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For More Information Contact:
Kristina Holmes
Community & Government Affairs Mgr.
(260) 747-4146 ext: 233
Cell: (260) 804-5028
holmes@fwairport.com
For Immediate Release
July 26, 2007
Smith Field Supervisor Earns National Accreditation
FORT WAYNE, IN – Tim O’Donnell, Supervisor of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority’s Smith Field Airport has earned the distinction of Accredited Airport Executive, A.A.E. from the American Association of Airport Executives. To qualify for this distinction, O’Donnell had to complete a rigorous three phase certification process: (1) pass a 180-item multiple-choice examination, (2) complete a writing requirement, and (3) demonstrate, in the final interview by a panel of A.A.E.s, knowledge of airport management, business administration and general transportation economics.
O’Donnell is the fourth member of the Authority’s executive management team to earn his accreditation, giving the Authority the distinction of having more A.A.E.’s than any other airport in Indiana.
The Authority’s two newest recruits, Scott Hinderman, Director of Operations and Facilities, and Craig Williams, Director of Administration and Finance both hold the A.A.E. designations, as does Tory Richardson, Executive Director of Airports. Currently, fewer than 10% of airport executives, nationwide, hold the A.A.E. designation.
"The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority Board and staff have been working to assemble the management team that has the skills and experience to improve two of our community's best assets - Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field,” states Tory Richardson, Executive Director of Airports for FWACAA. "I think the fact that we have four members of staff that are accredited airport executives speaks to the high caliber of talent we have attracted to our already experienced and talented team.”
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) was created in 1985 and is responsible for managing the Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field. Since FWACAA’s inception, Fort Wayne International Airport has undergone an aggressive improvements plan which included expansion of the terminal and parking areas, upgrades to the runways, and the creation of a new Air Trade Center to promote economic development in North East Indiana. As a result of FWACAA’s commitment to customer service, Fort Wayne International Airport was recognized by USA Today as one of the friendliest airports in the nation. The Authority is governed by a six–member board appointed jointly by the Mayor of Fort Wayne and the Allen County Commissioners.
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