SWFL airport executive named top aviation professional in state

Naples Airport Authority Executive Director Chris Rozansky has been named the 2023 Florida Department of Transportation Aviation Professional of the Year. 

Rozansky received the recognition at this year’s Florida Airport Council’s annual conference. The award, according to a statement, recognizes his involvement in “Florida aviation during the previous year, and his continuing commitment to and significant achievements in the industry over a period of years.” 

FDOT officials chose Rozansky from nine nominees who have all made significant achievements in the state’s aviation industry. “In all his endeavors, Chris puts forth great determination and resolve with the best interests of the Airport, its employees, customers, and the community in mind,” Naples Airport Authority Board Chair Kerry Dustin says in the release. “He is not only invested in success for his organization, but also in contributing to advancing the aviation industry and minimizing environmental impacts to the extent possible.”

A Business Observer 40 Under 40 winner in 2017, Rozansky has overseen the Naples airport for seven years. In addition to leading post-Ian recovery efforts, in which the hurricane delivered several feet of storm surge across the airfield, Rozansky helped establish a relief fund to benefit employees who lost their homes and vehicles.

He also led the airport’s participation in the Department of Homeland Security Blue Lightning Initiative to fight human trafficking, continued work toward completion of the Airport’s Part 150 Study and supported the launch of social media to better connect with the community. 

In addition, Rozansky represented the American Association of Airport Executives, and on behalf of the more than 4,400 general aviation airports in the U.S., Rozansky appeared before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Aviation to testify about policy and infrastructure needs.

The Naples Airport serviced 122,281 annual operations and more than 200,000 passengers last year. 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.