Who is responsible for the strategic direction of the airport in the described governance model?

• A. The Elected Officials Who Hired The Airport Director
• B. The Airport Director
• C. The Federal Aviation Administration
• D. The City Council Financial Committee

Answer: (A)

In this governance setup, those who set the airport’s direction are the elected officials who hire the airport director. They establish policy objectives, approve long‑term goals and major initiatives, and authorize budgets. By hiring the airport director, they entrust someone to carry out that direction and be accountable for performance, effectively shaping the strategic path of the airport.

The airport director, while responsible for day-to-day management and implementing approved policies, does not set the overarching strategy. The FAA functions as the federal regulator and funder, providing rules and guidance rather than local strategic direction. A city council financial committee focuses on finances and budget decisions, not the broad strategic direction.