The overview
The HAS is a department of the city of Houston that manages George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport, William Hobby Airport and Ellington Field.
According to the HAS website, Szczesniak has more than two decades of management experience in both the public and private sectors. His job as director of aviation includes:
- Execution of HAS’s strategic initiatives
- Achieving five-star system performance
- Maximizing the commercial potential of HAS infrastructure
- Maintaining operational excellence throughout the HAS organization
Before Anchorage, he served for 10 years at the Chicago Department of Aviation, where he started in airport operations at O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.
- Szczesniak holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University.
- He is a licensed commercial pilot and aircraft mechanic.
- He is also an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives.
What they're saying
Whitmire said he appointed Szczesniak because of his background, experience and commitment to improving the airport.
“I made this nomination because of the concern for the airport system operations, transparency and a lack of user-friendly environment, not only for Houstonians, but for those that travel through, and it is millions of people a year,” he said. “Mr. Szczesniak and I have met and talked about the need for better operations.”
Whitmire said Szczesniak will help look at how to improve signage, mobility, and access to and from the airport.
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“I’m excited about the experience and commitment that Jim Szczesniak brings to the city of Houston and our airport system,” he said. “I do believe its greatest days are ahead of us.”
Looking ahead
Szczesniak said he is humbled and honored by the appointment and ready to serve the city of Houston.
“It’s very important for us to realize that the Houston Airport System is responsible for $36.4 billion dollars in annual economic activity for the city of Houston and 90,000 jobs,” he said. “So this is no small job. This is an important piece of the Houston economy, and I want to thank you for your faith in me to be able to lead this wonderful organization.”
