The Albany County Airport Authority announced the pending retirement of Chief Executive Officer John A. O'Donnell.
Due to programmed major airport construction projects and economic development initiatives, the Board has asked Mr. O'Donnell to continue as CEO to facilitate a seamless transition while it seeks to identify qualified candidates for Mr. O'Donnell's replacement. Board Chairman Rev. Kenneth Doyle said a nationwide search for a successor to Mr. O'Donnell will commence within the next few months.
"John O'Donnell has dedicated his working life to public service and to the betterment of air service on behalf of the millions of business and leisure travelers that use the Albany International Airport," said Rev. Kenneth Doyle, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "We have regularly sought out and depended upon John O'Donnell's sound judgement and engineering experience to enable this Board to make notable decisions that have been in the best interest of the airport, our airlines and passengers."
Mr. O'Donnell, an accomplished engineer and project manager with the state of New York, was selected by the Airport Authority in 1996 to be its first Director of Project Development and was tasked with managing and directing the construction of the Airport's new $200 million expansion program including the new $75 million terminal, five-story parking garage, cargo facility, air traffic control tower and the headquarters for the New York State Police Aviation Unit.
In 1999 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Albany County Airport Authority where he was responsible for the daily operations of the Airport as well as new construction initiatives, terminal and airfield development, Airport security and air service acquisition.
Following the completion of the new Airport terminal, Mr. O'Donnell began construction of a 16,000 sq. ft. terminal addition with a goal of attracting a low-fare carrier such as Southwest Airlines. Through numerous meetings and conversations, Mr. O'Donnell envisioned and constructed the new addition with services and accommodations that would best serve Southwest Airlines.
In 200, Southwest Airlines announced it would begin service to Albany International Airport and has since grown to be the airports largest air carrier with annual passenger load of over 1 million arrivals and departures.
Mr. O'Donnell was appointed CEO on Sept. 15, 2003. as CEO, he has been responsible for the daily operation of the airport and the future development of the airport facilities, air service and economic development.
Under Mr. O'Donnell's direction, the airport completed the following notable projects:
- New terminal
- Terminal expansion for Southwest Airlines
- New 2,400 space parking garage.
- New air traffic control tower
- New airport cargo facility
- NYSP Aviation Headquarters Hangar
- Extension of both airport runways
- Construction of T-hangar for private aircraft
- Construction of CommutAir Maintenance Facility
- Establishment of Cape Air Maintenance Facility
- Airline expansion to new non-stop destinations
- Established Albany Piedmont Airlines Maintenance Facility
- Expansion of parking lots
- Launched construction of new 1,000 space parking garage
The Board believes that due to programmed major airport construction projects and economic development initiatives, it is essential for Mr. O'Donnell to continue as CEO ti facilitate a seamless transition while it seeks to identify qualified candidates for Mr. O'Donnell's replacement.
Following retirement, Mr. O'Donnell plans to travel, enjoy his family and pursue new adventures.
