The Aviation Authority Welcomes New Board Members and Announces Reorganization

TAMPA – State of Florida Governor Charlie Crist has appointed attorney Steven G. Burton and surgeon Dr. Joseph F. Diaco to the Aviation Authority to serve on the five-member board at Tampa International Airport. 

Both Burton and Diaco will serve terms that began July 15 and will end July 1, 2013. Burton is an attorney with Broad and Cassel Attorneys at Law and Diaco is a retired surgeon. 

“We welcome these two outstanding members of the Tampa Bay business community,” expressed Louis E. Miller, Executive Director, Tampa International Airport. “We have confidence that Burton and Diaco will be assets in helping us uphold our commitment to provide world-class transportation service to the community.” 

Mr. Burton is a Managing Partner of Broad and Cassel’s Tampa office. Currently, he is chairperson of the Computer and Technology Practice Group and a member of the Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Defense and Risk Management and Special Assets Practice Groups. Business and commercial litigation have been Burton’s primary area of practice for over 20 years. 

Dr. Diaco is a retired board certified surgeon of 41 years with a specialty in sports medicine. He was the team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and other famous athletes. 

At today’s board meeting, the Airport’s proposed Capital and Operating budget for Fiscal Year 2010 and strategic goals were presented. The Aviation Authority adopts annual goals to improve cost effectiveness, innovation, customer service and productivity improvements.

Gubernatorial appointments occur at two-year intervals and at these times the board reorganizes itself, electing officers for the ensuing two years. 

The revised five-member Tampa International Airport board:

• Chairman – Alfred S. Austin, Austin Companies, Real Estate Developer 
• Vice Chairman – Steven G. Burton 
• Secretary – Dr. Joseph F. Diaco 
• Treasurer – Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan 
• Assistant Secretary/Assistant Treasurer – City of Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio 

Economic Impact to Region - the Aviation Authority has made an investment of more than $800 million in airport improvement and expansion during the last 10 years and an additional $1.5 billion is planned during the next 10 years. 

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