One of Philadelphia’s top transportation leaders has stepped down as the city prepares for what is expected to be one of the busiest tourism seasons in recent memory.<\/p>\n
\nAtif Saeed, CEO of the Philadelphia Department of Aviation and director of Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport, will leave his post on Friday, Feb. 27 after a little more than three years on the job, Mayor Cherelle Parker said Thursday night. He is departing to serve as CEO of San Diego International Airport.\u00a0<\/p>\n
will step in as the CEO of San Diego International Airport while a national search gets underway to find his replacement.\n<\/p>\n
MORE:\u00a0Camden firefighter dies after falling through ice into Delaware River<\/a><\/p>\n Philadelphia will conduct a national search to replace Saeed. Tracy S. Borda, who has spent 30 years working at Philadelphia International Airport, will serve as interim CEO. She currently serves as the airport’s chief financial officer.\n<\/p>\n \nSaeed became Philly’s aviation head in December 2022, replacing Chellie Cameron, who had\u00a0stepped down<\/a> to become CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.\u00a0<\/p>\n In a statement, Parker thanked Saeed for his service and credited him with spearheading\u00a0capital improvement projects<\/a>\u00a0at Philly International and expanding the airport’s workforce.<\/p>\n \nIn 2024, the former Division of Aviation was promoted to a formal city department, with Saeed serving on the mayor\u2019s cabinet.\n<\/p>\n “Under his direction, our airports emerged stronger from the pandemic, advanced critical modernization efforts and positioned Philadelphia to welcome the world in 2026 and beyond,” Parker said. “We are grateful for his contributions and wish him continued success in this next chapter.”<\/p>\n