John Selden Airport General Manager Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

John Selden took the reins as general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in October 2018 with more than 30 years of aviation experience. A former military and commercial pilot before joining the ranks of airport management, Selden has excelled in all facets of aviation, including operational budgeting, customer service, labor relations, aircraft maintenance and operations, facilities management and improvement programs.

As leader of the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, Selden oversees Airport operations as well as a multibillion-dollar capital improvement program that will pave the way for growth over the next 20 years. In addition to completing this expansive program, his priorities include fortifying the Airport’s security platform and enhancing the customer experience at Hartsfield-Jackson.

A graduate of the Naval War College and the U.S. Naval Academy – recognized for cultivating great leaders – Selden’s leadership style is facilitative, allowing his managers to function independently. He is described by his senior team as both smart and approachable, reinforced with thoughtful and thorough preparation.

Selden is a retired Navy commander who served at the Pentagon in addition to having served in Desert Storm. He ended his tour of duty as deputy commander of the Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico.

After leaving active service, Selden flew commercially for six years. He landed his first airport management role at Republic Airport in New York, the state’s third busiest airport, serving as assistant airport manager. He joined John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2008 and, moving through the ranks, began serving as Deputy General Manager in 2014, overseeing customer service, rail access, security, maintenance, finance, commercial development and physical infrastructure.

Selden is excited about leading his team to new heights in strengthening the role ATL plays as economic catalyst of the region and gateway to the world.