About Us

Leadership

Placeholder Boardroom
  • A headshot of John Whitmire

    John Whitmire

    Mayor

    Mayor John Whitmire serves as the Executive Officer of the City.

    See full bio
  • Jim Szczesniak, A.A.E.

    Director of Aviation

    Jim Szczesniak, A.A.E., Director of Aviation for Houston Airport System, has 20+ years of management experience.

  • Kelly Woodward

    Chief Operating Officer

    Kelly Woodward is the Chief Operating Officer for the Houston Airport System (HAS). Woodward brings over two decades of aviation management experience in the public and private sectors.

  • Saba Abashawl

    External Affairs Officer

    As Deputy Director and Chief External Affairs Officer at the Houston Airport System, Saba Abashawl oversees Global Industry Relations, Government Affairs, Business Development, and Community Engagement

  • Francisco Cuellar

    Chief Commercial Officer

    With a career in the aviation industry spanning more than 20 years, Francisco Cuellar has participated in airport bids in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Mexico. Some bids involved forming a consortium to invest in large infrastructure investments ranging from $100 million to $2.5 billion.

  • Darryl Daniel

    Chief Technology Officer

    Darryl Daniel is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Houston Airports.

  • Gary High

    Deputy Director of Large Capital Projects

    Gary High is the Deputy Director of Large Capital Projects at Houston Airports.

  • Scott Hill

    Chief Maintenance Officer

    Scott Hill is the Deputy Director of Infrastructure for Houston Airports, overseeing critical operations to ensure the smooth functioning of airport facilities. He reports to the Chief Operating Officer, Kelly Woodward.

  • Julie Landry

    Workforce Innovation and Development (WID)

    Julie Landry leads the Workforce Innovation and Development (WID) division, which is dedicated to supporting the operations and 1,200 employees of Houston Airports.

  • Arturo Machuca

    Director of Ellington Airport and Houston Spaceport

    As the Director of Ellington Airport and Houston Spaceport, Arturo Machuca is a tireless advocate of commercial space and a dedicated leader in the aerospace and aviation community.

  • Liliana Rambo

    Chief Terminal Management Officer

    Liliana Rambo, CM, CAPP, is the Houston Airport System’s (HAS) Chief Terminal Management Officer.

  • Steve Runge

    Chief of Operations

    Steve Runge provides the vision, strategy, and direction supporting the daily operations of at George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby Airport.

  • Clint Stephen

    Chief Financial Officer

    Clint Stephen is responsible for monitoring the overall financial health of the Houston Airport System.

  • Molly Waits

    Chief Marketing, Air Service Development and Communications Officer

    Molly Waits leads Houston Airports' Marketing, Air Service Development and Communications, MAC, division. She's a passionate aviation professional with 22 years in the industry, including 16 years with Houston Airports