Los Angeles World Airports Thursday announced Justin Erbacci as its new chief operating officer, also revealing the names of those filling several leadership roles in overseeing LAX’s $14 billion modernization program.
“LAWA has reached an inflection point in its history as we are now in the critical implementation phase of our ambitious modernization program,” LAWA Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint said. “Justin Erbacci brings decades of experience in aviation, technology, business and planning to his new position at this pivotal moment.”
Current COO Samson Mengistu announced this month he will resign Aug. 5 after 30 years of working for the city of Los Angeles and more than 25 years at LAWA.
“Los Angeles World Airports operates some of the busiest and most innovative and dynamic airports in the world that offer passengers a gold-standard travel experience,” Erbacci said Thursday in a statement. “I am extremely humbled by and grateful for the opportunity to work with CEO Flint and a very talented, experienced and dedicated executive team to help lead the implementation of one of the largest, most complex and unprecedented airport transformations and capital improvement programs.”
The modernization program is expected last through 2023 and includes the Landside Access Modernization Program that will feature a new automated people mover. The final building standing in the way of construction for the people mover was demolished last week.
Also included in the list of appointments, Bernardo Gogna was named chief development officer, and he’ll oversee planning and development, the LAMP program and the Terminal Development and Improvement Program. Gogna currently serves as LAWA’s LAMP executive and has more than 25 years of design, program and project management experience, according to LAWA.
Samantha Bricker has been selected as chief environment and corporate responsibility officer.
She will be responsible for coordinating environmental and sustainability programs, partnerships with external agencies and establishing mobility policies.
Bricker was appointed in 2016 as LAWA’s deputy executive director for project development and coordination and appointed deputy executive director for the Environmental Programs Group in November 2016.
Michael Christensen has been chosen deputy executive director of operations and maintenance, making him responsible for coordinating operations, emergency management and the Facilities Maintenance and Utilities Group at LAX and Van Nuys Airport.
According to LAWA, Christensen has 42 years of experience with transportation engineering in both public- and private-sector planning, including work on a variety of transportation projects and facilities.