Florida Department of Transportation Names Rozansky 2023 Aviation Professional of the Year
NAPLES, FL, July 27, 2023– The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) named Chris Rozansky, Executive Director of Naples Airport Authority (NAA), as 2023 Aviation Professional of the Year during this year’s Florida Airport Council’s annual conference. The award recognizes his involvement in the 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 a competitive field of 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,” says NAA Board Chair Kerry Dustin. “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.”
Rozansky has served as the NAA Executive Director for seven years, overseeing a dynamic community asset that generated a $781-million economic impact for the community in 2022. After Hurricane Ian delivered several feet of storm surge across the airfield last year, Rozansky’s leadership was crucial to recovery efforts. He also worked to deliver donated supplies to surrounding neighborhoods and to 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 towards completion of the Airport’s Part 150 Study and supported the launch of social media to better connect with the community.
A Safety Management System program was developed along with the airport’s comprehensive wildlife management efforts, which earned the FAA Southern Region Airports Division Safety Award and the Florida Airports Council’s J. Bryan Cooper Environmental Award.
Naples Aviation, the NAA operated Fixed Based Operator (FBO), was recognized as one of the top FBOs in the US (14th best overall and 8th best independent) for the ninth consecutive year by Professional Pilot Magazine.
Representing 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.
Displaying his commitment to inspiring the next generation, Chris launched the airport’s internship program, supported student engagement events throughout the year, hosted a sendoff for local students attending the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Fla., and partnered with the local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter to enable students to build an experimental aircraft.
Chris, his wife Beth and their two children greatly enjoy living in Naples and serving the community.
About Naples Airport
Naples Airport is ideally located within minutes of downtown Naples, the Gulf of Mexico and I-75, connecting people to the Paradise Coast through an exceptional airport experience. The airport serviced 122,281 annual operations and more than 200,000 passengers last year, while being an engaged, responsive partner to the community. Home to corporate aviation, air charter, car rental, flight schools and critical public services such as fire/rescue, air ambulance services, mosquito control and the Collier County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit. The airport also prides itself on being the hub of emergency staging during natural disasters, like hurricanes.
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. The Florida Department of Transportation values the airport’s annual economic impact on the community at more than $781 million.
For more information or to subscribe to email updates from the airport, visit www.FlyNaples.com.