San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has named Kimberly J Becker as its new president and CEO.
Becker succeeds Thella F Bowens, who retired on March 31, and joins San Diego from Mineta San Jose International Airport where she was director. Becker will take up the role on May 1.
The airport authority’s vice president of operation, Angela Shafer-Payne, who has been with San Diego international airport (SAN) since 1995, has served as interim president and CEO.
Shafer-Payne commented, “This is an extraordinary opportunity that I am honored to have. Thella has built a strong organization and culture. Succeeding her allows me to leverage all that I have done in San Jose and to build on a very solid foundation.
“My excitement is mirrored in SAN’s tagline – ‘Let’s GO!'”
The airport is currently building a new customs and border protection facility to accommodate the rapid growth of international arrivals, and is planning the replacement of the 50-year-old terminal 1.
April Boling, airport authority board chairman, said, “We undertook a thorough, deliberate process to find our next leader. Our Search Committee reached out to community and industry leaders, and we thank them for their invaluable input. We engaged internationally renowned executive search firm Korn Ferry, cast a very wide net geographically and by industry, and identified numerous well qualified candidates.
“Ultimately, it is about continuing the progress we are already making and it is about leadership. We are delighted to have recruited Kim, whose proven leadership capabilities and collaborative style will allow our agile, high-performing team to take SAN to the next level.”