Mayor Riordan Names Lydia Kennard Executive Director of Los Angeles World Airports

(Los Angeles, California – March 10, 2000) Mayor Richard J. Riordan today announced his appointment of Lydia Kennard as Executive Director of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). Kennard has served as Interim Executive Director of LAWA since August 1999, and as Deputy Executive Director since 1994.

"After an extensive national search, Lydia was by far the best candidate for the job," said Mayor Riordan. "With one of the largest airport systems in the world, Los Angeles needs an executive director whose expertise and innovative leadership will ensure that our airports run smoothly and provide the best service. Lydia has already done a superlative job as Interim Executive Director and will be a tremendous asset for LAWA."

As Executive Director, Kennard will be responsible for establishing the direction and effective operation of LAWA’s four airport facilities, including Los Angeles International Airport, Ontario International Airport, Van Nuys Airport and Palmdale Regional Airport. She will supervise a department of more than 2,300 employees, an annual budget of more than $291 million and a capital improvement budget of $600 million.

As Interim Executive Director of LAWA, Kennard finalized a cooperative agreement with the City of Palmdale to develop and market Palmdale Regional Airport; launched the Gateway LAX Enhancement Program, a $112 million aesthetic renovation project; and developed a comprehensive Community Improvements Initiative Program, which helps mitigate current impacts of airport operations at all four facilities.

"In her tenure as Interim Executive Director of LAWA, Lydia has invigorated the employees of all four of our airports," said John J. Agoglia, president of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. "She has become an agent for positive change and created a ‘can do’ spirit among all those with whom she comes in contact."

Kennard’s prior experience includes serving as founder and president of KDG Development Construction Consulting, a Los Angeles-based real estate development and management construction firm; as an associate attorney for McKenna & Fitting; and as a member of the Los Angeles Planning Commission from 1991 to 1993. Kennard has a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School, a Masters Degree in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Bachelors Degree in Urban Planning and Management from Stanford University.