Airports Council International – North America has elected John Clark, executive director and chief executive officer of the Jacksonville Aviation authority, its new chairman for 2009.

“I am delighted at this opportunity to use my knowledge and experience in aviation to lead this council,” says Clark. “I aim to make substantial progress in strengthening the abilities of airports across the United States and Canada to better serve their passengers, customers and communities.”

Clark, who has decades of leadership experience in the industry, oversees, manages and develops Jacksonville’s Airport System, which includes Jacksonville International (JAX), Craig (CRG), Herlong (HEG) and Cecil Field (VQQ).

Prior to joining JAA, he was vice president of aviation for the Jacksonville Port Authority and airport director for the city of Detroit, and held management roles with airports in Sacramento and Fresno, Calif.