New SRQ Airport President/CEO Selected

The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) is pleased to announce the unanimous selection of Paul Hoback Jr. as the incoming President and Chief Executive Officer for Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).  Mr. Hoback presently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer for the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA), operator of Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), and has served in various leadership roles in aviation for 25 years. He is tentatively scheduled to begin at SRQ on October 19, 2025.

“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,” Mr. Hoback said. “Thank you to Rick, the board and the community. I am truly honored to have been selected and I look forward to serving the region as we continue to grow SRQ together.”

In his role with ACAA, Paul provides leadership, oversight and strategic direction for all capital development projects, as well as operations and maintenance. Most recently, he has guided PIT’s $1.7 billion new terminal program that created $2.5 billion in economic impact for Western Pennsylvania. On a day-to-day basis, he oversees several departments within ACAA where he has advanced a variety of regional initiatives including the Neighborhood 91 additive manufacturing campus, a world-leading airport microgrid, and expansion of airport cargo facilities. 

Mr. Hoback serves on several community and charitable Boards in Pittsburgh, as well as aviation and construction industry committees, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the SRQ position. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, as well as an MBA from Geneva College in Pennsylvania.

Fredrick J. (Rick) Piccolo will officially retire from his position as President, Chief Executive Officer on November 30, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition.  He will continue in an advisory role to the Airport Authority until June 30, 2026.

SMAA Chairman Jesse Biter stated, “The Board, with the assistance of the professional search firm, Korn Ferry, did an extensive search and review of potential candidates and Mr. Hoback was a unanimous choice.  We are very pleased that he has accepted the challenge, and we look forward to him and his family relocating to our community.  We are extremely grateful to Rick Piccolo for his three decades of service to the airport, the community and industry, and his impact on SRQ cannot be overemphasized.  We wish him a long and enjoyable retirement.”

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Contact:
Fredrick J. Piccolo, President, CEO
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200