Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and visionary guidance to support the interests of North America’s airports. This role is responsible for ensuring effective delivery of programs, services, and advocacy efforts that advance the association’s mission: passionately supporting, inspiring, and advocating for North America’s airports. As the steward of a $22 million annual budget, the CEO oversees all financial, administrative, and programmatic functions, ensuring operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and measurable impact. The CEO serves as the public face and voice of the association, representing its members to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the broader public. This position creates and drives a future-focused, innovative vision that energizes stakeholders and positions the organization for long-term relevance and resilience for the aviation industry.

The next CEO of ACI-NA will be a dynamic, seasoned executive with experience in complex, member-driven organizations, bringing strong business judgment, operational discipline, and the ability to represent the association with credibility and energy to policymakers, industry partners, and a diverse membership. This leader will combine strategic orientation with practical execution, and will lead collaboratively to strengthen organizational effectiveness, culture, and long-term sustainability.

See the full position and candidate specifications here.

About ACI-NA

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) represents local, regional, provincial, and state governmental entities that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA has 275 airport members that operate approximately 400 airports in North America, accounting for over 95 percent of the domestic passenger traffic and virtually all of the international airline passenger and cargo traffic. In addition, some 480 aviation-related businesses that provide goods or services to airports are “associate” members of ACI-NA.

The Search Process

Spencer Stuart, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, has been retained by ACI-NA to help identify and recruit the next CEO. For confidential nominations and expressions of interest, please contact Spencer Stuart at ACI_NACEO@spencerstuart.com.