{"id":358,"date":"2016-01-27T11:42:44","date_gmt":"2016-01-27T16:42:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/one.atl.com\/?page_id=358"},"modified":"2026-02-18T09:45:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T14:45:59","slug":"leadership","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/about-atl\/leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1608142549468{background-image: url(https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/ATL.com-Header-AboutATL.jpg?id=1140) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column el_class=”box3″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_custom_heading text=”Leadership” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Cabin%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1467743155140{padding-bottom: 4% !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Ricky Smith<\/h3>\n

Airport General Manager<\/b><\/p>\n

As the Airport general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport\u2014the world\u2019s busiest and most efficient airport\u2014Ricky Smith leads one of the most critical aviation and economic hubs globally. He is responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and operational oversight of an airport that serves more than 108 million passengers annually, facilitates over 2,700 daily aircraft operations, and generates more than $750 million in annual operating revenue, reinforcing ATL\u2019s status as an economic powerhouse. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Jan Lennon<\/h3>\n

Airport Executive Deputy General Manager<\/b><\/p>\n

Jan Lennon is the Airport executive deputy general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. In this role, she works directly with the general manager to lead all aspects of the Airport to include but not limited to operations, finance, strategic planning, and infrastructure. A results-driven leader with over 25 years of experience in executive management, public safety, security operations, and large-scale infrastructure development, Lennon manages a workforce to position the airport for sustained global competitiveness. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Bryan Benefiel<\/h3>\n

Airport Deputy General Manager, Sr. | Chief Financial Officer<\/b><\/p>\n

Bryan Benefiel is the senior deputy general manager and chief financial officer of Hartsfield-Jackson. In his role, he oversees several units including capital finance, financial planning and analysis, risk management, revenue, budget and fiscal policy, accounting and financial reporting, and contract administration. A certified public accountant, he monitors ATL\u2019s over $1 billion annual budget and oversees the financing needs for ATLNext, the Airport\u2019s multibillion-dollar capital improvement program. He also oversees the annual operating budget with over $800 million in annual revenue and over $500 million in annual expenses. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Chris Crist<\/h3>\n

Airport Deputy General Manager, Sr. | Chief Information Officer<\/b><\/p>\n

Chris Crist is the senior deputy general manager and chief technology officer at ATL. He is responsible for all aspects of the Airport\u2019s technology including cyber security, network operations, software applications, and innovation and project management. Crist has nearly two decades of experience leading technology teams in transportation, healthcare, and the military. For more, click here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Augustus “Gus” Hudson<\/h3>\n

Airport Deputy General Manager, Sr., Operations<\/b><\/p>\n

Augustus \u201cGus\u201d Hudson is the senior deputy general manager of Operations at Hartsfield-Jackson. He leads the divisions that ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and guests including Airport operations, public safety and security, law enforcement, fire and medical personnel, emergency management, maintenance, transportation and traffic enforcement. Mr. Hudson is also responsible for operation mitigation plans and security considerations for the Airport\u2019s multibillion-dollar capital improvement program, ATLNext. For more, click here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Frank Rucker<\/h3>\n

Airport Deputy General Manager, Sr., Infrastructure<\/b><\/p>\n

Frank Rucker is the senior deputy general manager of Infrastructure. He oversees hundreds of Department of Aviation, program management and construction management personnel to ensure that all aviation facilities meet or exceed industry standards. He has more than 40 years of experience in civil engineering design and project management, with more than 20 years of progressive experience in the aviation facilities industry, directing sophisticated, sustainable design and construction projects. For more, click here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Tyronia Smith<\/h3>\n

Airport Deputy General Manager, Sr. | Chief Revenue Officer<\/b><\/p>\n

Tyronia Smith is the senior deputy general manager and chief revenue officer. In this role, she oversees Parking, Concessions, Customer Experience, Ground Transportation, and Marketing and Brand Strategy. The Greensboro, North Carolina native began her career with the City of Atlanta as a member of the Department of Law in 2020. There, she managed the Finance Team, supervised the Municipal Governance team that advised the City\u2019s public safety departments, advised the Mayor\u2019s Office of Contract Compliance, and served as senior counsel for Hartsfield-Jackson. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Krystel T. Davis<\/h3>\n

