Richard J. Connolly, Deputy Executive Director of Facilities Management for Los Angeles World Airports, said in a board meeting on April 23 that the organization does a very good job of developing staff and providing opportunities.
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) operates both Los Angeles International Airport and Van Nuys Airport—two critical aviation hubs that serve millions of travelers each year and play a central role in the region’s economy. Connolly oversees a facilities management division of more than 1,300 employees responsible for maintenance, emergency response, infrastructure, utilities and fleet operations across the airport system.
“LAWA does a very good job of developing staff and providing opportunities and benefits,” Connolly said. “It’s all about getting the job done right—not necessarily right away, but right.”
The division manages more than $250 million in annual facilities spending while providing 24/7 operational support for essential systems such as electrical infrastructure, conveyance equipment, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. These efforts are part of LAWA’s broader strategy to scale operations and maintain reliability across one of the nation’s busiest airport networks, according to its annual comprehensive financial report.
Connolly was appointed to lead Facilities Management on January 6, 2020. He previously served as Director of Maintenance Airports II where he oversaw a staff of 245 people with a $45 million annual budget. With more than three decades of experience in facilities and technical services, Connolly has contributed to the development of staff opportunities throughout his tenure with the organization.
