Aviation Authority Board approves new General Counsel

(Nov. 5, 2015) The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board on Thursday approved the selection of Michael Stephens as the Authority’s General Counsel. 

Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano selected Stephens from a robust field of nearly 100 applicants for the job. 

“Michael’s experience in the public sector with an emphasis on transportation and his experience as an Air Traffic Controller in the U.S. Air Force make him a great fit for our team,” Lopano said. 

Stephens comes to the airport from Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, where he served as the Chief Business Enterprise and Safety Officer. In this role, he served as Chief Legal Counsel and was responsible for the areas of Human Resources, Information Technology, Risk, Safety and Security.

"I'm excited to join such a fantastic organization and look forward to working with the all of the incredible professionals who help to make our airport one of the best in the world,” Stephens said. 

He has more than 15 years of hands-on experience managing complex legal, compliance, human resources and employment issues in both the private and public sectors. Prior to joining HART, Stephens was the Director of Human Resources at the University of South Florida. He also served on active duty as a Captain and Trial Counsel in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corp, where he was appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. 

Stephens graduated summa cum laude from Morehouse College with a B.A. in International Relations. He holds a Juris Doctor from the Washington College of Law at The American University as well as a M.A. in International Affairs from the School of International Service at The American University.

Stephens and his wife live in New Tampa with their two children. In his spare time, he likes to travel and play golf.