Philadelphia Aviation Department elevates leaders with key promotions and appointments

Saturday, March 2, 2024

The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation, responsible for managing Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), has announced significant changes in its leadership team, including the promotion of Api Appulingam and several other key appointments.

Api Appulingam, P.E., A.A.E., assumes the role of Chief Development Officer, becoming a pivotal member of the department’s leadership ensemble. Previously serving as the Deputy Director of Aviation, Capital Development, Appulingam oversaw a multi-billion dollar program aimed at enhancing infrastructure and implementing critical improvements at both PHL and PNE. Her responsibilities encompassed architectural, engineering, environmental, planning, and sustainability projects.

Under Appulingam’s leadership, Philadelphia International Airport achieved Level 2 ‘Reduction’ status, marking a significant milestone as the first airport in Pennsylvania to attain such recognition under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program. Additionally, the Capital Development Group under her guidance has emphasized inclusive approaches in planning, designing, and constructing infrastructure.

Before joining the DOA in 2019, Appulingam served as the Philadelphia Office Leader for RS&H, Inc., a national firm specializing in architecture, engineering, and consulting services.

“Capital Development is an important function that has reached a critical stage within DOA’s future. The special focus on preparing for 2026, and the proposed Master Plan Update that once approved by our airline partners, will provide for a large-scale capital program in coming years, warrants a seat on the leadership team. Api has led the Capital Development Group successfully over the past several years, driving innovation and is prepared to deliver on high expectations,” said Atif Saeed, CEO of PHL and PNE.

Appulingam’s promotion coincides with the recent appointment of several new members to PHL’s leadership team, as announced in January. The position of Chief Development Officer represents a novel addition to DOA’s organizational structure. Previously, the Chief Operations Officer oversaw Capital Development, Facilities Management, and Security. This adjustment follows a thorough six-month evaluation of the department’s organizational framework conducted by aviation consultants.

The DOA also unveiled several other appointments:

– Mike Morris, now Vice President of IT Client Engagement, will spearhead Software Engineering, the IT Helpdesk, and the IT Project Management Office within the Airport’s IT division. Morris, formerly the Director of IT, will guide the growth and responsibilities of the IT Helpdesk and oversee the implementation of various software systems crucial to DOA’s operations and innovations. With 17 years of experience in diverse IT roles at Penn and Penn Medicine, Morris brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

– Keesha Lane, promoted to Director of Community Engagement and Outreach from her prior role as assistant director, leads stakeholder engagement initiatives with a particular emphasis on community outreach within the airport’s catchment areas. She manages partnerships with external stakeholders, ensuring consistent communication and engagement with neighboring communities.Lane, who previously served as the Training and Development Manager at DOA, holds affiliations with both the Airports Council International (ACI) and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

– Milaris Florian joins as the new Director of Safety Management Systems (SMS), bringing extensive experience in security, safety, and airport operations from her previous roles at Newark International (EWR),Wilmington (ILG) and Patrick Leahy Burlington International (BTV) airports were part of Florian’s previous employment history.Florian’s aviation career commenced with JetBlue’s ground operations department and later as a remote pilot operator at Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees in Airport Management and Business Management and a Master’s of Science in Homeland Security with a concentration in Safety and Security from Wilmington University. Florian is an active member of the operations, Safety, Planning, and Emergency Management Committee for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

“We’re excited to have this level of expertise on our team at DOA,” said Saeed. “All of these individuals have years of experience within these important areas of technology, safety, and community engagement. Their work will be critical as we prepare to make sure our airports deliver great experiences to all travelers especially as we head into the high-profile events starting with Wrestlemania next month and leading into all those coming to Philadelphia in 2026.”

« Back to Page