Mayor Kasim Reed announces new Aviation General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

"I am pleased that Louis Miller has agreed to partner with me and the City of Atlanta in our efforts to maintain Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as the world's busiest passenger airport and enhance its role as the primary economic engine for the region," said Mayor Reed. "Under the experienced leadership of Louis Miller, I am confident that the airport's safety, security and amenities for passengers will improve dramatically. I look forward to working with him to grow the airport's international cargo operations and to complete the construction of the International Terminal."

Mayor Reed added: "Louis brings more than 30 years of experience to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the City of Atlanta. His leadership at other major airports in Tampa and Salt Lake City will help us develop and maintain aviation operations that are second to none. Atlanta is a leading international city, and I am pleased to bring this level of talent and management acumen to the city."

As Executive Director and CEO of Tampa International Airport from 1996 to April 2010, Miller oversaw, managed and developed the airport system, which included three general aviation facilities: Peter O. Knight, Plant City and Tampa Executive Airports. During his tenure at Tampa International, he oversaw $1.1 billion in capital improvements, recruited competitive airline services to achieve below average domestic airfares and doubled passengers to more than 19 million a year, before the recent recession dropped 2009's total to 17.2 million.

Prior to Tampa, Miller held several positions with the Salt Lake City Department of Airports from 1976 to 1996, serving as the Chief Accountant, Deputy Director of Finance and Administration and Executive Director, respectively. Miller received an associate degree in Accounting from Stevens-Henager Business College in Salt Lake City, attended the University of Utah and became a licensed CPA in 1975. He also spent four years in the United States Army and attained the rank of Sergeant E-5.

"It is an honor and privilege for me to be selected by Mayor Kasim Reed to serve as the General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport," Miller said. "I have a great deal of respect for Mayor Reed and the transparent process he used by involving the business and civic community in the search process for this important position. It is obvious to me that that he is committed to the citizens of the City of Atlanta and to all of the passengers and employees who depend on Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport."

"My goal as the Aviation General Manager of the world's busiest passenger airport is to exceed Mayor Reed's expectations and those of the community at large," Miller added.

The search for a new Aviation General Manager began when Mayor Reed asked Carol Tomé, Chief Financial Officer of Home Depot Inc., to lead an independent committee and partner with Heidrick & Struggles, an executive search firm, to identify and vet qualified candidates from across the nation.

Ms. Tomé presented Mayor Reed with the names of five recommended candidates in early August. After receiving the search committee's recommendations, Mayor Reed and Peter Aman, Chief Operating Officer of the City of Atlanta, interviewed each of the five candidates and selected three finalists: Miller; John D. Clark III, Executive Director of Indianapolis International Airport; and Lester Robinson, Former Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport.

The nine-member search committee led by Tomé included Darryl Harmon of Wells Fargo; retired Coca-Cola Co. executive Carl Ware; Ben Myers of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Carter USA President Scott Taylor; William Clement of Atlanta Life Financial Group; John Spiegel, formerly of SunTrust Bank; Taylor Glover of Turner Enterprises; and Turner Broadcasting Vice-President Loretta Walker.

"On behalf of the search committee, we commend Mayor Reed on his choice," Tomé said. "Louis Miller is a seasoned airport leader with an incredible track record. We welcome him to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and wish him all the best."

The Aviation General Manager position demands a strategic thinker and effective communicator who can provide leadership and vision in managing the day-to-day activities of the world's busiest airport. The primary responsibilities include developing and implementing a strategic plan to further the goals of Mayor Reed and the City of Atlanta, while ensuring the airport's continued success as the region's leading economic generator, spawning $32.5 billion in direct business revenue.

The general manager also is tasked with ensuring efficient operations and maintaining safe and secure passenger accommodations, while delivering world-class customer service for almost 90 million travelers annually. In addition, the Aviation General Manager oversees Hartsfield-Jackson's $6 billion-plus Capital Improvement Program, including the new $1.4 billion International Terminal, expected to open in 2012.