On Monday March 19, John D. Clark III resigned as executive director and CEO of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. This brings an end to a three-year run where among his many accomplishments were the increase in cargo and non-aeronautical revenue, hosting a Super Bowl (his second with an airport), the development of a solar farm, numerous industry awards and the advancement of the airport’s Aerotropolis concept. Known and admired for an innovative and entrepreneurial style that resulted in being a finalist for the same position at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (which he turned down to remain at IND), Clark spoke briefly with ARN to reflect on his time with the IAA and what he sees in his future.
ARN: What were your greatest accomplishments at IND?
Clark: The accomplishment I am most proud of is sharing a vision with the employees of IAA and the community of Indianapolis that IND can and should return to the Indianapolis region as more than a place where people and packages get on and off an airplane. IND can and should become the next generation logistics and transportation center of North America. Creating a culture of empowering the employees to be free to fully engage in the life blood of the airport was very rewarding. Seeing the culture of the IAA shift to employees thinking strategically and entrepreneurialy has been pretty special as well. Lastly, being a part of a second Super Bowl in a different city and having it come off with great success was also a highlight.
ARN: What will you miss most about IND and its surrounding community?
Clark: Certainly I will miss some of the people who really engaged in transforming the culture like my executive team which I would say has been the strongest team I have to date been a part of. The leadership team we put together was very diverse in talent, culture and professional competencies. But we worked hard, we preformed to the highest levels and we had fun. Professionally, I will miss being a part of implementing a bold vision. We dared to think big, that Indianapolis the “Cross Roads of America” could be the “Next Generation Transportation and Logisctics Center of North America”. I believe that is a bold vision and will require strong, bold leadership.
ARN: What are your plans for your next professional adventure?
Clark: I love the business of aviation and will certainly stay in this industry. I have long thought of owning and running a company that not only consults but also engages in the implementation of an operation with its clients. With a changing aviation industry I believe the future will require a significantly different appoarch to addressing the management and operations of airports and I would like to be a part of innovating a new and creative approach in doing that. At this point I will not rule out taking charge of another airport system but I will certainly think long and hard before doing it again.
