The New Orleans Aviation Board has appointed industry veteran Kevin Dolliole as its next director of aviation, effective June 26.
He replaces Mark Reis, who has served as interim director since December, when the previous director, Iftikhar Ahmad joined the Rhode Island Airport Corporation as president and CEO.
Most recently Dolliole has served as a senior vice president at Unison Consulting. But this appointment represents a return home of sorts. Dolliole previously served at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) in several executive positions, including acting director of aviation.
He also has been director of airports at St. Louis Lambert International (STL) and as aviation director at San Antonio International (SAT).
“I’m thrilled to return,” he says. “I’m committed to carrying on the transformative work taking place and look forward to joining this talented team of professionals who have worked tirelessly to take Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to the next level.”
MSY is in the process of constructing a new North Terminal that is scheduled for completion in February 2019. The project is expected to create an estimated 13,000 direct construction jobs and generate nearly $1 billion in investment in the region. The 972,000-square-foot terminal will have 35 gates, a 2,190-car parking garage and a ground transportation staging area.
Dolliole has been involved with airlines and airports for more than 40 years and has worked on managing capital construction projects, developing new air service and planning operational, organizational and airport development initiatives.
Bob Montgomery, vice president of airport affairs with Southwest Airlines, says Dolliole is a great airport professional with wide ranging experience. “He partners with his stakeholders and can get things done,” Montgomery says. “Southwest is very pleased to be working with him again as we look forward to the completion of the North Terminal project.”
City officials were excited to welcome Dolliole home. “I’m excited to have a native New Orleanian with national experience on board to run the airport as we finish the $1 billion expansion and new terminal project,” says New Orleans Councilman Jared Brossett, chair of the city’s transportation and aviation committee.
Adds Mayor Mitch Landrieu: “With Kevin’s extensive experience, I am confident the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport will continue to exceed expectations and experience record-breaking growth.”
