Mario Rodriguez (aviation executive)
Mario Rodriguez an American public servant and aviation expert and author.[1] He was the former president of the California Airports Council and appointed by President Barack Obama to the U.S. Department of Transportation Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection[2], recipient of the State of Indiana's highest honor, the Sagamore of the Wabash[3][4][5][6] and received a United States Congressional Recognition, conferred by Congressman André Carson in 2019.[7] He has been a guest speaker at conferences such as The United Nation's ICAO Green Airport Conference.[8] He also sat on the board of Airports Council International (ACI), and was named in 2012 one of the ten most powerful people in Long Beach.[9]
Mario Rodriguez | |
---|---|
Nationality | Cuban American |
Alma mater | University of Miami |
Occupation | Airport and airline management |
Years active | 1987–present |
Known for | Airport CEO |
Career
Rodriguez is the Executive Director (CEO) of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. The Authority has over $2.3 billion in assets that include Indianapolis International Airport, four reliever airports, the downtown heliport building, investments, and large commercial land holdings. The Authority was named Best Airport in the U.S. by J.D. Powers and Associates in 2016 and 2019, [10] Condé Nast for six consecutive years, [11] and Travel & Leisure in 2020. [12]
Rodriguez currently serves as chairman of the statewide Indiana Latino Institute.[13] He also is a board member of key organizations such as the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce,[14] Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau,[15] the Indianapolis Sports Corporation,[16] and the 500 Festival Committee.
Rodriguez also served as the Deputy Director (COO) at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), where he distinguished himself by developing the flood protection around MSY before Hurricane Katrina and contributing to the airport's rapid recovery after.[17][18] He has received many awards and been recognized for his achievements in the industry. Rodriguez has been associated with aviation from Hong Kong to Long Beach, California.
He is a graduate of the University of Miami (1987), attended the Harvard Kennedy School, and is an accomplished author and speaker on issues affecting the aviation industry, including business recovery and disaster management.[19]
Awards
- Sagamore of the Wabash. the state of Indiana's highest award, conferred by Governor Eric Holcomb in 2018[3][4][5][6]
- United States Congressional Recognition, conferred by Congressman André Carson in 2019.[20]
References
- Mew, Keith A. "Airport Financial Management". ISBN 9780754677017.
- "FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Announces New Actions to Spur Competition in the Airline Industry, Give Consumers the Information They Need to Make Informed Choices". 2016-10-18.
- "Employee volunteerism continues to grow".
- "I named @INDairport executive director Mario Rodriguez a Sagamore of the Wabash today at the @IndianaLatino luncheon. Mario and his team run the best airport in North America!pic.twitter.com/H3XbVbZQcy". 2018-09-04.
- "En Contexto: Reconocimiento en Indiana a hispano con el Sagamore of the Wabash". September 12, 2018.
- "Business Leader Speaker Series: Mario Rodriguez, CEO Indianapolis International Airport | Orr Fellowship". orrfellowship.org.
- "U.S. Congressional Record".
- "Indy Airport Executive to Speak at United Nations Event".
- "The 10 Most Powerful People in Long Beach 2012 • Long Beach Post".
- "Indy Airport Named 'Best' by J.D. Power".
- "6 years in a row—Indianapolis airport named best in nation once again by Condé Nast Traveler".
- "ndianapolis International Airport lands in top spot in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards".
- "2018 Board of Directors | Indiana Latino Institute".
- "Our Team | Indy Chamber". 2017-09-07.
- "Visit Indy and TTI Board Members - Contact Us | Visit Indy".
- "Leadership". 2018-09-29.
- "Despite $40 Million in Damage, MSY Stood up Against Katrina | Aero-News Network".
- "New airport director led major redevelopments in past jobs".
- "Indianapolis Airport Authority Rodriguez reflects on 27-year 'lucky career'".
- "U.S. Congressional Record".