Massport CEO Tom Kinton Retiring

BOSTON (CBS/AP) – Massport CEO Tom Kinton is retiring.

Kinton said in a letter to employees that was released after Wednesday's board meeting that he intends to step down from the job June 1.  His contract expires Aug. 1.

The story was first reported by WBZ NewsRadio 1030.

Kinton was named CEO and executive director of Massport, which oversees Logan International Airport, in August 2006.

He previously served as director of aviation at the airport and has been with the agency for 35 years.

The announcement comes a couple of months after Gov. Deval Patrick took control of the Massport board and named Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan to be the board chairman.

"He's well respected, both the at airport and in aviation circles and I think it's a loss for Massport," said WBZ Travel Editor Bob Weiss.

"There were indications that he might step down.  It's the end of a five-year contract.  There was a situation at the end of last year when the Massport board tried to give him a raise.  Governor Patrick, through Jeff Mullan, who is on the Massport board now, held that up and I think, perhaps, that could have been the turning point."

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