The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) named Chris Rozansky, Executive Director of Naples Airport Authority (NAA), as 2023 Aviation Professional of the Year during this year’s Florida Airport Council’s annual conference. The award recognizes his involvement in the Florida aviation during the previous year, and his continuing commitment to and significant achievements in the industry over a period of years. FDOT officials chose Rozansky from a competitive field of nine nominees who have all made significant achievements in the state’s aviation industry.
“In all his endeavors, Chris puts forth great determination and resolve with the best interests of the Airport, its employees, customers, and the community in mind,” says NAA Board Chair Kerry Dustin. “He is not only invested in success for his organization, but also in contributing to advancing the aviation industry and minimizing environmental impacts to the extent possible.”
Rozansky has served as the NAA Executive Director for seven years, overseeing a dynamic community asset that generated a $781-million economic impact for the community in 2022. After Hurricane Ian delivered several feet of storm surge across the airfield last year, Rozansky’s leadership was crucial to recovery efforts. He also worked to deliver donated supplies to surrounding neighborhoods and to establish a relief fund to benefit employees who lost their homes and vehicles.
He also led the airport’s participation in the Department of Homeland Security Blue Lightning Initiative to fight human trafficking, continued work towards completion of the Airport’s Part 150 Study and supported the launch of social media to better connect with the community.
A Safety Management System program was developed along with the airport’s comprehensive wildlife management efforts, which earned the FAA Southern Region Airports Division Safety Award and the Florida Airports Council’s J. Bryan Cooper Environmental Award.
Representing the American Association of Airport Executives and on behalf of the more than 4,400 general aviation airports in the U.S., Rozansky appeared before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Aviation to testify about policy and infrastructure needs.
Displaying his commitment to inspiring the next generation, Chris launched the airport’s internship program, supported student engagement events throughout the year, hosted a sendoff for local students attending the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Fla., and partnered with the local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter to enable students to build an experimental aircraft.
