Comes To Airline Trade Organization From Citigroup
The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) announced Monday
that it has named Nicholas E. Calio (pictured, right) as
its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 1,
2011.
Calio currently leads Global Government Affairs for Citigroup
both in the United States and in the more than 100 countries in
which the company does business. He is a member of Citi's Senior
Leadership Committee. Prior to joining Citigroup in 2003, Calio was
the Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs and served
as chief liaison to the U.S. Congress for President George W. Bush,
the same position he held under President George H.W. Bush.
"Nick is joining ATA at such an important time for our industry,
when a strong, viable aviation system will be critical to the
economic recovery and global competitiveness of our country. A
recognized leader in Washington and other world capitals, Nick has
a record of success in managing complex issues and working
collaboratively with people at the highest levels, both in the
private and public sectors. His leadership skills and reputation
for integrity on both sides of the aisle make him uniquely suited
to head ATA," said Glenn Tilton, chairman of ATA and chairman of
the board of United Continental Holdings, Inc., speaking on behalf
of the ATA board.
"Having a professional as experienced and widely respected as
Nick will be vital as the U.S. airline industry confronts a number
of key issues – from improving access to international
markets and increasing federal investment in air traffic
infrastructure to reducing excessive taxation and regulation,"
Tilton added.
"I have enjoyed eight good years at Citi, which is a great
company with wonderful people, but I couldn't pass up this
tremendous opportunity," Calio said. "Like millions of other
people, I rely on the airlines in my personal and professional
life. They are the backbone of our transportation system and
critically important to our nation's economy. I look forward to
working with the aviation industry, Congress, the administration
and the business community to ensure a financially sustainable
airline sector, providing safe, reliable transportation for
consumers, utilizing modernized infrastructure and operating in an
environment that enables the U.S. airline industry to compete
globally."
Calio succeeds James C. May. "We thank Jim for his tireless
leadership and commitment during some of the most difficult years
this industry has ever faced," Tilton said. "Jim's efforts over the
past eight years on behalf of the industry have been many and are
much appreciated. We wish him well in the future."
Calio, 57, is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and Case
Western Reserve University School of Law. He lives in Chevy Chase,
Maryland with his wife Lydia. They have three children.