Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) 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 succeeded 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 Kevin 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.
