Meet Miguel Southwell, your new Atlanta airport general manager
The new hire fills one of several major vacancies in Reed's cabinet
- Hartsfield Jackson International Airport
- Miguel Southwell
Mayor Kasim Reed now has one less spot in his cabinet to fill. He today announced that Miguel Southwell, the current interim general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, is set to become the next permanent head of the world's busiest landing strips.
For the past five months, Southwell has overseen daily operations following the retirement of Louis Miller, who held the airport's top position since 2010. Three weeks ago, Reed named three finalists, which also included Oakland International Airport Aviator Director Deborah Ale Flint and Maryland Aviation Administration Executive Director Paul J. Wiedefeld, as possible GM replacements.
The new hire fills one of several major vacancies including the city's top communications, operations, parks, and economic development roles. In recent months, Reed has named interim directors to oversee those positions.
In a statement, Reed says Southwell's prior experience, which includes more than two decades with the Atlanta airport and Miami-Dade Aviation Department, helped set him apart from the other two GM candidates.
"I'm confident that Miguel Southwell is the right executive to continue Hartsfield-Jackson's dominance as the world's busiest passenger airport, and grow its capabilities as a leading global cargo hub," Mayor Kasim Reed said in a statement. "His experience in Miami, and prior experience in Atlanta, is the right fit to carry out my vision for our airport to be the nation's leader in the logistics and air cargo space,"
In his permanent gig, Southwell will continue looking after Hartsfield's day-to-day operations. The GM will also be expected to grow its reputation as a major cargo hub and help implement a new master plan to guide development through at least 2030.
In order to finalize Reed's pick, the Atlanta City Council must approve Southwell's contract. If approved, he'll continue reporting to Michael Giesler, the city's interim chief operating officer, until a permanent replacement is named.