Airport Deputy General Manager, Administration and People Strategy<\/b><\/p>\n

Krystel T. Davis serves as the deputy general manager of Administration and People Strategy for the Department of Aviation. In this capacity, she is responsible for collaborating with the general manager and executive team on long-term strategy and translating strategic goals into operational plans. Ms. Davis also has oversight of several functional areas, including talent management, workforce development, workplace safety, business services, and employee services. For more, click here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Diana L\u00e9on Brown<\/h3>\n

Airport Deputy General Manager, Marketing and Air Service Development<\/b><\/p>\n

Diana L\u00e9on Brown is the deputy general manager of Marketing and Air Service Development at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where she oversees International Affairs, Corporate and Community Affairs, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, and Air Service Development. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, leading all external affairs including international and business relations, civic engagement, and marketing. With more than 25 years of experience, Diana has built a career bridging government, business, and philanthropy through innovative partnerships that drive sustainable growth. Recognized as a compelling communicator, she is a frequent keynote speaker on women in leadership, business development, and social impact. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Michael L. Smith<\/h3>\n

Business Advisor<\/b><\/p>\n

Michael L. Smith serves as business advisor to the Airport general manager. Prior to his appointment, he served as senior deputy general manager for Administration at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world\u2019s busiest and most efficient airport. He was responsible for the Department of Aviation\u2019s day-to-day functions of Strategic Planning, Business Diversity, Government Affairs, Innovation, Sustainability, Human Resources, Law, Legislative & Policy, Marketing, Procurement, and Records Management. Although Smith assumed his airport management role in 2014, he possesses more than two decades of municipal government experience as a longtime aviation law expert for the City of Atlanta. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Wesley Almeida<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Technology & Digital Experience | Chief Technology Officer<\/b><\/p>\n

Wesley Almeida is the assistant general manager of Technology & Digital Experience and chief technology officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. He leads the technology vision for the world’s busiest airport, including modernizing network infrastructure, accelerating engineering delivery and quality, and shaping the Airport’s approach to future technology implementations. For more, click here<\/a>.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Adrienne Ayers<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Planning and Development<\/b><\/p>\n

Adrienne Ayers is an assistant general manager for Planning and Development. In this role, she oversees the Central Passenger Terminal Complex, Aviation Information Systems (AIS) Network and Infrastructure teams to ensure facilities meet the expectations of the traveling public. Ayers leads a team of planners, asset\/facility managers, project managers, and construction managers to determine facility requirements and deliver them in a timely, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and responsible manner. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

April Broaders<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Administration and People Strategy<\/b><\/p>\n

April Broaders is the assistant general manager for Administration and People Strategy. In this role, she oversees the Talent Management division. Broaders has a broad range of global, corporate, and regional experience in aviation, technology, software, supply chain, manufacturing, R&D, consumer goods, customer service, and operations centers for Fortune 50, 100, and 500 global corporations. Since arriving at ATL in 2019 as the human resources director, Broaders has focused on making compensation more competitive with the private sector and enhancing promotion and career progression across each division. For more, click\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Candace Brown<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Public Safety and Security<\/b><\/p>\n

Candace Brown is the assistant general manager of Public Safety and Security. She manages badging and credentialing, ATL Enforcement, access control, insider threat program and maintains a collaborative relationship with the Atlanta Police Department. With over 17 years of airport public safety, security, and program management experience, Mrs. Brown holds the Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) and Airport Security Coordinator (ASC) designations from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). For more, click here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Sharon Heard-Brown<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, IT Operations<\/b><\/p>\n

Sharon Heard-Brown is the assistant general manager of IT Operations. She is responsible for implementing and integrating technologies to support the Department of Aviation\u2019s strategic objectives. Ms. Heard-Brown has more than 18 years of IT experience. In her current role since 2015, she provides leadership and a clear technological vision for the Department of Aviation and her division. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Ashraf Demian<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Planning and Development<\/b><\/p>\n

Ashraf Demian is an assistant general manager for Planning and Development. He is responsible for overseeing design management for all projects, as well as the Asset and Facility Management, Roadway Signage and Art divisions. This includes managing teams of planners, designers\/design managers, and asset\/facility managers, to determine the facilities’ requirements and deliver them in a timely, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable manner, and maintain to achieve the desired life. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Karen Ellis<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Chief Customer Experience Officer<\/b><\/p>\n

