Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis to Receive Honorary Degree, Speak at Commencement

Christina Cassotis, the chief executive officer of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, will serve as guest speaker and receive an honorary degree at Chatham University’s commencement ceremony at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on April 27.

As CEO of the airport authority, Cassotis oversees operations of Pittsburgh International Airport and the Allegheny County Airport.

Under her leadership, Pittsburgh International Airport has experienced record growth with multiple new domestic and international airlines with passenger and cargo service. She champions the organization’s vision of transforming the county’s airports to reflect and serve the community, inspire industry, and advance the region’s role as a world leader.

During her tenure, Pittsburgh International was named Air Transport World’s “Airport of the Year.” It was also one of Fast Company magazine’s “Most Innovative Companies” and made Conde Nast Traveler’s “Bright Ideas in Travel” list.

Cassotis has received the Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award from Airports Council International – North America, was named the “Director of the Year” for medium-size airports by Airport Revenue News, and was the 2024 “Pittsburgher of the Year” in Pittsburgh Magazine.

The daughter of a pilot, Cassotis began her career in commercial aviation working for the Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates Boston Logan International Airport. Originally from New England, she holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts.