AFCO and Avports Add Former American Airlines Exec to Board
Airport management and development platforms, owned by fund managed by the Merchant Banking Division of Goldman Sachs, gearing up for new era in aviation with operations vet Boda on board as director
Dulles, VA. – Aviation Facilities Company Management (“AFCO”) and Avports announced today that veteran airline senior executive Suzanne Boda has joined its board as the airport development and management companies gear up for a new era in aviation.
Boda — who spent 37 years as an executive with American Airlines, US Airways and Northwest Airlines — will serve as a board director and assist both AFCO and Avports on overall strategy, as well as its finances, operations, and business development. The growing Goldman Sachs-backed airports companies invest, develop, manage and operate airports and airport infrastructure at more than 25 airports across the country.
“We are thrilled to have Suzanne on board as an industry leader who can assist and support our efforts as we grow our company, and as we enter a new phase of aviation,” said AFCO President and Chief Executive Officer Chuck Stipancic. “Aviation is fundamentally changing, and AFCO and Avports are well-positioned to add efficiency, profitability and value to airports around the country.”
“Suzanne Boda is a respected veteran of the aviation industry who brings nearly four decades of experience, expertise and relationships to AFCO and Avports, and we are very excited to have her on our team,” said Avports CEO Jorge Roberts. As the aviation industry enters a new era and adapts to new challenges, Suzanne will help us lead and innovate to create a better experience for air travelers and ensure our clients thrive.”
“I am excited to join the board at AFCO and Avports during this critical time for the industry and very much look forward to working with both teams in support of their goals and initiatives,” said Suzanne Boda. “This is a great opportunity for me to shape an industry that I love as I move forward in this next chapter of my career”.
About AFCO
AFCO is a recognized industry leader in the development and management of airports and airport infrastructure. With broad, best-in-class capabilities and deep experience, AFCO provides an unparalleled level of service, comprehensive solutions and value to its clients including airports, municipalities, commercial and cargo airlines, general aviation and a wide variety of other airport users.
About Avports
Avports is the most experienced American-owned and -based airport manager and operator, with more than 650 employees and a 93-year track record. Founded in 1927 as the infrastructure division of Pan American World Airways, Avports has operated more than 30 airports, aviation facilities and passenger terminals in the United States, including 50 years providing airport management services in New York State. Avports currently provides O&M services at Albany International Airport, New York Stewart International Airport, Republic Airport, and Westchester County Airport in New York; Teterboro Airport in New Jersey; Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut; Gary Chicago International Airport in Indiana; and Moffett Federal Airfield in California.
About Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division
Founded in 1869, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm. Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division (MBD) is the primary center for the firm’s long-term principal investing activity. MBD is one of the leading private capital investors in the world with investments across private equity, infrastructure, private debt, growth equity and real estate. AFCO and Avports were acquired by West Street Infrastructure Partners III, an infrastructure fund managed by the Merchant Banking Division of Goldman Sachs, in July of 2018.