Albany County lawmakers call for meeting on leadership change at Albany Airport Authority
ALBANY – County Assembly Speaker Joanne Cunningham said State Street will not “manage the Albany County Airport Authority in detail” after the board voted in December not to renew the contract with CEO Philip F. Calderone.
“No. We will not have micromanaged control of the Airport Authority Board,” she told The Spotlight in a text message, arguing that the Legislature does not have the authority to oversee the Airport Authority’s activities.
The discussion began after county representatives Jennifer Whalen and Ryan Conway formally requested a meeting of the legislature’s Public Transportation Committee following the publication of an article in the Albany Times Union reporting that Calderone was on his way out of office.
The letter, submitted by the Republican & Conservative Minority Conference, was addressed to key members of the district legislature, including Cunningham, Majority Leader Dennis Feeney and Public Transportation Committee Chair Alison McLean Lane, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process surrounding Calderone’s contract.
Since the Albany Times Union After publishing an article reporting that the airport authority’s board voted against renewing Calderone’s contract last Monday, the newspaper has published a series of articles that expand from speculation to details describing an acrimonious relationship between the board and a CEO who was allegedly forced out of his post.
“The public should be informed why this happened,” they wrote, 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.
“Phil should also be commended for protecting local taxpayers during his time in office,” Minority Leader Frank Mauriello said in a statement to The Spotlightadding that he was sad while thanking Calderone for his service. “By securing millions in federal and state funds to undertake massive infrastructure improvements, an aggressive rebranding and other important actions, Phil has helped make ALB a world-class airport.”
MEPs expressed concerns about how an abrupt change in leadership would affect renovations at the airport. They are also worried about the selection process for Calderone’s successor. They called for a public meeting with a closed session so MEPs can participate in the discussion.
Her letter also referred to reports in the Albany Times Unionwhich called the panel’s decision a “political coup” aimed at giving Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy the opportunity to take over the CEO post. This speculation has added urgency to lawmakers’ calls for a thorough review.
“The search that led to the selection of Mr. Calderone as CEO was extensive, with over 50 candidates and seven finalists from across the country,” they wrote. “If the Board replaces Mr. Calderone as CEO, it should explain how it will proceed in its next selection process.”
The requested meeting is intended to provide a platform for the airport authority’s board to explain its decision and lay out its plans for selecting Calderone’s successor. Lawmakers hope this process will help address public concerns and ensure continued progress on the airport’s renovation projects.
Cunningham said she was as surprised as most people who followed the article when it was published. She and McCoy have had a “great partnership.” She cites raising funds for the demolition of the Central Warehouse building as one of the district’s successes during her first year as legislature leader.
“I think he’s done an exceptional job as our county executive,” she said of McCoy, who served as county executive for 13 years. “I support him in everything he does, including continuing his role as county executive.”
The Times Union The article cited unnamed sources who speculated that McCoy would end his political career to replace Calderone. McCoy received another four-year term last November. But any news suggesting he plans to continue as county supervisor is pure speculation, according to his office.
“The County Executive is 100% committed to doing the job he was elected to do,” said Albany County spokeswoman Mary Rozak. “He is focused on many important projects including the Central Warehouse, the College of Saint Rose, the fire tower, the 2025 budget and another exciting project yet to be announced.”
McCoy’s political career is typical of a man on the rise, beginning with a 12-year stint as a county assemblyman, serving two years as chairman of the assembly, and making history as the youngest chairman of the Albany County Democratic Party Committee, a position he held for three years.
In 2011, he was elected county executive, where he focused on improving services, maintaining consistent property taxes and promoting economic development through initiatives such as the Advance Albany County Alliance. Last September, he was named vice chairman of the New York State Democratic Party Committee, representing upstate New York. He previously served as president of the County Executives of America and currently serves on the board of the National Association of Counties.
“He’s received national recognition as one of the best county commissioners in the country and I think he’s been involved in a lot of different things, especially in the last few years,” Cunningham said. “So it wouldn’t be a surprise to me if the airport authority is one of the places he might be interested in.”
“Whatever and whenever his next chapter is.”
