Robert Kennedy, who has more than 30 years experience in the aviation industry, took on the position of assistant general manager for Operations, Maintenance and Security at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in September, 2006. Prior to his current role, he served as director of marketing, public relations and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Recently, Kennedy has been instrumental in coordinating the Airport’s participation in CIFAL Atlanta - the North American affiliate of a United Nations research and training program for local authorities and executives. He led Hartsfield-Jackson’s efforts in working with CIFAL to host several seminars from 2004-2007, which included a security conference for a delegation of Chinese aviation officials in preparation for China’s 2008 Olympic Games. In addition, Robert was part of the delegation that accompanied Mayor Shirley Franklin on a 2006 trade mission to China.

In an earlier post at Hartsfield-Jackson, Kennedy served as the Route Development Manager, where he developed global marketing programs to expand industry and corporate awareness of the capabilities of the world’s busiest commercial airport. He was involved in numerous discussions and negotiations with many of the world’s major air carriers and has successfully developed several new airline services to Atlanta. These include the first direct all-cargo service to Southeast Asia, the Netherlands and Latin America. In addition, he worked with federal agencies in acquiring a U.S. Fish & Wildlife port designation, the approval of Cold Treatment for fruits and vegetables for Atlanta and USDA-VS Equine Importation designation.

In the private sector, Kennedy served as founder and president of Kennedy & Associates - Aviation and Air Cargo Consulting, LLC, based in Atlanta. The company provided airports, air carriers and aviation-related industries with in-depth analysis and planning for route development, cargo master planning and air service development (including bi-lateral air service agreements). Kennedy also held positions with DHL Worldwide Express and United Parcel Service.

Kennedy’s comments and viewpoints have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Journal of Commerce, Air Cargo News, Air Cargo World, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Business Chronicle and numerous other industry publications. In addition, he has given commentary on CNN’s Business Asia Report, Georgia Public Television’s documentary on Economic Development, Business Argentina (live telecast call-in program) and ABC News.

Kennedy is involved in a number of civic and business organizations. He has served as chairman and president - Atlanta Air Cargo Association, board member - Georgia Foreign Trade Zone, board member - Clayton County Chamber of Commerce, and president - PTC Toastmasters International. In 1997 and 2000, Kennedy was named Clayton County’s International Business Person of the Year.