The Van Nuys Airport Association (VNAA) announces the appointment of Paul Giczewski of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to its board of directors, where he will help oversee the non-profit organization’s strategic efforts to promote the general aviation industry, foster economic growth, and build collaborative business and community partnerships.
“The VNAA focuses on resolving critical issues that impact airport users and operators, with the goal of extending the many benefits of aviation to the local community,” said VNAA President Curt Castagna. “Our members work in collaboration with Los Angeles World Airports and airport stakeholders on key initiatives to enhance safety and security, create and retain high-skilled and high-paying jobs in the community, and mentor the next generation of aviation professionals.”
In his current position as senior manager of Facility Services, Giczewski is responsible for Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s facilities management, security, emergency preparedness, government relations, real estate support and asset management on the West Coast. He brings 32 years of solid and diverse experience in the aviation and aerospace industries to the VNAA.
Over the past several years, the 14-member VNAA board has successfully spearheaded the following achievements at Van Nuys Airport (VNY), ranked one of the world’s busiest general aviation airfields and the nation’s leading business airport:
- Re-establishment of dedicated U.S. Customs and Border Protection services
- Timely negotiations for reasonable, five-year rental rate adjustments
- Completion of project to rehabilitate the airport’s main runway with minimal closures and operational impacts on airport users and operators
- Collaboration with VNY Operations and Police staff on proactive programs to prevent runway incursions
- Establishment of tenant best practices for airfield safety and security
- Campaign to save onsite aircraft mechanics school from closure during severe city budget cuts
Giczewski joins other civic, business, community and education leaders on the VNAA board, including: VNAA President Curt Castagna, president and chief executive officer, Aeroplex/Aerolease Group; VNAA Vice President Eric Hill, area director, Signature Flight Support; Tony Marlow, vice president Aviation Operations & Business Development, Castle & Cooke Aviation; Brad Wright, chief financial officer, Clay Lacy Aviation; Jim Hansen, founder and general manager, Western Jet Aviation; Christine Dunn, ambassador, Airtel Plaza Hotel; Steve Maloney, vice president and chief financial officer, Sun Air Jets, LLC; and Morton Scolnick, principal, Scofield Partnership. Ex-officio members include Kenn Phillips, president and chief executive officer, Valley Economic Alliance; Elizabeth Penuela, assistant principal Operations, East Valley Skills Center- North Valley Service Area; Stuart Waldman, president, Valley Industry and Commerce Association; and Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, chief executive officer, Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“Each of our board members brings a diversity of experience, deep passion for aviation and commitment to the community to VNAA,” Castagna said. “I look forward to working collaboratively to deliver meaningful progress and change in the year ahead.”
