McCoy: “I am determined to continue my career in public service in Albany County”
ALBANY – Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy has publicly stated that he is not considering the CEO position at the Albany County Airport Authority, seeking to counter recent speculation that he is a candidate for the role.
In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, McCoy continued to emphasize his commitment to public service in Albany County.
“There has been a lot of speculation and media coverage about my future over the past few days,” McCoy said. “I would like to take this opportunity to state that I am committed to continuing my career in public service for Albany County. I love serving my constituents as County Executive and it has been an honor to spend my life fighting to provide the best services to every single resident.”
McCoy made it clear that he has no intention of running for or seeking the position of CEO at Albany County Airport, a role that has received significant media attention after reports emerged that current CEO Philip F. Calderone’s contract was not renewed by the airport authority’s board of directors.
“My administration has made tremendous progress, but there is still much work to be done to spur economic growth and create jobs throughout Albany County,” McCoy added. “The airport’s success plays a significant role in our future. I look forward to working with and supporting the CEO candidate selected by the Airport Authority Board to ensure our continued success.”
The announcement comes amid growing concerns among members of the county legislature about the administration and future leadership of the Albany Airport Authority.
The agency’s board of directors reportedly informed Calderone that his five-year contract, which expires in December, would not be renewed. News of the decision was first reported last week by the Albany Times Union. Since its initial report, the newspaper has published a series of articles and columns suggesting that the board was preparing the post for McCoy. One anonymous source even called it a “political coup.”
“The public should be informed why this happened,” wrote Reps. Jennifer Whalen and Ryan Conway, adding that the decision to waive Calderone raises concerns about the current $100 million renovation project at the airport. “All reports indicate that Mr. Calderone has performed admirably with the agency over the past five years.”
Calderone has served as CEO of the Airport Authority for the past five years and has overseen significant developments at Albany International Airport. Under his leadership, the airport’s master plan was updated for the first time in three decades, he received international recognition, achieved three bond upgrades and completed multimillion-dollar renovations aimed at improving the facility.
County Representative Frank Mauriello expressed relief that McCoy had withdrawn his candidacy for the CEO position, but stressed the importance of resolving outstanding issues related to the agency’s operations.
“I am pleased that the County Executive has withdrawn from the candidacy to be the next CEO of the Albany Airport Authority. However, there are still many issues and unanswered questions that we must examine regarding the authority and county’s involvement in recent events,” Mauriello said.
Mauriello joined other lawmakers in calling for greater oversight and transparency in the airport authority’s decision-making processes, particularly in light of the $100 million renovation and expansion project currently underway at Albany International Airport.
Lawmakers had previously pushed for a meeting of the legislature’s Mass Transportation Committee to discuss the situation, but that is unlikely to happen.
County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham had said the legislature would not interfere with the decisions of the airport authority’s board of directors after it decided not to renew Calderone’s contract. She said the legislature has no jurisdiction over the agency’s operations.
