The Tweed New Haven Airport Authority Announces Thomas Rafter, A.A.E., as Executive Director
December 28, 2022
NEW HAVEN, CT – The Tweed New Haven Airport Authority named a new executive director Wednesday to replace outgoing Sean Scanlon who was elected as Connecticut comptroller.
Thomas Rafter, A.A.E., an incoming director, most recently served as an airport manager for more than a decade at Nantucket Memorial Airport in Massachusetts, the second busiest airport in the state behind Boston Logan International Airport.
Mr. Rafter announced his retirement from the Nantucket airport in November and will assume the top job at Tweed in January. Prior to that, Rafter was an airport director for Atlantic City International Airport in New Jersey and held a number of other posts at that airport for three decades.
“I’m delighted to join Tweed New Haven Airport in this role, and I plan to hit (the) ground running to help continue the exciting changes taking place at the airport,” Mr. Rafter said in a statement. “It’s clear that Southern Connecticut wants and deserves a modern, convenient airport and I plan to work closely (with) Avelo Airlines … and our neighboring community members to help deliver flyers a top-notch experience.”
The airport authority began the interviewing process last month for the five finalists who were chosen from a previous list of 15 semi-finalists compiled by Florida-based search firm ADK Consulting and Executive Search.
John Picard, chairman of the airport authority, said Rafter won’t only bring “significant and comprehensive” aviation industry experience, but also a vision and passion for “a vibrant emergent airport.”
“At a time of significant growth and progress, we’re confident that Tom will be an excellent leader for Tweed New Haven Airport, continuing the transformational work done under Sean Scanlon,” Mr. Picard said in a statement.
Mr. Scanlon, who’s also a fourth-term Democratic state representative for the 98th District, said Mr. Rafter’s experience “is exactly what we need as we continue our transformation into the vibrant airport.”
Source: New Haven Register
