Hogan names new CEO at BWI Marshall Airport

Listen to this article

Ricky Smith has been named by the governor as the CEO of Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Smith, a transportation official with 27 years experience, has served as the director of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport since 2007. Prior to that he served as chief operating officer at BWI.

“Ricky has the experience, leadership skills and know-how to take BWI Marshall to the next level,” Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement. “BWI Marshall is a major job generator and economic engine for Maryland, and I’m confident that Ricky will continue to grow domestic and international travel at our world-class airport.”

According to figures from the airport, BWI supports 98,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs. It creates $3.8 billion in personal income and $7 billion in business revenue.

Currently more than 600 commercial flights arrive and depart each day to 79 domestic and international markets. In 2014, roughly 232 million pounds of cargo arrived at and departed from airport.

Smith replaces Paul Wiedefeld, who served as the airport’s CEO two times for a total of nine years. Wiedefeld has previously served as as administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration and the director of transportation at engineering firm Parsons Brinkerhoff’s aviation consulting practice, according to his official bio on the Maryland Department of Transportation’s website.

“I want to thank Paul for his many years of leadership and service to the citizens of Maryland,” Hogan said.

Smith will also serve as executive director of the Maryland Aviation Administration and will oversee Martin State Airport and public-use airports across the state.