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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The City Council Tuesday confirmed the appointment of John Ackerman as the next CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, the agency that runs LAX and Van Nuys Airport.
"I am so honored to accept this appointment to serve as the next CEO of Los Angeles World Airports," Ackerman said in a statement last week. "Thank you to Mayor Karen Bass and the Board of Airport Commissioners for providing me with this opportunity. I look forward to using the skills and knowledge I developed during my career to lead an exceptional organization and serve the city of Los Angeles."
Ackerman, who begins in February, takes over the position following former CEO Justin Erbacci's resignation in October to take a similar position in Saudi Arabia.
Council members voted 14-0, with Councilman Curren Price absent during the vote.
Prior to the vote, Councilwoman Imelda Padilla, who represents the Sixth District, which includes the Van Nuys Airport, asked Ackerman about the modernization of that airport, and whether he would support efforts to protect constituents from possible health impacts from air traffic.
Ackerman, who hails from Texas, said he was "100% committed" to working with Padilla's office and the community.
Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who represents the neighboring Seventh District in the northeast San Fernando Valley, said that oftentimes the families and businesses that reside adjacent to the airport are overlooked compared with the communities near LAX.
Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who represents the Eighth District encompassing South LA, shared similar concerns that he hopes Ackerman will work to address.
"My district is the entire flight path that is within the city of Los Angeles," Harris-Dawson said prior the vote.
Councilwoman Traci Park, who chairs the council's transportation committee, thanked Ackerman for his willingness to serve the city.
"I am really excited at the opportunity to get to work with you to advance our efforts, to uplift our communities, to modernize our infrastructure, and to see through some of the largest capital improvements and infrastructure investments, and projects anywhere in our entire country," Park said.
The transportation committee and the Board of Airport Commissioners previously approved Ackerman's appointment.
According to the Mayor's Office, Ackerman brings decades of experience in the aviation industry. He previously held senior executive roles with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Denver International Airport.
Ackerman most recently served as executive vice president of global strategy and development for DFW, where he expanded the airport's global footprint by driving its first cargo strategy, a multiyear program focused on Asia-Latin America trade flows.
Prior to his time at DFW, Ackerman served as the chief commercial officer for DEN, where he led teams that "transformed the customer experience at every touchpoint," Bass' office noted.
Ackerman is also a trained pilot.
"John brings proven executive leadership experience at two of the top airports in the world and an entire career's worth of expertise in the aviation industry," Bass said in a statement issued last week.
In September, Erbacci announced his resignation, which took effect Oct. 6. He accepted a job as the new CEO of NEOM Airports, a regional development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, according to LAWA.
Beatrice Hsu served as interim CEO, while a nationwide search began to fill the position. Hsu is president emeritus and a 10-year veteran of the Board of Airport Commissioners.
"I want to thank Commissioner Bea Hsu for serving as interim CEO during this important period of transition," Bass said in her statement. "Her willingness to step in and lead through this time is a testament to her commitment to serving the people of Los Angeles."