Sam Samaddar elected Chair of ACI-NA

Kelowna International Airport Director Sam Samaddar assumed the role of Chair of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), effective January 1, 2022. Samaddar succeeds Lew S. Bleiweis, executive director of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority.

“Our industry’s recovery is underway, but a clear path forward remains elusive as we continue to navigate the challenges presented by an ongoing pandemic,” said Samaddar in a statement.

“But, our industry is proactive and resilient, so I am confident our brightest days are ahead.  I look forward to representing this innovative industry and working along-side my colleagues to advance key priorities over the next two years.”

Samaddar began his airport career at Vancouver International Airport in 1988 and began working for Kelowna International Airport as superintendent of airport operations in 1992, becoming airport director in 2008.

ACI-NA also announced the Chellie Cameron, CEO of the Philadelphia International Airport, moved into the vice chair role.

 

ACI-NA Board of Directors

The rest of the new ACI-NA Board of Directors includes: Bryant Francis, Director of Aviation for the Oakland International Airport; Cindy Nichol, Director of Airports for the Sacramento County Airport System; Jason Terreri, Executive Director for the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority; Patrick Wilson, President of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority; and Monica Newhouse-Rodriguez, MBA, Managing Principal at Newhouse and Associates, LLC.

Lew Bleiweis will become the organization’s Immediate Past Chair.