Mario Rodriguez, an award winning aviation expert with 25 years of experience in the private and public sectors, was appointed as Director of Long Beach Airport on February 23, 2009. In the time Mr. Rodriguez has been at the helm, he has been able to overcome the economic challenges facing our nation as well as the U.S. aviation industry, while amassing an impressive list of accomplishments. Mr. Rodriguez sits on the Board of Airports Council International and is the president of the California Airports Council.

Prior to coming to Long Beach Airport, Mr. Rodriguez was the deputy director at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. His leadership enabled the rapid recovery of the airport after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Two years later, he was recognized for his expertise in environmental management and awarded the prestigious Environmental Achievement Award from Airports Council International.

Prior to his position at Armstrong International, Mr. Rodriguez oversaw airports from Kuwait to Palm Beach.

Mr. Rodriguez is an engineering graduate of the University of Miami - 1987. He is an accomplished author and speaker on issues affecting the aviation industry, including Business Recovery and Disaster Management and is currently authoring a textbook on airport financial management.