Airport News

Green, OH: Things just keep getting better and better at Akron-Canton Airport (CAK). Two outstanding team members have been promoted to management positions to keep the airfield safe and secure and the momentum strong at CAK.

Todd Laps, who has been part of the airport team for 24 years, has been promoted to public safety/operations manager. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the airfield, he will be in charge of keeping the airport compliant with all federal regulations. As the head security manager at CAK, Todd will also serve as the chief liaison between the Transportation Security Administration, the airport and the airlines operating here. He also serves as fire chief for the airport's aircraft rescue and firefighting division, a 30 member department.Airport firefighters are the first to respond in the event of an emergency aircraft landing.He will report directly to the airport's president and CEO Rick McQueen. "I am supremely confident in Todd's ability to keep our airfield secure and our operations running smoothly," said McQueen. "He has been a valuable member of our team for many years and we have come to trust in his good judgment."

Todd began his career at the airport in 1984 as a member of the field maintenance department and in 2000 was promoted to airport security coordinator and operations supervisor. Under Todd's leadership in 2006, the airport was awarded the FAA's Great Lakes Region Safety Award for outstanding operational improvements and significant safety enhancements. Todd has an associate's degree in fire science technology from the University of Akron. He resides in Perry Township with his wife, Shelly and children, Kristen, 11, and Camryn, 8.

Also promoted, Elizabeth Cecconi, who has been with the airport for 4 ½ years, will be serving as Marketing Manager. In her new role, Elizabeth will focus on air service recruitment including bringing new routes, low fares and exciting destinations to the region. When CAK scores new air routes she will plan attention grabbing press events letting everyone know about their exciting new travel options. Elizabeth will also manage breakout advertising campaigns including fun new TV and print, eye-catching outdoor, dynamic on-line and "can't switch the station"radio advertising elements woven with the use of social media tactics like Twitter, Facebook and other on-line groups.She will also help strengthen the airport's hip image through the creation of fun collaborative, co-branded promotional partnerships with sports teams, universities, and regional young professional groups.Elizabeth will report all of her great ideas and creative concepts to Kristie VanAuken, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer. "Elizabeth has the right mix of fun personality and analytical skill to help take the marketing programs at CAK to the next level," said VanAuken. "We couldn't be more thrilled to promote this fine young talent."Elizabeth began her career at CAK in 2004 as business development specialist and most recently held the position of marketing & air service coordinator. Elizabeth is a 2004 graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she obtained a bachelors of science in aviation business administration with concentrations in airport management and aviation marketing. She is currently pursuing a masters in public administration from Kent State University. She is a resident of Cleveland, a volunteer for the Children's Museum of Cleveland, and a member of the National Business Travel Association and the Ohio Travel Association.

Media headshots of Todd and Elizabeth are available at www.flickr.com/akroncantonairport and on the airport's web site http://www.akroncantonairport.com/mediaguide.htm.