All Things Travel: No Joke - Massport Still Looking For New CEO
BOSTON (CBS) - This not an April First fable. The Massachusetts Port Authority has spent 12 months looking for a new CEO and the job is still not close to being filled.
In a telephone interview last week, the Massport Board member who is Chairman of the Authority's Human Relations efforts, Michael Angelini, said that many candidates have been interviewed, but none were offered the job.
The position has been vacant for over a year since former CEO and long-time Massport employee, Thomas Kinton, announced his retirement. Massport counsel David Mackay has been the Interim CEO and was appointed by the Board.
"We're looking for someone with broad experience," said Angelini. "The job requires not only airport experience, but also an understanding of the cruise industry and the large real estate holdings that Massport has on the Boston waterfront."
The cash flow of Massport has changed in the last couple of years.
The Authority lost income from the Tobin Bridge and now has the financial responsibility of the Worcester Airport that is losing money. Worcester lost its one scheduled airline service last month when Direct Air ceased operation and filed for bankruptcy.
Massport is also in discussions with the MBTA in taking over some, if not all, of the ferry service to Logan Airport and downtown.
Meanwhile, Logan Airport passenger numbers are up about five percent in the first two months of the year and the new Japan Airlines non-stop flights start on April 22 to Tokyo.
"We may be close," added Angelini. "We're actively interviewing candidates."
One of the problems facing the search for the CEO may be the salary. Starting at about $200,000, this may be a problem for qualified candidates already making those dollars at other major U.S. Airports.
Massport could do worse than appoint David Mackay as its permanent CEO. He is out and about in the community and knows the inner workings of Massport's operations. The appointment would also save money at a time when it is needed.
Bob Weiss reports on business travel on Mondays at 5:55 a.m. on WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
