The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority selected Michael Stephens as Tampa International Airport’s next CEO on Tuesday.
Stephens, who serves as the airport's executive vice president and general counsel, replaces Joe Lopano, who announced in February that he will retire after 13 years in the post.
Stephens, 52, will be the airport's first Black chief executive.
“Tampa International Airport is a beloved institution and an industry icon, and I’m looking forward to leading our organization while building on an award-winning reputation of excellence,” Stephens said in an airport news release announcing the decision.
“It will be an incredible honor to follow in Joe’s footsteps and lead some of the best talent in the business. I’m thankful to the board and our community for this opportunity to build onto the TPA legacy.”
Stephens has provided legal opinions and advice to Lopano and aviation authority board members as general counsel. He also serves as the executive vice president for information technology services, human resources, government and community relations, risk management and business diversity.
The authority's board of directors approved Stephens appointment by a 4-1 vote.
The news release notes that Stephens has nearly 25 years of experience "managing complex legal, compliance, human resources, labor and employment issues."
Previous roles included chief legal counsel for the Hillsborough Regional Transit Authority and director of human resources at the University of South Florida. The Morehouse College graduate earned his law degree at American University.
Stephens served in the Army as trial counsel in the Judge Advocate General Corps and as special assistant U.S. attorney. He was also on active duty an air traffic controller in the Air Force.
“I could not be more proud of Michael, who has truly been one of the most brilliant and well-rounded professionals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” Lopano said in the release. “I have no doubt, given his track record and ties to this community, that he will be able to not only lead this organization through any challenge, but take it to new heights as we enter the next era of aviation.”
Lopano's tenure was highlighted by a multibillion-dollar airport expansion that includes a new rental car center, SkyConnect train system, and Airside D terminal scheduled to open in 2028.
Stephens will be the facility's fourth chief executive. According to the airport, Lopano was preceded by directors George J. Bean (1965-96) and Louis Miller (1996-2010).
There isn’t a timeline yet on when Stephens will enter the CEO role, according to the release. The board will negotiate a contract and create a transition plan for Lopano’s exit and Stephens’ first day.
Once in the top position, Stephens will oversee more than 670 employees that manage and operate Tampa International, Peter O. Knight Airport, Tampa Executive Airport and Plant City Airport.
