Airports Council Announces New Industry Leaders

WASHINGTON – Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, today announced the election of new leaders across the organization.

Danette Bewley, President and CEO of the Tucson Airport Authority, was elected to the ACI-NA Board of Directors. Jesus Saenz, Jr., Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System, was elected to the ACI-NA U.S. Policy Council.

“ACI-NA’s successes in Washington and Ottawa are because of the proven leadership of our members,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “We look forward to working with Danette and Jesus and leveraging their broad industry expertise and a deep understanding of the unique challenges our industry faces. With their support, ACI-NA remains committed to our mission to advocate policies and provides services that strengthen the ability of airports to serve their passengers, customers, and communities.”

With 30 years of experience in all facets of commercial airport management, Bewley was named President and CEO of the Tucson Airport Authority in July 2019. Earlier in her career, she held management positions with the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority and the Port of San Diego/San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

“I am honored to be elected to the ACI-NA Board of Directors,” Bewley said. “More than ever, now is the time for our industry leaders to work together to advocate for a brighter future. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues and look forward to collaboration with our industry stakeholders.”

Saenz, a 24-year veteran of airport management, joined the San Antonio Airport System as Director of Airports in February 2020. Prior to that, he was the Chief Operating Officer for the Houston Airport System. In that role, Saenz oversaw all aspects of the management of William P. Hobby Airport, George Bush International Airport and the Houston Spaceport. His experience includes leading operations, maintenance, safety, security, budget management and capital improvement projects.

“I am ecstatic to join this powerful group of leaders,” Saenz said. “I am committed to this organization, this industry and sharing my knowledge and experiences to help strengthen the future.”

A complete list of the ACI-NA Board of Directors, Policy Councils, and other leadership is available on the ACI-NA website.

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About ACI-NA

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) represents local, regional, and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA member airports enplane more than 95 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America. Approximately 380 aviation-related businesses are also members of ACI-NA, providing goods and services to airports. Collectively, U.S. airports support more than 11.5 million jobs and account for $1.4 trillion in economic activity – or more than seven percent of the total U.S. GDP. Canadian airports support 405,000 jobs and contribute C$35 billion to Canada’s GDP. Learn more at www.airportscouncil.org.