The Man The Myth The Legend John Selden

 How did Hartsfield Jackson Airport get in its current state of mayhem and disarray? John Selden left and took a job out of the country that's why. John Selden ran the airport like a business, not a mom-and-pop hip hop shop. He is a decorated navy officer and commercial pilot who had experience in finance, rail access, customer service and maintenance security.  Based on his engaging presence and impressive accolades he was selected by a search committee led by top executives from UPS and Home Depot over Balram Bhoedori.

John took reigns during tumultuous times when the Georgia Senate was studying a possible takeover. Perhaps the airport would be better if it was run by the state.  Can you guess who was the interim general manager prior to John accepting the role? Balram Bheodori was in charge and there were various issues and ongoing federal and FAA investigations under his leadership. He allowed the staff to use the airport's money as if it was their own personal checkbook.  There were lavishly catered meetings, questionable extravagant sponsorships, unwarranted promotions and raises while he was in charge. John came in and eliminated all of the lavish spending in Public Affairs and said NO MORE CHICKEN DINNERS while monitoring the purchases and expenditures of all departments. Under his leadership the airport saw growth and it was run like a business. Compare the spending (open records request) under his leadership vs how much has been spent since Bheodori was given the permanent General Manager role. The difference in the spending is astronomical. 

John would have continued to have the airport in an upswing if he was still in the role. He has presence and could walk in any meeting with airline executives, elected officials, and top civic leaders and command respect without telling corny jokes. John was stern but friendly and gave helpful feedback to employees. The inmates would not be running the asylum if John was still the General Manager.