Albany, NY — The Albany Airport Authority Board received a letter from three Capital Region legislators expressing concerns about the board’s plans to find a new CEO.
The letter, signed by Representatives Patricia Fahy (D, NY-109), John Mcdonald III (D, NY-108) and Phil Steck (D, NY-110), calls on the airport’s board to expedite the search for a new CEO.
In the letter, the MPs also asked the board to update the CEO’s job description to reflect the additional responsibilities they believe the new CEO will take on as construction on a major renovation project is ongoing.
The lawmakers also mentioned that over $100 million in state and federal funds would be allocated to the construction of the airport. They argued that it was “critical” that operations run as “smoothly as possible” to complete the project on time and on budget, given the decision to change leadership.
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Currently, the board expects to find a new CEO by 2025 while current CEO Phil Calderone serves out his contract, which expires on December 1.
READ THE FULL LETTER BELOW:
According to a Times Union report, Albany County Commissioner Daniel P. McCoy was interested in the job but decided against it. Albany County Assemblyman Frank Mauriello then released a statement.
“I am pleased that the County Executive has withdrawn his candidacy to be the next CEO of the Albany Airport Authority. However, there are still many issues and unanswered questions that we must examine regarding the authority and county’s involvement in recent events.
I want to be clear that this is not about politics – it is about our commitment as a county to protect Albany International Airport, ensure its operational viability, and complete a $100 million renovation and expansion project that is already well underway.
Our airport sees numerous departures and arrivals daily and millions of travelers each year. Allegations that the Airport Authority’s decision-making has been politically influenced have embarrassed our county and the entire government. I fully support my colleagues’ call for the legislature to hear these allegations directly from the Authority’s board and other stakeholders.
We vote on board appointments. We approve their capital plan. We should have oversight on this issue as well because it is our responsibility to protect the airport and its interests. This is just too big and important to ignore or let politics decide. There is too much at stake for Albany County and the entire Capital Region,” – Albany County Assemblyman Frank Mauriello.
