WASHINGTON — Airports Council International–North America is proud to announce the selection of Kevin M. Burke as ACI-NA’s new President and CEO.
“When ACI-NA undertook the search for a new CEO, our priority was finding a dynamic, visionary individual who could lead us confidently toward our goals,” said Mark M. Reis, ACI-NA’s chairman. “In Kevin, the Search Committee unanimously found a person who can not only build on ACI-NA’s long history of success, but could also help chart a path for an even brighter future.”
Burke comes to ACI-NA after nearly 13 years as the CEO of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, where he succeeded in growing its membership base, its financial position, and its standing on Capitol Hill. His 30-year background in public affairs also includes leading government relations efforts for the Food Distributors International, the American Bakers Association, and the National Association of Broadcasters.
He began his career in 1979 at the Republican National Committee and the Reagan-Bush Presidential Campaign, and later worked as press secretary to Representative Norm Lent (R-NY). Burke received a master’s degree in public administration from American University in Washington, D.C. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Brockport.
“I am honored to have been chosen to lead ACI-NA,” said Burke. “Airports are one of our most under-appreciated infrastructure resources, and I’ve long respected ACI-NA’s work as a vocal champion for its members. It’s my hope that, together with our many industry partners, we can bring new focus to the critical role airports play in growing our economy, and ensure they have the resources they need for continued success.”
Reis said, “We have a great staff which, every day, serve the needs of our members and advocate tirelessly for our industry. Kevin will bring extraordinary experience and expertise in coalition building, grassroots outreach and association management that will accelerate our progress and heighten our achievements.”
Reis also offered the organization’s sincere thanks to Deborah McElroy, who served as ACI-NA’s interim president and will return to her role as Executive Vice President, Policy and External Affairs. “Debby has done a fantastic job of leading ACI-NA during this transition, and her experience will continue to be invaluable to ACI-NA and its members.”
Burke will start January 22, 2014.
About ACI-NA
Airports Council International-North America 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. More than 350 aviation-related businesses are also members of the association, which is the largest of the five worldwide regions of Airports Council International.
