Skip to main content

Capital Region Airport Authority Board of Directors elects chair and vice chair positions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2023

Contact: Katherine Japinga
kjapinga@craa.com

LANSING, Mich.— The Capital Region Airport Authority (CRAA) announced the re-election of John Shaski to serve as chair of the Board of Directors, and elected Victor Celentino to serve as vice chair, effective immediately. The CRAA Board of Directors voted on the election of officers during its regularly scheduled July board meeting.

Shaski brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as chair. He has been an esteemed member of the CRAA Board of Directors for 9 years, serving as chair for 5 years, consistently demonstrating leadership and dedication to the CRAA’s mission. Shaski’s remarkable track record in this role and knowledge about the aviation industry, as well as his deep understanding of the regional transportation landscape, have made a positive impact on the board.

“It is an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of chair and to be elected by my fellow board members to serve in this role,” said Shaski. “I am committed to continue working collaboratively with my fellow board members, airport leadership and our stakeholders to ensure that both the Capital Region International Airport and Mason Jewett Field Airport continue to thrive and grow, providing exceptional service to our passengers, tenants and the community at large.”

Victor Celentino, the newly elected vice chair, brings a strong background knowledge of the CRAA, having served on the Board of Directors for 22 years. His exceptional leadership skills have been demonstrated through his involvement in various community organizations, including serving as a member of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners since he was first elected in 2000 and currently representing District 6, and his commitment to CRAA have made him the ideal candidate for this role.

“I am excited to take on this new role of vice chair and work alongside Chair Shaski and the rest of the Board of Directors to continue our work on behalf of the CRAA,” said Celentino. “Together, we will continue to enhance the airport’s position as an important economic driver for the mid-Michigan community.”

“I am pleased with the re-election of John as chair and the election of Victor as vice chair, and I am confident that their combined experience and expertise will continue to have a positive impact on the board,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the CRAA. “I am looking forward to working together with the CRAA Board of Directors to foster continued growth and opportunities for both the Capital Region International Airport and Mason Jewett Field Airport.”

The CRAA is governed by a six-member Board of Directors. The board consists of three voting members appointed by the mayor of the city of Lansing, and confirmed by the Lansing City Council, and three voting members appointed by the Ingham County Board of Commissioners. Board members are either appointed to complete a previous board member term or are appointed to replace an outgoing board member for a 4-year term. The board also includes ex-officio representation from Clinton County and Eaton County. Chair and vice-chair positions are appointed by the board in July of each year for one year.

###

The Capital Region Airport Authority owns and operates the Capital Region International Airport (LAN), Mason Jewett Field Airport (TEW) and Port Lansing – a global logistics center and mid-Michigan’s only U.S. Port of Entry. The Capital Region International Airport is an important asset in the mid-Michigan community, driving $1 billion annually in economic impact with 700 people employed at the airport. The airport welcomes more than 352,000 visitors each year to connect throughout the country and the world. In addition to providing corporate and general aviation, the Capital Region International Airport moves 63.5 million pounds of cargo annually and is one of two airports in the state with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Station. Port Lansing, mid-Michigan’s only U.S. Port of Entry and home to Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #275 covering eight counties, also features a 48,000-square-foot cargo facility and container freight station, and 425 acres of ready-to-develop land. For more information, go to FlyLansing.com and visit the airport’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts.