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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2015
Contact: Jean Pasco (714) 834-7218 Jean.pasco@ocgov.com
(Santa Ana, CA) — The director of operations for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which operates Los Angeles International Airport, has been selected by the Board of Supervisors as the new Director of John Wayne Airport.
Barry Rondinella replaces Alan Murphy, who retired in February. He has served as LAWA’s director of operations since 2010. He previously served as deputy director for operations at Sacramento Airport and as airport director for Stockton Metropolitan Airport and the Santa Maria Public Airport.
A licensed commercial pilot, Rondinella is an Accredited Airport Executive and a U.S. Air Force veteran.
“John Wayne Airport serves more than 10 million passengers a year with unique passenger restrictions and noise regulations that protect communities. It’s essential to have an Airport Director whose highest priorities are to protect the community and honor the curfew,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Todd Spitzer, Third District, said. “The Board is pleased to have selected someone who is extremely qualified and collaborative.”
“Orange County is fortunate to have airport professionals who put travelers and visitors first and we welcome Barry’s expertise and leadership to the team,” said Supervisor Michelle Steel, whose Second District includes John Wayne Airport.
The Airport Director develops airport policies and has direct responsibility for business development, facilities, finance and administration, and operations and public affairs. The director also oversees airport staff and prepares annual budgets. The airport’s deputy airport director for facilities, Lawrence Serafini, has served as acting director during a national search a permanent replacement.
Appointment of the airport director by the Board of Supervisors is required by County ordinance. The selection followed work by an ad-hoc Board committee comprised of Vice Chair Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District, and Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. Rondinella will report to County Executive Officer Frank Kim through County Operations Officer Mark Denny. He will earn a salary of $200,000 a year.
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