After a national search, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) has named Sarasota Bradenton International Airport's (SRQ) new president and CEO: Paul Hoback Jr. 

Hoback replaces retiring president and CEO Rick Piccolo, who has led operations at SRQ for 30 years. He's served in various leadership roles in aviation for the past 25 years and is currently the executive vice president and chief development officer for the Allegheny County Airport Authority, which operates Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). PIT is currently completing $1.7 billion upgrade that includes a a new landside terminal, additional parking, expanded security and baggage-claim areas with decreased wait times for travelers, and landscaped outdoor plazas that's scheduled to open this fall. 

Hoback arrives at SRQ during a time of equally transformative growth. The airport opened its $115 million terminal expansion in January of this year, adding a four-lane security checkpoint, five boarding gates and new restaurants, including Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Patricks 1481 and Mattison's City Grille. It offers 68 nonstop flights on 11 carriers and welcomed 4,245,686 passengers in 2024. 

“Leading Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is an incredible opportunity and I’m so excited to follow Rick’s amazing tenure and continue the legacy he has built over three decades,” Hoback said in a press release. 

Earlier this year, Piccolo told us that his successor “should maintain the boutique atmosphere and prioritize employees and customer service. We generate about $10 million more in revenue annually than we did a few years ago, and we share some of that with employees through profit sharing. Listening to them makes us more efficient. We give employees a say and maintain a small-town feel as the airport continues to grow.