Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport’s Kevin Dolliole Becomes Chair of Airports Council

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Director of Aviation Kevin Dolliole became Chair of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) on January 1, 2024. Dolliole was elected to the position in September 2023 and succeeds outgoing Chair Sam Samaddar, Chief Executive Officer of the Kelowna International Airport.

“While airports continue to respond to ongoing challenges following the pandemic and our recovery, the industry remains focused on the future,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Airports have ramped up initiatives in infrastructure, sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion, economic development, workforce development, technology, and innovation. Sam has been a steadfast and forward-looking Chair at a critical time for our industry and we are grateful for his leadership. As we look to the future and the immense challenges before us, I know Kevin’s vast industry expertise and political acumen will help us further advance the key airport industry priorities before us.”

“For more than 75 years, ACI-NA has been a driving force of positive change for our industry, and I am honored to contribute to the organization for the next two years as Chair,” said Dolliole, Director of Aviation for the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. “I look forward to working alongside our board, policy councils, committees, members, professional staff, coalition partners, and industry stakeholders as we work together to create the next generation of air travel for the benefit of our passengers, customers, and local communities.” 

Dolliole began his aviation career at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport before going on to lead and transform the San Antonio and St. Louis airports. Now with more than 40 years of experience in various facets of the aviation industry, he is once again back at the helm of Armstrong International where he continues effectively managing operational, organizational, and development initiatives like the new $1 billion airport terminal that opened in fall 2019. 

Additionally, Jamie Rhee, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, moved into the Vice Chair role and Sam Samaddar will become the organization’s Immediate Past Chair. In addition to welcoming Dolliole, ACI-NA announced the election of several new Board members and Policy Council leadership.

ACI-NA Board of Directors

Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, Charles Everett, Director, Aviation Department for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Dennis Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of the St. John's International Airport Authority, David Roth, Chief Executive Officer of the Omaha Airport Authority, Alan Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, and Michael Hotaling, CEO of C&S Companies, joined the ACI-NA Board of Directors.

Canadian Policy Council

Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority, was elected Chair of the Canadian Policy Council (effective February 1, 2024) and a member of the organization’s Executive Committee. Johanne Gallant, President and CEO of the Fredericton International Airport Authority, was elected Vice Chair. Deborah Flint, President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, has become Chair of the Large Airports Caucus and Stephane Poirier, President and CEO of the Québec City Jean-Lesage International Airport, has been named Chair of the Chair of the Small Airports Caucus. Mark Galvin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Your Quick Gateway (Windsor) Inc., Sam Samaddar, Chief Executive Officer of the Kelowna International Airport, and RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of PortsToronto, were also elected to serve of the Canadian Policy Council. 

U.S. Policy Council

Jason Terreri, Executive Director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority, was elected Chair of the U.S. Policy Council and a member of the organization’s Executive Committee. Brian Dranzik, Airport Director for the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, John Parrott, Airport Director for the King County International Airport, Atif Saeed, CEO of the Philadelphia International Airport, and Michael Hotaling, CEO of C&S Companies, join the U.S. Policy Council.

World Business Partners and Associates Board of Directors

Lynn Gordon, Vice President of Business Development for Arconas Corporation, was elected Chair of ACI-NA’s World Business Partners and Associates Board of Directors and Solomon Wong, President and CEO of InterVISTAS Consulting, was elected Vice Chair.  Michael Hotaling, CEO of C&S Companies, moved into the Immediate Past Chair role. Michael Boland, Vice President for RICONDO, Tim Hudson, Senior Associate for Gensler, Brad Rolf, Vice President for Mead & Hunt, Inc., and Yasmin Sheriff, Principal & Managing Director for Strategy Maven, LLC, were elected to the World Business Partners and Associates Board of Directors.

A complete list of the ACI-NA Board of Directors and leadership is available on the ACI-NA website.