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To commend and thank Elaine Roberts for her outstanding service to the City of Columbus as the President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority
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WHEREAS, Elaine Roberts began serving as Executive Director of the Columbus Airport Authority in December of 2000 and became the first President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) when it was created on January 1, 2003; and
WHEREAS, Elaine Roberts is a nationally recognized leader in the aviation industry with 35 years of service in airport management, including serving as a past chair of the American Association of Airport Executives; and
WHEREAS, under Elaine Roberts’ leadership, the CRAA has been unwavering in its focus to provide passengers, businesses, and the community the highest level of service, safety, and economic benefit; and
WHEREAS, the CRAA has invested more than $1 billion in airport infrastructure development and improvements during Elaine Roberts’ tenure, including an $80 million terminal renovation that resulted in CRAA being recognized as the 2016 Most Improved Airport in North America by Airports Council International; and
WHEREAS, Elaine Roberts oversaw the merging of two airport authorities in central Ohio, resulting in greater efficiencies and a strategic approach to air service development for the region, leading to the emergence of Rickenbacker International Airport as a cargo hub that helps drive economic growth through supporting more than 54,000 jobs, $1.8 billion in annual payroll, and $6.6 billion in total annual economic output; and
WHEREAS, Elaine Roberts has been recognized for her professional work and community service as a Woman of Achievement by the YWCA and a recipient of The Riveter Award from Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD); she serves on the boards of the Columbus Partnership, Experience Columbus, State Auto Financial Corporation, Columbus Region Logistics Council, and the Otterbein Women’s Leadership Network Advisory Council; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus has benefited tremendously from Elaine Roberts’ work and community service, which have established a lasting legacy at the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and in the community and which will continue to be felt after her retirement; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this City Council does hereby express its profound appreciation to Elaine Roberts for her service to the City of Columbus upon her retirement on December 15, 2017.