Ricky Smith has been selected as the new general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) beginning April 2. Smith is currently executive director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) where he is responsible for the management and operations of Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and other aviation activities in Maryland.
Jan Lennon, who currently serves as interim airport general manager of ATL, will be promoted to an elevated role within the airport as executive deputy general manager.
“Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport needs dynamic leadership to drive the continued growth we’ve seen over the past years and Mr. Smith’s extensive experience will help us reach more milestones in the years to come,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “I want to thank Jan Lennon for her dedication and leadership while we conducted our search, and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the capacity of executive deputy general manager.”
Smith said that Dickens’ confidence in him “is met with deep appreciation. I am looking forward to working with the very talented and dedicated professionals at the airport and the entire City of Atlanta,” he said.
Smith began his aviation career in 1989 with the Maryland Aviation Administration. From 2006 through mid-2015 he was director of airports for the Cleveland Airport System, before returning to the MAA. He is also chairman of the board of the Airport Minority Advisory Council.
Lennon took over as interim airport general manager of ATL on July 1, 2024, after Balram Bheodari left the airport. When Smith takes over leading the airport, Lennon will serve in the new role of executive deputy general manager, working directly with Smith to lead all aspects of the airport, the mayor’s office said. She previously served as deputy of operations before serving as interim general manager. She has more than 25 years of experience, with a deep background in airport security management.
