The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board has named Michael Stephens as Tampa International Airport’s next CEO. Mr. Stephens has served on TPA’s Executive Team as General Counsel for nine years.
On Tuesday (November 12, 2024), Tampa International Airport (TPA) announced the Michael Stephens (52) has been appointed as the airport’s next CEO, succeeding Joe Lopano. Mr. Stephens has served on TPA’s Executive Team as General Counsel for nine years, overseeing Administration, Human resources, Legal, Government & Community Relations, IT and Risk Management. The selection took place after nine months of planning and discussion, and a 4-1 vote by the five member Board. Stephens will soon be in charge of over 670 tram members that operate TPA and Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive and Plant City airports, and will also guide important decisions about TPA’s future, including growth beyond Airside D.
In Tuesday’s announcement, TPA’s incoming CEO, Michael Stephens, said,
“Tampa International Airport is a beloved institution and an industry icon, and I’m looking forward to leading our organization while building on an award-winning reputation of excellence. It will be an incredible honor to follow in Joe’s footsteps and lead some of the best talent in the business. I’m thankful to the Board and our community for this opportunity to build onto the TPA legacy.”
Also commenting on the appointment of his successor, TPA’s current CEO, Joe Lopano, added,
“I could not be more proud of Michael, who has truly been one of the most brilliant and well-rounded professionals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I have no doubt, given his track record and ties to this community, that he will be able to not only lead this organization through any challenge, but take it to new heights as we enter the next era of aviation.”
Michael Stephens has nearly 25 years of experience managing complex legal, human resources, labor, and employment issues. He is a U.S. military veteran who served on active duty as a Captain and Trial Counsel in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, where he was also appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. Additionally, he served as an Air Traffic Controller in the U.S. Air Force. Stephens is a member of the Florida Bar, the Association of Corporate Counsel, and is a graduate of Leadership Florida, as well as Morehouse College with a B.A. in International Relations. Additionally, he holds a Doctorate from the Washington College of Law at American University, as well as a Masters in International Affairs from the School of International Service at American University.
TPA’s existing CEO, Joe Lopano, will retire when his contract ends in April 2025. The Board will soon negotiate a new contract with Michael Stephens, which will outline compensation and benefits. The Board is currently establishing a clear transition plan for Mr. Lopano’s Exit and Mr. Stephens’ first day as Tampa International Airport’s CEO.
Source: Tampa International Airport