Karen Ellis serves as the Assistant General Manager and Chief Customer Experience Officer. In this role, she leads a dedicated team focused on enhancing the traveler experience, ensuring ATL remains welcoming and efficient for all passengers. Ms. Ellis brings 27 years of expertise in aviation customer experience and service excellence to her position. For more, click here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Nidia Farnum<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Accounting and Financial Reporting<\/b><\/p>\n

Nidia Farnum is the assistant general manager of Accounting and Financial Reporting at Hartsfield-Jackson. A Certified Public Accountant with over 25 years of experience, she is responsible for assisting the CFO and leading multiple major accounting and financial reporting functions including general accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, budget management and development, revenue management, accounts payables and accounts receivables. For more, click here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Christopher Jackman<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Facilities Maintenance<\/b><\/p>\n

Christopher Jackman is the assistant general manager for Facilities Maintenance. He oversees maintenance of the airfield, adjacent and surrounding land, and 30 Airport buildings to ensure the safe, efficient environment to move millions of passengers on more than 870,000 flight operations annually. Mr. Jackman\u2019s division encompasses more than 180 professionals providing airside and landside maintenance teams, fleet management, procurement and support services.\u00a0For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Tom Nissalke<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Planning and Development<\/b><\/p>\n

Thomas Nissalke is the assistant general manager of Planning and Development. In this role, he oversees the planning, design and construction of ATLNext, the Airport\u2019s 20-year, multibillion-dollar capital improvement program. In addition to managing ATLNext\u2019s implementation, Mr. Nissalke is responsible for all Airport planning and the ATL\u2019s environmental compliance programs, environmental planning and federal grants, and regulations compliance. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Neville Randeria<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Capital and Financial Planning<\/b><\/p>\n

Neville Randeria is the assistant general manager of Capital and Financial Planning. In this role, he oversees the capital financial planning associated with ATLNext, the Airport\u2019s 20-year, multibillion-dollar capital improvement program. In addition, he is responsible for the capital finance, treasury and financial planning functions. For more, click here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Bob Scalise<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Chief Information Security Officer<\/b><\/p>\n

Bob Scalise is an assistant general manager and Chief Information Security Officer at ATL. He oversees the Airport\u2019s comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, ensuring the protection of complex technology infrastructures and operational systems essential to safe and efficient airport operations. Mr. Scalise works collaboratively across the Airport\u2019s IT and operational teams to align security initiatives with strategic goals, emphasizing cross-functional risk management and regulatory compliance. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Ana Maria Taroco<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Planning and Development<\/b><\/p>\n

Ana Maria Taroco is an Assistant General Manager of Planning and Development. In her role, Ana is responsible for overseeing project delivery with a focus on ATLNext Parking projects, the upcoming Aviation Administration Center, and the future Concourse E modernization project. She leads a team of planners, asset\/facility managers, project managers, and construction managers to ensure projects are delivered in a timely, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and responsible manner. Originally from Uruguay, Ana brings 23 years of extensive experience in the construction industry to her position. For more, click here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Walter Vinson<\/h3>\n

Assistant General Manager, Government Affairs<\/b><\/p>\n

Walter Vinson is the assistant general manager of Government Affairs. In this role, Walter manages the integration and inclusion of small, minority and female-owned firm participation in the Airport\u2019s capital improvement program. In addition, he manages the Airport\u2019s state and federal legislative affairs, including initiating legislation at all levels and monitoring state and federal legislation that impacts the Airport. For more, click here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

Anita Williams<\/h3>\n

Airport Director, Sr. Legislation Research and Policy<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Anita Williams is the legislative research and policy analyst. She manages the legislative process to ensure the timely development, processing and passage of the Department of Aviation\u2019s legislation by the City of Atlanta. For more, click here<\/a><\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1608142549468{background-image: url(https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/ATL.com-Header-AboutATL.jpg?id=1140) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column el_class=”box3″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][vc_custom_heading text=”Leadership” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Cabin%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1467743155140{padding-bottom: 4% !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””][\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””] Ricky Smith Airport General Manager As the Airport general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport\u2014the world\u2019s busiest and most efficient airport\u2014Ricky Smith leads one of the most critical aviation and economic hubs […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":735,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"BlankCanvas.php","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-358","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=358"}],"version-history":[{"count":302,"href":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/358\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24488,"href":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/358\/revisions\/24488"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/735"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}