It is with great sadness that we share that Carl Newman passed away earlier this month. Carl Newman was well-known in Phoenix and in the airport industry.

He began his career with the City of Phoenix in 1978 in the Police Department. In 1980, he followed his dream of working in aviation when he accepted a job at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. In his more than 30 years at Phoenix Sky Harbor, Carl witnessed tremendous change and growth in the Aviation industry, and he led our system of airports to embrace the change to lead the industry for the benefit of our community. During his time in the Department, he served in a number of roles including, Deputy Aviation Director, Facilities Superintendent, Airside Operations Manager and Assistant Aviation Director.

After retiring from the City of Phoenix, Carl accepted a leadership role at the Houston Airports System.  He then went to lead the Jackson Medgar Evers Airport in Jackson, Mississippi, before returning home to Phoenix where he briefly served as Airport Director for the Glendale Municipal Airport.

Carl was a steadfast champion of employee development, equity, and inclusion.  He was also very engaged in the aviation industry, having served as Chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). He was recently awarded AAAE’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, for his life-long commitment to the association and to our industry.

Carl was also an avid sports fan and licensed pilot. His legacy that he leaves to Phoenix and the industry will not be forgotten.