AAAE Announces Senior Staff Promotions

Dec. 3, 2013
Steve Gironda will oversee all financial operations for AAAE. Jeff Holman will serve as the lead Information Services professional. Pat Raker will lead AAAE's Interactive Employee Training and On-Site Training Departments.

Alexandria, VA - American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) President and CEO Todd Hauptli today announced the promotion of five long-serving professionals to the Association's Senior Staff team. Collectively, the five hold some 65 years of service with AAAE. Those receiving promotions are:

Steve Gironda, Vice President, Finance

Steve Gironda will oversee all financial operations for AAAE. An 18-year veteran of the Association, Steve has held various positions with increasing levels of responsibility within AAAE's Finance and Administration Department. He has extensive experience with all aspects of the Association's finances and accounting functions.    

Jeff Holman, Vice President, Information Services

Jeff Holman will serve as the lead Information Services professional for AAAE, overseeing the Association's ongoing IT work with internal and external clients. He joined AAAE in 2002 and served most recently as Vice President, Applications Development. Jeff has extensive experience in building Membership, Accounting, and Human Resources systems.

Pat Raker, Senior Vice President, Training and Technology Services

Pat Raker will lead AAAE's Interactive Employee Training and On-Site Training Departments, overseeing new product development. Pat joined AAAE in 1998 as an editor/videographer after thirteen years in broadcast television. He has played a key role over the years in developing and deploying numerous training systems at airports.

Melissa Sabatine, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs

Melissa Sabatine has led the AAAE Regulatory Affairs team since 2007, serving as a primary representative and advocate for AAAE members before Executive Branch agencies. Melissa held executive policy positions under two cabinet secretaries and served as Deputy Director of the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry.  She has extensive experience on Capitol Hill as well.      

Brad Van Dam, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs

A nearly 14-year veteran of AAAE legislative affairs operations, Brad Van Dam has represented airports before Congress and the Executive Branch since 2000 as part of AAAE's Airport Legislative Alliance. Prior to joining AAAE, he served as a senior legislative aide to Senate Democratic Leader Thomas A. Daschle (D-SD).

"AAAE is fortunate to have a wealth of exceptionally talented individuals on the staff," AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli commented. "The five professionals being recognized today have incredible experience, expertise, and a demonstrated record of dedicated service to our membership. They have all contributed in many ways to AAAE, and I look forward to working with each of them to accomplish even more on behalf of our members in the days ahead."