Jacqueline Yaft this week was named executive director of Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), succeeding Jim Smith who is retiring.
Yaft, who will assume her new role June 10, joins AUS after a more than 20-year career at several airports in the U.S., serving in executive positions within operations management, airport safety, master plan implementation and security compliance at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Denver International Airport (DEN) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
“I am excited to welcome Jackie to the city of Austin,” says Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk, who announced the appointment. “She stood out among a pool of highly qualified and talented candidates because she has the experience and skills to help Austin realize our airport of the future.”
Yaft will report to Gina Fiandaca, assistant city manager for mobility, and will be tasked with implementing the city’s aviation master plan in a way that preserves the values of the local community.
Cronk praised the retiring Smith, who as leader of AUS for 25 years was instrumental in a number of aviation initiatives, including establishing the Austin aviation master plan and overseeing the successful nine-gate expansion of the Barbara Jordan Terminal.
