Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) Executive Director Steven Picou has been elected President of the South Central Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SCCAAAE) for 2024 at their annual conference in Wichita, Kansas.
SCCAAAE is a professional association of individuals and businesses involved in the management of airports in Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and Central America.
Picou also serves on the Board of Directors for the national organization, the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). The Chapter’s purpose is to enhance AAAE’s educational efforts by bringing together stakeholders who share similar interests and concerns because of their regional proximity. AAAE also sets professional and managerial standards for its members.
“I am honored to be selected to lead this association for the next year,” said Picou. “The association encourages active, consistent and constructive participation in the chapter and actively seeks new members for the association and the AAAE. The association members also work to promote the airport management field and related careers.”
In a career spanning over 25 years, Picou has held key leadership positions in the aviation industry that include oversight of airport facilities and operations, management of construction projects. He holds a degree in Professional Aviation from Louisiana Tech University and is a commercial/instrument-rated pilot. He is an accredited member of the AAAE.
Picou has served as the Executive Director of LFT since 2015. He supervised the construction of the landmark LFT Terminal Project, which began in November 2018 and was completed in January of 2022. Other accomplishments under his leadership include installation of two EMAS beds, Taxiway Foxtrot improvements, sealcoat of runways, selection of a concessionaire, purchase of property from Lafayette Parish School System, development of a robust Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, an increase in passenger growth, Taxiway Bravo improvements, ongoing implementation of a Master Plan, airfield electrical improvements, and building of cell phone waiting area.
