Michael Giardino, currently director of aviation for Greater Rochester International (ROC), has been named executive director of Newport News/Williamsburg International (PHF). Giardino will join PHF on Nov. 6.
At PHF, Giardino takes over from interim director Sandy Wanner, who has been running the airport since March. Former director Ken Spirito was placed on leave in March and was let go in May.
Giardino is a 26-year naval aviator veteran. He joined ROC in 2012, where he leads a staff of 120 personnel in construction planning, security, maintenance and operations for the airport. He also has management experience in human resources, budget management and emergency management.
“The airport commission is ready and excited to have Mr. Giardino lead, manage and develop our airport for future success,” said George Wallace, chairman of the Peninsula Airport Commission, which oversees PHF. “We are confident the new director will assist the commission to exceed the expectations of the state aviation board and our regional communities.”
Giardino said he is looking forward to working with the community to “openly assess and aggressively address the community’s air-travel needs.”
