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Paul Hoback Jr.

Paul Hoback Jr. Appointed New President & CEO of Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport

| Suncoast Post Staff |

Paul Hoback Jr. has been named the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), a major announcement made in June by the Sarasota–Manatee Airport Authority board. His leadership is set to begin on October 19, 2025, coinciding with the retirement of long-serving CEO Rick Piccolo, who will formally step down on November 30, 2025, and continue advising through June 30, 2026.

About Paul Hoback Jr.

Hoback currently holds the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at the Allegheny County Airport Authority, overseeing Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT. With 25 years of leadership in aviation, his resume includes:

  • Spearheading PIT’s $1.7 billion new terminal program, credited with generating around $2.5 billion in economic impact for Western Pennsylvania.
  • Advancing strategic initiatives like the Neighborhood 91 additive manufacturing campus, a pioneering airport-based energy microgrid, and expanded cargo facilities.
  • Earning a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Geneva College SRQ at a Turning Point.

SRQ has experienced a period of dramatic growth, one it aims to sustain under new leadership:

  • Passenger numbers surged from 1.3 million in 2018 to over 4 million today, making it one of the fastest-growing U.S. airports post-pandemic.
  • A new $115 million terminal expansion opened in January 2025, featuring Concourse A with five gates leased by Allegiant and new dining options like Anna Maria Oyster Bar and Mattison’s City Grille.
  • The airport continues to diversify its offerings, launching observation decks and other passenger amenities in early 2025.

Leadership Transition

Outgoing CEO Rick Piccolo, whose 30-year tenure transformed SRQ from a debt-laden regional field into a thriving travel hub, is credited with its modern renaissance. Paul Hoback reflects on this legacy:

“Leading Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport is an incredible opportunity and I’m so excited to follow Rick’s amazing tenure and continue the legacy he has built over three decades,” Hoback said in a statement.

SMAA Chairman Jesse Biter applauded the new CEO’s appointment:

“We are very pleased that (Hoback) has accepted the challenge…and we look forward to him and his family relocating to our community,” Biter stated, adding that the board conducted an extensive national search assisted by Korn Ferry.

What This Means for SRQ

Hoback joins SRQ at a dynamic stage:

  • With Concourse A online and observation facilities recently added, the airport is doubling down on customer experience.
  • As service like American Airlines’ nonstop flights expand—Miami flights begin November 3, 2025—Hoback will play a pivotal role in guiding strategic growth.
  • His background in major capital projects and modernizing airport infrastructure aligns with SRQ’s commitment to scaling thoughtfully and sustainably.

Bottom line: Paul Hoback Jr.’s appointment continues Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport’s momentum. With deep experience in major terminals and community-focused projects, he appears well-positioned to build on Rick Piccolo’s legacy and steer SRQ into its next era.

Photo from Facebook.

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