Former Marriott, US Airways exec named to airport board

NAPLES — The Naples City Council has appointed retired airline and hotel executive Rita Cuddihy to the Naples Airport Authority Board. She replaces Commissioner James Rideoutte, whose term ends later this month, according to a statement.

Cuddihy was most recently an area vice president at Marriott International, the release states. She also held several executive positions at US Airways and Continental Airlines, including president and CEO of US Airways Shuttle. She is currently on the Hospitality School Advisory Board for Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

In addition to Cuddihy’s appointment, the board announced that Kerry Dustin, currently the vice chair of the Naples Airport Authority, has been reappointed for a second four-year term. Dustin is the founder and CEO of Falls River Group, a global mergers and acquisition advisory firm based in Naples.

Other Naples Airport Authority Commissioners include Chair Michael Lenhard, Donna Messer and Richard “Rick” Ruppert. The board is comprised of five citizen volunteers appointed by the Naples City Council to four-year terms to govern the Naples Airport Authority.

Home to flight schools, air charter operators, car rental agencies and corporate aviation and non-aviation businesses, Naples Airport is also a central location for public services, including fire/rescue services, mosquito control, the Collier County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit and other community services. All funds used for the airport’s operation, maintenance and improvements are generated from activities at the airport or federal and state grants from aviation-related user fees. The airport receives no local tax dollars.