airport and/or transportation local and macro-economic factors, technology, labor relations, and personnel management.
• Demonstrated success leading complex organizations.
• Experience leading development and execution of projects across construction and development, technology, and services.
• Knowledge of financial management, reporting & analysis, and capital sourcing and deployment in an airport or other transportation enterprise.   

Leadership & Partnership 

• Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and execute enterprise strategy with a focus on growth, financial stewardship, customer service and team leadership.
• Seasoned leadership with the ability to recruit, develop and retain high performance teams.
• Partnership and influence orientation with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with external partners including government agencies, businesses and their leaders, and community leaders and organizations. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.  
• Experience presenting and negotiating with internal and external constituents including the Board of Directors, regulators, and potential partners and service providers.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $225,000.